Shaun Berk's 10 Movie Recommendations- 940th Edition

Welcome to the 940th Edition of my series where I'm mostly back to normal now with the Madness being over.  I hope everyone has a good Thanksgiving, however celebrated.  I know I have a lot to be thankful for in my life.  I don't have much happening so I will shut up and get on with my selections.

Grindhouse (2007):  I finally watched this in the way it was meant to be watched.  Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino were the main directors and creators of this homage to exploitation films of the '70s.  Rodriguez directed the feature film PLANET TERROR and directed the fake trailer of MACHETE which would go onto be its own feature film.  In PLANET TERROR, an experimental bio-weapon is released which turns thousands into zombie-like creatures.  A group of survivors band together to save the day mainly in Cherry, played by CHARMED alum Rose McGowan, and Wray, played by Freddy Rodriguez.  This is most known for McGowan having a machine gun for a leg.  Tarantino directed the other feature film in DEATH PROOF where Kurt Russell stars as Stunt Man Mike who stalks and murders voluptuous women with his "death proof" cars.  He messes with the wrong trio in Rosario Dawson, Tracie Thoms, and Zoe Bell.  This was meant to be a "double feature" with a few "coming attractions" before and in-between which were directed by Eli Roth, Edgar Wright, and Rob Zombie.  I did not realize that last year's horror hit THANKSGIVING was originally a fake trailer in this film which was also directed by Roth.  Danny Trejo, Vanessa Ferlito, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Jordan Ladd, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Marcy Harriell, Omar Doom, Michael Bacall, Monica Staggs, Jonathan Loughran, Michael Parks, James Parks, Marley Shelton, Electra Stone, Elise Avellan, Josh Brolin, Jeff Fahey, Michael Biehn, Rebel Rodriguez, Bruce Willis, Naveen Andrews, Julio Oscar Mechoso, Fergie, Nicky Katt, Tom Savini, Carlos Gallardo, Cheech Marin, Udo Kier, Sheri Moon Zombie, Tom Towles, Sybil Danning, Bill Moseley, Nicolas Cage and many others co-star or have cameos in the features and/or the fake trailers.  This was quite the project thought up by the minds of Rodriguez and Tarantino and did a great job of paying homage to this kind of event.  I had individually watched to two feature films but this was the presentation that was meant to be watched.

The Bucket List (2007):  Rob Reiner directed this comedy which was written by Justin Zackham.  Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman star as Edward Cole and Carter Chambers.  Cole is a very wealthy and eccentric man and Chambers is more of an everyday sort of guy.  The one thing they have in common is that they are in the same room of the cancer ward and are terminally ill.  When Edward sees Carter making a bucket list, he gets the idea for them to escape the ward and do some of these things before they go.  They set out on quite the adventure forming a very unlikely friendship.  Sean Hayes, Beverly Todd, Rob Morrow, Alfonso Freeman, Rowena King, and many others co-star in this film.  Nicholson and Freeman may a great duo and play off each other very well.  Alfonso Freeman is Morgan's son and they play father and son in the movie.  This is a funny but also very touching film on living life to the fullest.

Dodgeball:  A True Underdog Story (2004):  Rawson Marshall Thurber wrote and directed this comedy centered around the world of Dodgeball.  Vince Vaughn stars as struggling gym owner Peter LaFleur who is in danger of having to sell to his rival White Goodman, played by Ben Stiller.  Peter must raise $50,000 in a pretty short amount of time and is talked into entering a dodgeball tournament by his misfit but very loyal gym members.  White decides to follow suit and form his own team which develops a very intense rivalry.  Christine Taylor, Rip Torn, Justin Long, Stephen Root, Joel David Moore, Chris Williams, Alan Tudyk, Missi Pyle, Jamal Duff, Gary Cole, Jason Bateman, Hank Azaria, Al Kaplon, William Shatner, David Hasselhoff, Julie Gonzalo, Curtis Armstrong, and many others co-star or have cameos in this sports comedy.  This actually started a resurgence in dodgeball leagues.  This was all-out comedy and was a lot of fun in my opinion.  Stiller goes all out in his villainous role of White.  This is available to watch on Hulu and the Roku Channel.

The New Housekeeper (1960):  This is my "short film" for the week which is technically the very first episode of the classic sitcom THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW.  As I always say, it is my blog so I make the rules and can make whatever definition I want to film.  Sheldon Leonard directed this episode of the series.  Andy Griffith stars as the widowed small-town Sheriff Andy Taylor whose housekeeper Rose gets married and leaves the house much to the objection of Andy's six-year-old son Opie, played by Ron Howard.  Andy asks his Aunt Bea, played by Frances Bavier, to movie in and help raise Opie.  Don Knotts, Frank Ferguson and Cheerio Meredith co-star in this episode.  This would become a very iconic series with very iconic characters.  This was a good start to the series back when life was simpler, at least that's what people I know from that era would say.  This series in available to watch on Paramount +, Peacock, and Pluto TV.

