Welcome to the 921st Edition of my series. I have decided to to an early release this week. With this being Wrestlemania weekend and with a local music festival going on I am a bit limited on my time. I also tried to make a Wrestlemania theme for this week's edition where each movie has a wrestler. I know there are plenty of movie and other wrestlers I could use but this is what I came up with. I hope everyone stays safe with this Wrestlermania and eclipse weekend.
Barbie (2023): I start this selection on account of a cameo from former WWE Champion John Cena who has a cameo as one of the Kens in Barbie Land. Greta Gerwig directed and co-wrote this film with Noah Baumbach about one of the biggest pop culture icons of all time. Margot Robbie stars as the main Barbie in the world of Barbie Land with Ryan Gosling starring as the main Ken. Things star to change and Barbie and Ken go out to the real world and learn about the joys and perils among humans. Issa Rae, Kate McKinnon, Alexandra Shipp, Emma Mackey, Hari Nef, Sharon Rooney, Ana Cruz Kayne, Ritu Arya, Dua Lipa, Nicola Coughlan, Emerald Fennell, Simu Liu, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Ncuti Gatwa, Scott Evans, Michael Cera, America Ferrera, Ariana Greenblatt, Rhea Pearlman, Will Ferrell, Lucy Boynton, and many others co-star in this film with Helen Mirren being the narrator. This was a strangely fun and compelling film about the Barbie universe. This also provides a bit of a history lesson of the universe. John Cena has had a lot of big Wrestlemania moments in the later years including Wrestlemania 21 where he defeated John Bradshaw Leyfield for this first championship. This also features the song GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN by Cyndi Lauper who was in the first Wrestlemania and a big part of "Rock 'N Wrestling". This is available to watch on Max.
The Princess Bride (1987): On this selection includes WWE legend and hall of famer Andre the Giant where he plays gentle giant Fezzik. Rob Reiner directed this timeless fantasy comedy which is based on the book by William Goldman who also wrote the screenplay. We start with a young boy, played by Fred Savage, who is confined to his bed due to sickness where his grandfather, played by Peter Falk, comes to read him an old story that his father read to him. Cary Elwes stars as Westley who wants to reunite with the woman he loves in Buttercup, played by Robin Wright, but she is set to marry Prince Humperdinck, played by Chris Sarandon. Mandy Patinkin, Christopher Guest, Wallace Shawn, Peter Cook, Mel Smith, Carol Kane, Billy Crystal, and many others co-star in this timeless comedy. I think most people have seen this by now so I don't think I have to explain much further. Patinkin plays the iconic Inigo Montoyo and has the very famous line that lives on today about his father being killed. Andre was also a lot fun in his acting debut. Andre was a big part of the early years of Wrestlemania and most notably his championship match in Wrestlemania III against Hulk Hogan.
Hell Comes to Frogtown (1988): This selection includes WWE legend "Rowdy" Roddy Piper who would have lots of Wrestlemania moments including being in the main event for the 1st Wrestlemania. Donald G. Jackson and R.J. Kizer directed this campy sci-fi movie. Piper stars as Sam Hell who was one of the few survivors of nuclear war and is forced to help rescue a group of women that were kidnapped by humanoid frogs. Sandahl Bergman, Cec Verrell, William Smith, Kristi Somers, Rory Calhoun, Cliff Bemis, Nicholas Worth, Brian Frank, and many others co-star in this sci-fi movie. This was kind of Piper's follow-up to the sci-fi classic THEY LIVE and this does not top that one by any means. However, this is still a pretty fun watch if not taken too seriously. This is available to watch on AMC +, Plex, Pluto TV, and Tubi.
Star Struck (1957): This is my short film for the week though it is technically an episode of the early sitcom DATE WITH THE ANGELS. The person I chose for this one was Liberace who has a cameo appearance and was the guest timekeeper for the first Wrestlemania. James V. Kern directed this episode. A young Betty White stars as Vickie Angel whose husband, played by Bill Williams, and neighbor friends, played by Roy Engel and Natalie Masters, won't believe her that she had an encounter with Dennis Day, played by himself. Liberace and Hugh O'Brien appeared as themselves. I don't think much is known about Betty's early career as we associate her with GOLDEN GIRLS and her personality in her later career. This is available to watch on Tubi and the Roku Channel so if looking for old TV, maybe give this a shot.