Yours for the Asking (1936):  Alexander Hall directed this romantic comedy.  George Raft stars as casino owner Johnny Lamb who hires struggling socialite Lucille Sutton, played by Delores Costello, to be his casino hostess.  Lamb's buddies fear that Lucille could put him on the straight and narrow which might not be good for casino business.  Ida Lupino, Reginald Owen, James Gleason, Edgar Kennedy, Lynne Overman, and many others co-star in this comedy.  Lupino and Owen are fun as a couple of con artists.  This is a pretty decent B-list movie that was able to hold my attention.  This is available to watch on the Criterion Channel.

The Crimson Kimono (1959):  Samuel Fuller wrote and directed this Film Noir which I felt would be appropriate for the month with many people calling it "Noirvember".  Glenn Corbett and James Shigeta star as LAPD detective partners Charlie Bancroft and James Shigeta.  They are investigating the murder of a stripper on the Japanese side of Los Angeles and each one falls for the key witness Christine Downs, played by Victoria Shaw, which puts a ripple in their friendship and partnership.  Anna Lee, Paul Dubov, Jaclynne Greene, Nelye Morrow, Gloria Pall, and many others co-star in this Film Noir.  This is some rather unknown Fuller and is one that deserves a little more exposure in my opinion.  Fuller was respectful of race in this movie as all Asians were played by Asian actors instead of white actors being made to look like Asians which was very common in this era.  In addition, it has a really good story and was worth a watch.  This is available to watch on the Criterion Channel and on Prime.

The Wild Robot (2024):  Chris Sanders directed this Dreamworks film which is based on the book by Peter Brown.  Lupita Nyong'o stars as the voice of intelligent robot ROZZUM unit 7134 with Roz for short and is on an uninhibited island where she learns to adapt to the harsh surroundings.  She also takes in an orphaned gosling named Brightbill, voiced by Kit Connor, and tries to parent him with the help of the fox Fink, voiced by Pedro Pascal.  Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, Matt Berry, Ving Rhames, Mark Hamill, Catherine O'Hara, Boone Storm, Alexandra Novelle, Raphael Alejandro, Paul-Mikel Williams, Eddie Park, Dee Bradley Baker, and many others co-star in this Dreamsworks film.  I went to the theaters to see this one having heard really good things from my peers.  This did not disappoint.  It was a very fun movie and a great movie about working through one's differences.  This is a movie the whole family can enjoy.

The New Centurions (1972):  I pay homage to Quincy Jones who composed the music score for this film and recently left us.  Richard Fleischer directed this film which is based on the novel by Joseph Wambaugh.  Stacy Keach stars in this cop drama as Ray Fehler who is in law school but also decides to join the LAPD while in school.  He is paired with veteran cop Kilvinski as he learns the ropes in the police world.  As time goes on, Ray starts to love his job too much and becomes neglectful of his wife and daughter.  Jane Alexander, Scott Wilson, Rosalind Cash, Erik Estrada, Clifton James, James Sikking, Isabel Sanford, Carol Speed, William Atherton, Peter de Anda, Ed Lauter, and many others co-star in this film.  This is a pretty good look at the police force and the types of effects it can have if they are not careful.  This might be the start of Estrada in his police roles.  He plays a rookie in this film and would go onto the popular tv series CHIPS.  A few years ago, he filmed a short lived reality series in my town of Muncie called ARMED AND FAMOUS where he became a police officer along with other celebrities.  This has gone onto be an underrated film but it is available to watch on Tubi.

Double Indemnity (1944):  Here is another selection for Noirvember and is a classic at that.  Billy Wilder directed this film which is based on the novel by James M. Cain and Wilder co-wrote the screenplay along with Raymond Chandler.  Fred MacMurray stars as insurance agent Walter Neff and meets housewife Phyllis Dietrichson, played by Barbara Stanwyck, when trying to sell insurance to her husband.  Phyllis is not the most happy wife in the world and forms an affair with Walter.  Even worse, she proposes a plan to murder her husband and collect double indemnity as the title says.  The murder seems so clever but Walter's boss Barton, played by Edward G. Robinson, does not buy it and suspects Phyllis of murder.  Byron Barr, Porter Hall, Jean Heather, Tom Powers, Richard Gaines, Fortunio Bonanovo, and many others co-star in this Film Noir.  Stanwyck is a top notch femme fatale and will stop at nothing.  The story also holds up by today's standards and is just as compelling.  This is available to watch on the Criterion Channel and is being released in select theaters.

Three Identical Strangers (2018):  I end the week on this documentary which was directed by Tim Wardle.  This takes a look at Edward Galland, David Kellman, and Robert Shafron who were just three everyday people.  When they were just 19 years old, they discover they are actually triplets all adopted individually through the same adoption agency.  At first these three guys were on cloud nine and experiencing their 15 minutes of fame through all the media publicity they were getting.  The adoptive parents had a more realistic attitude trying to understand why the agency would keep the fact they are triplets from them.  Reality would also finally sink in with the triplets when they learn the adoption agency the Jewish Board of Guardians is very corrupt and sinister.  There were a few other twin groups this effected in their own scientific study.  The phrase "truth is stranger than fiction" could not be truer for this story.  This is a very fascinating and bizarre documentary that is very well done.  This is available to watch on Hulu.

Well, that is it for this week but continue reading for the return of my segment "The Bookworm Corner" and my new segment "The Thankful Moments" as we prepare for Thanksgiving.  Tell me what you like and dislike and stay tuned for the first Sunday in December which so far includes Brad Pitt, Martin Scorsese, Akira Kurasawa, and many others.

THE BOOKWORM CORNER

I'm trying to become more of a reader and starting an early New Year's Resolution.  I decided to go the more local route for this selection.

Ghosts of Old Muncie by Chris Flook (2024):  This was written by our local historian Chris Flook.  He did some research on some alleged hauntings that took part mostly in the late 19th century to the early 20th century in Delaware County which is where Muncie is for those who are not in the area.  This has a variety of stories with some having explanation and others not so much.  To the history buffs out there, this is a very good read for those in and out of the area.  There are a couple of the historical figures that I have portrayed in the Historic Beech Grove Cemetery Walk where people tour and we bring these people to life to tell out story.  Flook has written quite a bit of historical books about Muncie and even outside of Muncie.  This includes the book INDIANAPOLIS GRAVEROBBING:  A SYNDICATE OF DEATH which also has some very interesting stories.  Check him out on Amazon and on his own website https://www.chrisflook.com/ where we can see a lot of his other work. 

THE THANKFUL MOMENTS

I decided to make a new category which at least includes a reference to Thanksgiving so just be thankful for my efforts I guess.  

The Glass Castle (2017):  There is a Thanksgiving scene among the family much later into the film.  Destin Daniel Cretton directed this film which is based on the book by Jeannette Walls, played by Chandler Head, Ella Anderson, and Naomi Watts in different ages in life.  This takes a look at a family that is always moving lead by her eccentric artist mother Rose Mary, played by Naomi Watts, and her alcoholic father Rex, played by Woody Harrelson.  While a dysfunctional family, they are still very loving and Jeannette must weigh the ups and downs with her parents in her own life.  Max Greenfield, Josh Caras, Charlie Shotwell, Iain Armitage, Sarah Snook, Sadie Sink, Bridgette Lundy-Paine, Shree Crooks, Eden Grace Redfield, Robin Bartlett, Joe Pingue, and many others co-star in this biographical film.  This can be very hard to watch at times.  It is still a very good look at an impoverished and dysfunctional family and what they would do to survive.  This is available to watch on Max.

The Daytrippers (1996):  This starts out as a family Thanksgiving to establish what the family is like.  Greg Mottola wrote and directed this road trip film.  Hope Davis stars as Eliza who thinks her marriage to her husband Louis, played by Stanley Tucci, is going well until she discovers what appears to a mysterious love note.  Eliza's mother Rita, played by Anne Meara, insists they go confront Louis and it becomes a family affair.  Joining them are Eliza's father Jim, played by Pat McNamara, her sister Jo, played by Parker Posey, and Jo's boyfriend Carl, played by Liev Schreiber, where they all rethink their relationships and meet a lot of new people along the way.  Stephanie Venditto, Campbell Scott, Marc Grapey, Douglas McGrath, Paul Herman, Amy Stiller, Marcia Haufrect, Marcia Gay Harden, and many others co-star in this film.  This was very well done with a great blend of comedy and drama and even heartbreak in this film, also about a dysunctional but loving family like the selection above.  Davis and Posey work very well as sisters in this film.  This is available to watch on Max and Criterion Channel.

Holidate (2020):  This references just about all the holidays mainly being Christmas but Thanksgiving comes into play.  John Whitesell directed this holiday romantic comedy.  Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey star as Sloane and Jackson who tire of being alone on the holidays and both have their own bad experiences on Christmas.  When they meet, Sloane has the idea of them doing a "holidate" with the inspiration of a family member where they form a platonic relationship but only on the holidays.  Remember, this is a romcom so we know where things are going.  Kristin Chenoweth, Frances Fisher, Andrew Bachelor, Jessica Capshaw, Manish Dayal, Alex Moffat, Cynthy Wu, Jake Manley, Julien Marlon Samani, Nicola Peltz Beckham, Savannah Reina, Olivia H. Hunt, Dan Lauria, Aimee Carrero, Meeghan Holaway, Carlos Lacamara, and many others co-star in this holiday comedy.  I thought at first it was going to be some Hallmark type movie but Hallmark has nothing on this one.  I also found myself laughing quite a bit at this movie.  It is more of an adult comedy with a bit of raunchiness.  It is predictable but what else would one expect in a romcom?  The journey getting there was good enough.  This could be a good double feature to go along with HOLIDAY INN which also takes place on holidays throughout the year.  This is available to watch on Netflix.