Kid Millions (1934): The wrestler appearing in this movie is Tor Johnson who never appeared in a Wrestlemania but needed something for this era so I decided upon this musical. Roy Del Ruth and Willy Pogany directed this musical. Eddie Cantor stars as Brooklyn boy Eddie Wilson Jr. who inherits quite a fortune from his archaeologist father. The catch is that he must go to Egypt in order to claim this fortune and has other people looking for some dough as well. Ann Sothern, Ethel Merman, George Murphy, Berton Churchill, Warren Hymer, Paul Harvey, and many others co-star in this musical. This is a bit all over the place at times but is a lot of fun and has a great musical finale involving ice cream. Tor Johnson is uncredited as the torturer in a carnival scene. Tor was a wrestler known as the Super Swedish Angel. I am unable to find much info on his wrestling career except that it spanned from 1934-1961. He is also known for his mostly B-movie career, most notably for being featured in some of Ed Wood's movies. This movie is available to watch on Prime, Tubi, the Roku Channel, and Pluto TV.
The Longest Yard (1974): The one I chose for this one is Burt Reynolds who was a guest at Wrestlemania X as a guest ring announcer for the championship match between Bret Hart and Yokozuna. Robert Aldrich directed this football comedy. Reynolds stars as former quarterback Paul Crewe who ends up in jail. Warden Hazen runs a semi-pro team among the guards and insists that Paul get together his own team to take on the guards. Ed Lauter co-stars as Captain Knauer who is the team leader of his football team. Michael Conrad, James Hampton, Harry Caesar, John Steadman, Charles Tyner, Mike Henry, Bernadette Peters, Pervis Atkins, Tony Cacciotti, Anitra Ford, Michael Fox, Joe Kapp, Richard Kiel, Pepper Martin, and many others co-star in this comedy. This is a pretty well-done comedy of inmates vs. the guards with Reynolds taking the helm very well. This is available to watch on Pluto TV.
Moana (2016): The Chosen one in this one is Dwayne Johnson aka the Rock who has had many Wrestlemania moments, main events, and is the only one featured in this that is in this year's Wrestlemania. Last night on night one, he teamed with his cousin Roman Reigns to take on Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. Ron Clements, John Musker, and Don Hall directed this Disney film which is based on stories from Polynesian mythology. Moana, voiced by Auli'i Cravalho, is a sea voyaging enthusiast and the only daughter of a chief in a long line of navigators. The fishermen on the island are unable to catch fish and the crops are failing. Moana learns of the demigod Maui, voiced by the Rock, caused this by stealing the heart of the goddess Te Fiti and sets out to find Maui to convince him to return the heart to Te Fiti despite her father's wishes against leaving the island. Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, Jemaine Clement, Nicole Scherzinger, Alan Tudyk, Oscar Kightley, Troy Polamalu, and many others provide their voice in this Disney film. This is a really good look at the Polynesian group and much of the cast is at least partial Polynesian descent. This has a great story and some really good music numbers that were written by Lin-Manuel Meranda and Mark Mancina. This is available to watch on Disney Plus.
Dick Tracy (1945): William Berke directed this adaptation of the popular comic strip character by Chester Gould. William Morgan stars as the title detective who must solve a series of murders which are all from different backgrounds and must find a way to relate them before more happen. Anne Jeffreys, Mike Mazurki, Jane Greer, Lyle Latell, Joseph Crehan, Mickey Kuhn, and many others co-star in this movie. The wrestler I chose for this one is Mike Mazurki who plays Splitface in this movie. Mazurki is most known as an actor but does have some background in wrestling and wrestled under "Iron" Mike Mazurki. He has no Wrestlemania association but his most notable thing was the founding of the Cauliflower Alley Club in the mid-60s which is an organization that provides financial assistance to wrestlers and their families in times of need. This is an organization that still exists today that has honored a lot of wrestlers and helped many. Back to this movie, this is available to watch on MGM +, Tubi, Crackle, and other free streaming apps.