Thankskilling (2008):  This is the only movie that is actually themed around Thanksgiving.  I watched this when I was at my friend Carrissa and Arto's house along with Peter and we had a fun time watching this one.  Jordan Downey wrote and directed this B-movie about a foul-mouthed homicidal turkey.  A group of college kids go on a road trip during Thanksgiving break only to have a very mean turkey after them.  I don't think much more really needs to be said.  There is a sequel which is called THANKSKILLING 3, maybe Downey just wanted to play with our heads or maybe the turkey destroyed all the copies of the send one.  I guess we will never know.  This is to be enjoyed as a bad movie and is the perfect Thanksgiving B-movie.  This could be a good double feature to go along with LLAMAGEDDON which is about a murderous llama.  This is available to watch on TUBI.

Escape Room (2019):  This takes place around Thanksgiving having referenced one of them going on Thanksgiving break and these people really have nothing to be thankful for.  Adam Robitel directed this horror movie that capitalizes on the popularity of the escape rooms.  Taylor Russell, Logan Miller, Jay Ellis, Tyler Labine, Deborah Ann Woll, and Nik Dodani star as a group of strangers that get a mysterious black box with tickets to an escape room.  They learn it is a very extreme and deadly escape room where they must rely on their wits in order to survive.  Yorick Van Wageningen, Cornelius Geaney Jr., Bart Fouche, Jessica Sutton, Paul Hampshire, Caely-Jo Levy, Jamie-Lee Money, and many others co-star in this psychological horror movie.  This was pretty clever movie of working together hoping to survive but not everyone does survive which is to be expected.  This is available to watch on Hulu.

Shaun Berk's 10 Movie Recommendations- 939th Edition aka the 19 Year Anniversary and the Madness We Are Family Week 5

Welcome to the 939th edition of my series and the 19th anniversary of this blog.  My selections consisted of the wild cards that were from the Madness this year.  I also have the last week of the Madness so I will just get on with my selections for the week.

Thirteen Lives (2022):  The wild card I used for this selection is Ron Howard who directed this film that is based on a true story.  This takes place in 2018 in Thailand when a soccer team and their coach are trapped in a flooding cave.  Viggo Mortensen and Colin Farrell stars as British cavers Rick Stanton and John Volanthen who specialize in cave rescue and are called to help in a very dangerous rescue.  Joel Edgerton, Tom Bateman, Paul Gleeson, Teeradon Supapunpinyo, and many others co-star in this film.  This was as authentic as it gets and the real-life Stanton spoke highly of the film's accuracy.  This is not easy to watch as the situation went on for many days and was not as simple as going into the cave and getting everyone out right away.  Many people had to work together and this movie shows it very well.  This is available to watch on Prime and Freevie.  

Service de Luxe (1938):  The wild card I used for this selection is Vincent Price.  Rowland V. Lee directed this romantic comedy.  Constance Bennett stars as Helen Murphy who runs a service to provide assistance to wealthy customers.  Vincent Price co-stars as inventor Robert Wade who comes up with an idea for a tractor that he wants assistance in funding.  We find that these two people are meant to be but misunderstandings and complications keep it from happening, at least at first.  Charles Ruggles, Helen Broderick, Mischa Auer, Joy Hodges, Halliwell Hobbes, Chester Clute, and many others co-star in this romantic comedy.  This was Price's feature film debut and as a leading man in a romantic comedy.  He did okay in this but after this he would become more of a leading man in horror.  There are a couple scenes that the producers might have seen where they could see Vincent is meant for horror.  This is available to watch on Youtube

Gunfight at the OK Corral (1957):  The wild card I used for this selection is Dennis Hopper.  John Sturges directed this western that is based on the legend of Wyatt Earp.  Burt Lancaster stars as the legendary lawman Wyatt Earp who helps his brothers take on the Clanton gang.  Kirk Douglas co-stars as gambler and outlaw Doc Holliday who agrees to help Wyatt.  Events soon lead to the legendary showdown as the title implies.  Rhonda Fleming, Jo Van Fleet, John Ireland, Lyle Bettger, Frank Faylen, Earl Holliman, Ted de Corsia, Dennis Hopper, Whit Bissell, George Matthews, John Hudson, DeForest Kelley, Martin Milner, Kenneth Tobey, Lee Van Cleef, Joan Camden, and many others co-star in this western.  This was a pretty decent entry into the western legend that took a little bit different approach.  Usually, Earp and Holliday are already friends but in this film they were more like reluctant allies who slowly took a liking to one another.  This also had a pretty fun title song that was sung by Frankie Laine and was sung throughout the film.  This is available to watch on Pluto TV.

Noises Off... (1992):  The Wild card I used for this selection is Peter Bogdanovich who directed this comedy which is based on the play by Michael Frayne.  Michael Caine stars in this comedy as the director of a travelling theater company.  We follow the group from the last week of rehearsals into actual shows where everything that could go wrong goes wrong.  Carol Burnett, Denholm Elliott, Julie Hagerty, Marilu Henner, Mark Linn-Baker, Christopher Reeve, John Ritter, and Nicollette Sheridan star as the actors of the theater troupe.  I am sure many in the theater world can relate to this comedy.  Things go wrong in a hilarious way and is a very popular play among community theaters.  The cast in this movie works very well together with a great performance out of Caine.  This is available to watch on Hoopla Digital.  

The Conversation (1974):  The wild card I used for this selection is Francis Ford Coppola who wrote and directed this this psychological thriller.  Gene Hackman stars as surveillance expert Harry Caul who owns and operates his own business.  When hearing something he finds disturbing, Harry enters a web of intrigue.  He tows a fine of fantasy and reality.  John Cazale, Allen Garfield, Frederic Forrest, Cindy Williams, Michael Higgins, Elizabeth MacRae, Teri Garr, Harrison Ford, Robert Duvall, and many others co-star in this thriller.  This is really hard to describe in words and is quite the mystery.  It is one that requires full attention but you'll be rewarded for the attention.  This was Coppola's transition from THE GODFATHER PART 1 and 2 where the money made from the first one got him the funding needed to do what was more of a passion project.  This is available to watch on Paramount Plus.

Holy Smoke (1999):  The wild card I used for this selection is Pam Grier.  Jane Campion directed and co-wrote this film that takes a look at being in cults.  Kate Winslet stars as Ruth Barron who lives in India and is under the influence of a charismatic religious guru.  Her family manipulates her to come home in hopes that cult de-programmer P.J. Waters, played by Harvey Keitel, can help her.  P.J. finds that he has possibly met his match in Ruth and things get messy from there.  Julie Hamilton, Dan Wyllie, Paul Goddard, Tim Robertson, George Rafael, Kerry Walker, Les Dayman, Samantha Murray, Sandy Gutman, Simon Anderson, Pam Grier, and many others co-star in this film.  This is not for everyone but it is interesting to say the least.  Winslet and Keitel have quite the dynamic with each other.  This is available to watch on Pluto TV.

The Cry Baby Killer (1958):  The wild cards I used for this selection were Jack Nicholson, Mitzi McCall, and producer Roger Corman.  Justus Addiss directed this B crime movie.  A young Jack Nicholson, in his film debut, stars as Jimmy Wallace who gets into a fight and believes he has committed murder.  He gets into a panic and takes hostages.  Harry Lauter, Brett Halsey, Lynn Cartwright, Ralph Reed, Frank Richards, Bill Erwin, Smoki Whitfield, Ed Nelson, Mitzi McCall, and many others co-star in this rather campy film.  It is of interest to see a young Jack Nicholson who would go onto have a great career.  Roger Corman was the producer in this movie and has a bit role as a tv truck man.  This is very enjoyable if not taken too seriously.  This is available to watch on Tubi, Plex, and Shout Factory TV.

Point Break (1991):  The wild card I used for this selection is James Cameron who was an executive producer for this movie.  Kathryn Bigelow directed this surfing crime film.  Keanu Reeves stars as new FBI agent Johnny Utah who is sent undercover by his partner Pappas, played by Gary Busey, to infiltrate a group of surfers.  These surfers are believed to be the people committing bank robberies as a group called the Ex-Presidents where they put on presidential masks.  Patrick Swayze co-stars as Bodhi who is the leader of the surfer group and Johnny becomes drawn to his lifestyle making his own job more difficult.  Lori Petty, John C. McGinley, James Le Gros, John Philbin, Julian Reyes, Daniel Beer, Chris Pederson, Anthony Kiedis, Lee Tergeson, Tom Sizemore, and many others co-star in this film.  I feel this movie is the original Fast and Furious movie regarding the relationship between the officer and the criminal they are supposed to take down.  This was a lot of fun with Reeves and Swayze working very well together.  We get some good surf scenes and some good action scenes.  This is available to watch on Peacock, Plex, Pluto TV, Prime, Tubi, and the Roku Channel.

Family Plot (1976):  The wild card I used for this selection is Bruce Dern.  Alfred Hitchcock directed this film which is based on the novel by Victor Canning.  Barbara Harris stars as Blanche who is a fake psychic and along with her boyfriend George, played by Dern, stumble upon a kidnapping plot.  William Devane and Karen Black co-star as Arthur and Fran who are in on the kidnapping scheme.  Ed Lauter, Cathleen Nesbitt, Katherine Helmond, William J. Kemmerling, Edith Atwater, William Prince, Nicholas Colasanto, Marge Redmond, John Lehne, and many others co-star in this film.  This would be the last directorial effort for the Master of Suspense.  This was a rather detailed film requires a lot of attention.  It is essentially con artists trying to bring down other con artists.  There was apparently supposed to be a follow-up called THE SHORT NIGHT but Hitchcock fell ill and it never happened.  This was a pretty good end to a great career.