Hercules in New York (1970): Arthur Allen Seidelman directed this fantasy comedy. Arnold Strong, in his debut, stars as Hercules who tires of living in the heavens and wants to live in New York so his father Zeus grants this wish. When getting to planet Earth, he has a hard time adjusting and gets help from Pretzie, played by Arnold Stang. James Karen, Merwin Goldsmith, Taina Elg, and many others co-star in this movie. It turns out this Arnold Strong is actually Arnold Schwarzenegger who went onto become rather successful. This was not great by any means but it was the start of an icon and can be a guilty pleasure if not taken too seriously. Arnold is a WWE Hall of Famer and part of the celebrity wing and was inducted at Wrestlemania 31 so that is how this one ties into the theme. He will also be featured more in the "Wrestlemania Madness" section as he has worked with some wrestlers. This movie is available to watch on Freevee and Tubi.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014): James Gunn directed this Marvel Cinematic Universe film that introduced us to the Guardians. Intergalactic outlaws Starlord, played by Chris Pratt, Gamora, played by Zoe Saldana, Drax, played by WWE Hall of Famer Dave Bautista, Rocket Raccoon, voiced by Bradley Cooper, and the humanoid tree Groot, voiced by Vin Diesel, must learn to work together to save the galaxy from the fanatical warrior Ronan, played by Lee Pace. Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, Benicio Del Toro, Laura Haddock, Sean Gunn, Peter Serafinowicz, and many others co-star in this superhero film. Bautista got to have many Wrestlemania moments before transitioning into acting including Wrestlemania 21 where he defeated Triple H for the championship. This is a great introduction to the rather dysfunctional superhero team but had each other's backs when it came down to it. This is available to watch on Disney Plus.
Well, that is it for this week but I do have my segment "Wrestlemania Madness" so read on. Stay tuned for the next two weeks which so far includes Nicole Kidman and many others.
WRESTLEMANIA MADNESS
I decided to make this additional section of wrestlers in movies. I know I missed many wrestlers but hope you all enjoy at least what I have.
Bounty Hunters (2011): This movie features former WWE Women's champion Trish Stratus who makes her acting debut in this movie and has had quite a few Wrestlemania moments in her career including a title win in XIX defeating Victoria and Jazz. Trish stars as Jules in this low-budget action movie where she is in a group of bounty hunters and they decide to go after a very dangerous bounty in hopes of becoming wealthy. Frank J. Zupancic, Boomer Phillips, Christian Bako, and many others co-star in this action movie. This has enough good action scenes to keep my attention and getting to see Ms. Stratus is a plus as well. She also has a cool fight scene in an ambulance. I still regret not being able to meet her when she was in my town of Muncie for the short lived CBS reality series ARMED AND FAMOUS where she was a celebrity working for the Muncie police along with Erik Estrada, Jack Osbourne, Jason "Wee Man" Acuna, and Latoya Jackson. This is available to watch on Tubi, Freevee, Plex, and the Roku Channel.
Boone the Bounty Hunter (2017): I follow with another low-budget bounty hunter movie which features TOUGH ENOUGH winner John Morrison who has been in a few Wrestlemanias including a six-person tag match teaming with Trish and JERSEY SHORE alum Snooki. This was a passion project for Morrison where he stars as the title character trying to save his reality series. His attempt to save the low ratings puts him and his team in a very dangerous situation. Kevin Sorbo, Nancy Berggren, Spencer Grammer, Osric Chau, Quintin "Rampage" Jackson, Erika Eleniak, James Kyson, Dominique Swain, Jonathan Lipnicki, Lorenzo Lamas, Richard Tyson, and many others co-star in this action movie. Some of the actors play themselves including a rather amusic cameo from Sorbo as himself. Morrison is credited under his real name John Hennigan who has had many "Johnny" names through the years. He went through some pretty extreme measures to get this movie completed. This is available to watch on Tubi, Freevee, Plex, and the Roku Channel.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014): This one features Johnny Knoxville as the voice of the title Leonardo in this reboot. Some maybe asking how Knoxville fits into this and was in Wrestlemania 38 where he takes on Sami Zayn in a fun JACKASS related match. This shows the turtles getting out for the first time to take on the ruthless Shreddar, played by Tohoru Masamune. Megan Fox, Will Arnett, William Fichtner, Noel Fisher, Alan Ritchson, Pete Ploszek, Jeremy Howard, Danny Woodburn, Tony Shalhoub, Whoopi Goldberg, Minae Noji, Abby Elliott, and many others co-star in this movie. This is available to watch on MGM +, Paramount + and on Prime. Get some of that turtle power.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (2016): This is the sequel to the reboot which ended with this one. The turtles are back and must fight Shredder again but now Shredder has some allies in the alien Krang and Bebop and Rocksteady. Rocksteady is played by WWE wrestler Sheamus who has had his share of Wrestlemania moments including a WWE championship win at Wrestlemania XXVIII against Daniel Bryan in 18 seconds. The turtles also get another ally in Casey Jones, played by ARROW AND HEELS alum Stephen Amell. This is available to watch on Paramount +.