Primary Colors (1998):  The wild card I used for this selection is Diane Ladd.  Mike Nichols directed this political satire which was based on the novel by Joe Klein who went by the name Anonymous.  John Travolta stars as the Clinton-esque Governor Jack Stanton who is running for candidate and encounters scandal along the way.  This is seen through the eyes of campaign manager Henry Burton.  Emma Thompson, Kathy Bates, Larry Hagman, Billy Bob Thornton, Maura Tierney, Diane Ladd, Paul Guifoyle, Caroline Aaron, Tommy Hollis, Rob Reiner, Ben Jones, J.C. Quinn, Allison Janney, Robert Klein, Mykelti Williamson, and many others co-star in this political film.  Thsi is the final film for Larry Hagman.  This is the perfect time to feature this movie with the upcoming political election.  This is a good look on the ups and downs of a political campaign.  I also thought this does a good job at looking at the human element of those that were running.  Bill Clinton was the president at the time and really enjoyed this movie.

Well, that is it for this week.  I returned with my Fun and Useless Facts segment which covers the ten above selections and I have week four of the Madness.  After this edition, I will resume the biweekly format.

FUN AND USELESS FACTS

The selections I used were from my recommendation section and not with the Madness.  I use actors and directors connected from different movies and I always have a limit of 25 facts.

Viggo Mortensen (Thirteen Lives) and Gene Hackman (The Conversation) were in the 1995 film CRIMSON TIDE.

Viggo Mortensen (Thirteen Lives) and Dennis Hopper (Gunfight at the O.K. Corral) were in the 1993 action movie BOILING POINT.

Paul Gleeson (Thirteen Lives) and John Travolta (Primary Colors) were in the 1998 war film THE THIN RED LINE.

Colin Farrell (Thirteen Lives) and Emma Thompson (Primary Colors) were in the 2013 film SAVING MR. BANKS.

Mischa Auer (Service de Luxe) plays Kolenkhov in the 1938 comedy YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU.  I played Kolenkhov in 2020 version at the Elwood Opera House.

Dennis Hopper (Gunfight at the OK Corral) and Keanu Reeves (Point Break) were rivals in the 1994 film SPEED.  They are also in the 1986 film RIVER'S EDGE.

Kirk Douglas (Gunfight at the OK Corral) played McMurphy in the 1963 play ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST.  Jack Nicholson (The Cry Baby Killer) plays McMurphy in the 1975 film of the same name.

Christopher Reeve (Noises Off) and Gene Hackman (The Conversation) play long-time DC rivals Superman and Lex Luther in the 1978 film SUPERMAN and the three sequels that follow.

Christopher Reeve (Noises Off) and Emma Thompson (Primary Colors) are in the 1993 film THE REMAINS OF THE DAY.

Denholm Elliott (Noises Off) and Harrison Ford (The Conversation) are the 1989 action film INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE.

John Ritter (Noises Off) and Billy Bob Thornton (Primary Colors) are in the 1996 film PRIMARY COLORS and in the 2003 comedy BAD SANTA.

Francis Ford Coppola (The Conversation director) directed Patrick Swayze (Point Break) in 1983 film THE OUTSIDERS.

Francis Ford Coppola (The Conversation director) directed Keanu Reeves (Point Break) in the 1992 film BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA.

Robert Duvall (The Conversation) and John Travolta (Primary Colors) were in 1996 movie PHENOMENON.

Gene Hackman (The Conversation) and John Travolta (Primary Colors) were rivals in the 1995 film GET SHORTY.

Pam Grier (Holy Smoke) and Jack Nicholson (The Cry Baby Killer) were in the 1996 sci-fi comedy MARS ATTACKS.

Harvey Keitel (Holy Smoke) helps John Travolta (Primary Colors) out of a pretty sticky situation in the 1994 film PULP FICTION.

Kate Winslet (Holy Smoke) and Kathy Bates (Primary Colors) were in the 1997 film TITANIC and the 2008 film REVOLUTIONARY ROAD.

Kate Winslet (Holy Smoke) and Emma Thompson (Primary Colors) were in the 1995 film SENSE AND SENSIBILITY.

Jack Nicholson (The Cry Baby Killer) plays Colonel Nathan R. Jessup in the 1992 film A FEW GOOD MEN.  My Facebook friend Thom played the role in a 2009 version in Greenfield where I played Corporal Howard.  My Facebook friend David played the role in a 2019 version in Marion where I got to play Lieutenant Kendrick.

Jack Nicholson (The Cry Baby Killer) and Karen Black (Family Plot) were a couple in the 1970 film FIVE EASY PIECES.

Keanu Reeves (Point Break) and Emma Thompson (Primary Colors) were in 1993 Shakespeare comedy MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.

Tom Sizemore (Point Break) plays mobster John Gotti in 1998 tv movie WITNESS TO THE MOB.  John Travolta (Primary Colors) plays Gotti in 2018 movie GOTTI.

Bruce Dern (Family Plot) and Billy Bob Thornton (Primary Colors) are in-laws in 2006 film THE ASTRONAUT FARMER.

Mykelti Williamson (Primary Colors) plays Juror # 10 in the 1997 tv movie 12 ANGRY MEN.  My Facebook friend Allie played that juror for the Rushville Regional Theater this year and I had the honor of playing Juror #3.

THE MADNESS ARE A FAMILY- WEEK 5

This is the last week of the Madness and I went all out.  I think I will keep my title of King of the Loophole as I have a lot of non-related selections for a Halloween movie/tv show contest.  This might be the last year for this unless someone takes it over.  No matter what happens, I will at least do my own Madness which will be similar to this section.

AKIRA KURASOWA

Akira is a wild card this year so anything he does can be counted in this Halloween contest.

Rashomon (1950, 88 minutes, 666 1/2):  This would not usually count but Akira's wild card status makes it count which helps me maintain my title "The King of the Loophole".

_______________________________________________________

BRUCE CAMPBELL

Bruce is the one person who is a wild card every year.

The Ant Bully (2005, 88 minutes, 66 1/2):  Bruce voices the role of Fugax in this tale where a boy is reduced to the size of an ant.

Burn Notice:  Comrades S2, E4 (2008, 42 minutes, 666):  Michael's brother returns to ask him to help a Russian Woman whose sister is being held by Russian mobsters.  Sam poses as a CIA agent to get more information about Michael's Handler.

Charmed:  Witch Way Now S4, E22 (2002, 42 minutes, 666):  Bruce guest stars in this episode as FBI Agent Jackman who seems to know quite a bit about the Charmed Ones.  They also get visited by the Angel of Destiny who offers them a more normal life if they accept.

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BRUCE DERN

Bruce is a wild card so his work counts this year.

Big Love:  Viagra Blue S1, E2 (2006, 51 minutes, 666):  Bruce co-starred in this series as Frank who is the father of polygamist Bill, played by Bill Paxton, and is in the hospital right now with Bill suspecting foul play.  

-Possible bonus point for the polygamous family

Family Plot (1976, 120 minutes, 66 1/2):  Bruce stars in this film as cab driver George who helps his phony psychic friend Blanche when they encounter a pair of serial kidnappers.  This is a good tale of the criminals trying to take the even worse criminals.  This would be Alfred Hitchock's last film to direct.

King of the Hill:  Boxing Luanne S7, E11 (2003, 23 minutes, 666):  Bruce co-stars as Randy Strickland, the brother of Hank's boss Buck.  Randy and Buck take an interest in Luanne to be a boxer but mostly to make money.  Luanne gets a fight with George Foreman's daughter Freeda not knowing all her fights have been rigged.  I loved the scene where George got into an argument with Hank over grills.

Mid-Century (2022, 105 minutes, 66):  Bruce co-stars in this horror movie as Emil Larson and it was too convoluted for me to explain but it is horror.

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (2019, 141 minutes, 666):  Bruce co-stars in this Tarantino film as George Spahn.  One might make an argument for the Manson element to have this counted but with Bruce having a role, it counts no matter what.

-Possible bonus point for the Manson Family element

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CHARMED

We're Off to See the Wizard (2002, 42 minutes, 666):  Piper and Paige team with a wizard, played by Armin Shimerman, to stop the coronation of the Source which they learn is Cole.

-ATB for supernatural family.

Long Live the Queen (2002, 42 minutes, 666):  Phoebe has a hard time choosing between being with her sisters or the queen for her husband Cole the Source.

-ATB for supernatural family.

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CYD STRITTMATTER

Cyd is not a wild card but I did find some interesting enough selections for her to make her into a category.  Unfortunately, I couldn't find any work photos of Cyd.

Phoenix Forgotten (2017, 87 minutes, 66 1/2):  Cyd co-stars as Caroline in this found footage horror movie that is also shot like a documentary.  She is the mother whose son disappears and her daughter is trying to get to the bottom of it.

-ATB for Josh and Sophie being brother and sister

True Blood:  May Be the Last Time S7, E7 (2014, 58 minutes, 666):  Cyd makes a guest appearance as Claire Shelby in a flashback sequence involving Bill.  This was dealing with a virus the effects vampires and Sookie looks to save Bill.

-ATB for having a supernatural family involving Sookie and her grandfather Niall.  If that does not work, there is Jason and Sookie Stackhouse as brother and sister.