Andre the Giant (2018): This is a documentary on the larger than life Andre the Giant who was a very significant part of the early days of Wrestlemania. This takes a look at his earlier life and career and his tragic early death. Friends and family reflect on their times with him. This is a great documentary that can be found on Max.
Looney Tunes: Back in Action (2003): Our favorite Looney Tunes characters are back among a live-action world. Brendan Fraser stars as DJ Drake whose father Damian Drake, played by Timothy Dalton, is a famous actor but learns is also a spy and has been kidnapped. The Looney Tunes help DJ save his father. One of the live action actors is Bill Goldberg who plays the henchman to the villain Mr. Chairman, played by Steve Martin. Goldberg is most known for his WCW career and his undefeated streak while there. He has had some time in WWE and unfortunately his Wrestlemania moment in the twentieth Wrestlemania was a bit of a flop taking on Brock Lesnar. Goldberg would return years later and would take on Lesnar again in Wrestlemania 33 which would be a lot better in my opinion as they just got right to the point.
Rocky III (1982): This sequel to the franchise has Hulk Hogan and Mr. T who were in the tag team main event in Wrestlemania I taking on Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff. Hogan has a cameo as a wrestler named Thunderlips when Hulkamania was not even running yet. Vincent J. McMahon was still running the WWE at this time and Hogan did the movie against his wishes thus getting him fired. When Vincent K. McMahon started running things, he immediately brought back Hogan and everything started. Mr. T co-stars in this sequel as the ruthless boxer Clubber Lang who defeats Rocky the first time and Rocky's manager Mick also died and sent Rocky into a depression. Rocky's former rival Apollo Creed, reprised by Carl Weathers, comes to train Rocky to defeat Clubber.
Conan the Destroyer (1984): Andre the Giant has a cameo in this action fantasy as the creature Dagoth in this sequel to CONAN THE BARBARIAN. WWE Hall of Famer Arnold Schwarzenegger reprises his role as Conan and has quite the cast with Grace Jones and Wilt Chamberlain also co-starring.
Shoot 'Em Up (2007): Christian Cage has a cameo as a guard for the senator and this current AEW superstar has had his share of Wrestlemania moments including winning a triangular ladder match with Edge and defeated the Hardys and Dudleys. Clive Owen stars in this bizarre action film as he must protect a baby from getting killed by a crazed Paul Giamatti. Owen demonstrates how a carrot can be used as a murder weapon.
The Expendables (2010): Sylvester Stallone leads a ragtag group of mercenaries in this really fun action movie. WWE legend and hall of famer Stone Cold Steve Austin co-stars as the villain in this film. Austin is a big part of the world of Wrestlemania and was the main event on quite a few occasions against the like of the Rock, Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart. Mickey Rourke co-stars in this film and had his Wrestlemania moment in 25 fresh off the success of THE WRESTLER. Apparently, he was going to have a match against Chris Jericho but his PR advised against it but Rourke did end up punching Jericho. WWE Hall of Famer Arnold Schwarzegger has a cameo in a scene where him, Stallone and Bruce Willis had an encounter scene and would have a bigger part in the sequels.
The Longest Yard (2005): Adam Sandler stars in this remake of the football guards where he leads a team of convicts against a team of prison guards. Some of the players include Wrestlemania alums Stone Cold Steve Austin, the Great Khali, Kevin Nash, and Bill Goldberg. Burt Reynolds who stars in the original plays Coach Nate Scarborough and has mentioned he was in Wrestlemania X and co-star Nicholas Turturro was also in that Wrestlemania.
Over the Top (1987): Sylvester Stallone stars in this arm wrestling movie and possibly the best arm wrestling movie of all time. Wrestling legend Terry Funk co-stars as a bodyguard for Sly's wealthy father in law. Terry has gotten a little Wrestlemania time in II where he teams with his brother Dory Jr. who was billed as Hoss in a tag match against Tito Santana and Junkyard Dog. He was also in Wrestlemania XIV where is billed as Chainsaw Charlie and teams up with Cactus Jack against the New Age Outlaws in a dumpster match and in 2009 he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017): This is where I am in my Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline binge and WWE Hall of Famer Batista reprises his role as Drax. This is a great continuation of the Guardian franchise. I also believe that Batista was doing an imitation of the laugh of fellow WWE Hall of Famer Tony Atlas.
That's What I Am (2011): Finally more of a coming of age film rather than the violence and sports I have featured so far and still will. Randy Orton has a cameo appearance as a father to one of the kids at the school. Orton has had all kinds of wrestling moments in the main event. Some might be disappointed that he does not RKO anyone in this movie.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023): In the latest of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, John Cena voices the role of the mutant rhinoceros Rocksteady giving him a role in common with fellow wrestler Sheamus who is featured earlier. Also, Jackie Chan voices Splinter in this animated movie.
Spectre (2015): Dave Bautista aka Batista co-stars in this Bond film from the Daniel Craig era. The former champion plays Mr. Hinx who I believe is the only WWE champion to have played a Bond villain. Christoph Waltz co-stars as Blofeld who as an arch-enemy to Bond in the Sean Connery era.
The Expendables 3 (2014): Sylvester Stallone is back as Barney Ross and this one has former UFC champion and WWE Women's Champion Ronda Rousey. Rousey made Wrestlemania history in Wrestlemania 35 by having the first Women's match in the main event in a triple threat match against Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch. WWE Hall of Famer Arnold Schwarzenegger reprises his role of Trench. This franchise is one of my best guilty pleasures. Harrison Ford, Wesley Snipes, Antonio Banderas, and Kelsey Grammar also join the cast.
MacGruber (2010): Will Forte brings his SNL character Macgruber, which is a parody of MacGyver, who is a former special operative and brought back to action when an arch-enemy returns. This has a few cameos from Wrestlemania alums which include Chris Jericho, Kane, Mark Henry, MVP, the Great Khali, and the Big Show. This is a pretty fun action comedy and rather violent.
The Comebacks (2010): This is a spoof to a lot of the inspirational sports movies through the years. David Koechner stars as unsuccessful coach Lambeau Fields who takes a job with a team of college misfits. Carl Weathers co-star in this comedy. WWE Hall of Famer and former WWE valet has a cameo as the All-American Mom. Much of her Wrestlemania work is as a valet and stipulation matches like an evening gown match at Wrestlemania XX where she teams with Jackie Gayda in a tag team evening gown match against Sable and Torrie Wilson. She was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame at Wrestlemania 39 last year.
Body Slam (1986): A-TEAM alum Dirk Benedict stars as music manager M. Harry Smilac who is struggling in his field but tries his luck in wrestling when meeting wrestler Rick Roberts, played by wrestling legend Roddy Piper. The Tonga Kid co-star as Rick's tag team partner. Wretlemania alums Lou Albano, Barbarian, the Wild Samoans, Ric Flair, Bruno Sammartino, Freddie Blassie also make appearances. This is a rather underrated wrestling comedy
Abraxas, Guardian of the Universe (1990): This movie features WWE Hall of Famer Jesse Ventura who was a big part of the early days of Wrestlemania as a color commentator. After getting smaller supporting role, he finally gets his starring vehicle as the title character. Abraxas is an alien coming to earth to apprehend a renegade of his own race that impregnates a woman. I admit I had not heard of this until I came across it. This is B-movie to the core and earned its place among Rifftrax.
John Wick (2014): WWE Hall of Famer and former WWE champion Kevin Nash has a cameo in this action film. Nash has some Wrestlemania moments most notably at Wrestlemania X where he succesfully defends his championship against Shawn Michaels. This started quite the action franchise with Keanu Reeves perfect at the title character who is not someone to mess with.
The Running Man (1987): I featured this sci-fi classic which stars WWE Hall of Famer Arnold Schwarzenegger once again. Jesse Ventura has a supporting role as Captain Fitness which is my favorite Jesse Ventura character. This has reality tv before it became a thing with FAMILY FEUD legend Richard Dawson co-starring as a villain.
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