The X-Files:  William S9, E16 (2002, 44 minutes, 66 1/2):  Cyd guest stars in this episode as Dr. Edwards.  Doggett is attacked by a disfigured man who says he is working for Mulder but might actually be mulder

-Bonus point for Scully and her baby.

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DENNIS HOPPER

Dennis is a wild card so I have a lot to choose from this year.

Speed (1994, 116 minutes, 666 1/2):  This is a favorite of mine so I was pretty excited when learning I can use this for the Madness.  Hopper plays a bitter retired cop and loves blowing stuff up.

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DIANE GUERRERO

Diane is not a wild card but she did become a category for the Madness.

Doom Patrol:  Pilot S1, E1 (2019, 58 minutes, 666):  Diane plays the multiple personalitied Crazy Jane who has many personalities.  This episode involves putting together the misfit superhero group and I think I can argue enough for Rita who can become a blob-like figure.  Also, the end involves a supernatural donkey.

Encanto (2021, 102 minutes, 666):  Diane voices the role of Isabel who is part of a family that always gets a unique supernatural gift through the magic of Encanto except for Maribel.  However, when Encanto is being destroyed, it is up to Maribel to save it.  I thought there was a good message of love and community in this animated film.

-ATB for a supernatural family

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DIANE LADD

Diane is a wild card this year so anything she has done will count for this year.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989, 97 minutes, 666 1/2):  Diane co-stars in this holiday classic as Nora Griswold, Clark's mother.  I think I can maintain my King of the Loophole title with this selection.  This could very well be the most popular holiday comedy.

Rambling Rose (1991, 112 minutes, 66 1/2):  Diane co-stars in this drama as the mother of the Hillyer family that takes in Rose, played by her daughter Laura Dern, who is very promiscuous and must try to avoid temptation.  This would not usually count but I am the King of the Loophole for a reason and I will make it count.  This is an envelope pusher to say the least.

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EDGAR ALLAN POE

Edgar the Father of Horror is a wild card this year and he gets us more points.

The Telltale Heart (1928, 24 minutes, 66 1/2):  This is an early short film of one of his stories so it counts this year.

-ATB for Edgar Allan Poe

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ELIZABETH ANWEIS

Elizabeth is not a wild card this year but she has the selections to become a category.

Batwoman:  Pilot S1, E1 (2019, 43 minutes, 66):  Elizabeth co-starred in this CW series as Catherine who was Kate Kane's stepmother.  

-Kate Kate aka Batwoman is in danger from her sister Alice.

-Kate Kane and Alice being twins.

The Shattering (2015, 76 minutes, 66):  Elizabeth plays Trinity in this werewolf movie where she is part of a group of friends believing they were meeting a healer to help one of them with cancer.

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ELIZABETH DEBICKI

Elizabeth is not a wild card this year but could be a candidate for a future "Women of Horror" themed category.

The Cloverfield Paradox (2018, 102 minutes, 66 1/2):  Elizabeth stars as Jensen in this sci-fi horror film of a group of scientists circling the planet on a brink of war and trying to save it.  Dark enough to qualify and there is a creature at the end.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023, 150 minutes, 666 1/2):  Elizabeth reprises her role as Ayesha in this conclusion to the Guardians trilogy.  

-ATB for Peter Quill and Mantis being brother and sister and part of a supernatural family.

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FEDERICO FELLINI

Federico is the Italian representation for the wild cards this year.

The Swindle (1955, 92 minutes, 66 1/2):  This movie about con men usually would not count but Fellini is a wild card this year so this can be used.

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FRANCOIS TRUFFAUT

Francois is our French representation this year for the wild cards this year.

Shoot the Piano Player (1960, 92 minutes, 66 1/2):  This French crime film counts this year as a wild card.

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FOREIGN MADNESS

Blade of the Immortal (2017, 140 minutes, 666):  This is my Japanese selection which is based on a manga series by Hiroaki Samura.  A samurai is cursed to immortality during an epic battle that results in lots of tragedy.  The witchlike figure that curses the samurai should make this count.

The Damned (2018, 81 minutes, 66 1/2):  This is my Israeli film for the week where a curse is put on soldiers to turn on one another.

Nightmare City (1980, 88 minutes, 66 1/2):  This is my Italian movie which was directed by Umberto Lenzi.  This has some very resourceful zombies that came from a plane that was exposed to radiation.

Versus (2000, 119 minutes, 66 1/2):  I don't really know how to explain this Japanese film but lots of zombies were involved.  There is also a lot of action and is a pretty fun watch.  I just can't explain it.  I did not pick up on anything familial. 

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FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA

Francis is a wild card this year so any of his work counts but I may need some of his wine after all this work.

Apocalypse now (1979, 153 minutes, 666):  An argument could be made this this film to count but I don't even have to try with FFC as the director.

The Godfather Part 3 (1990, 162 minutes, 666):  This is the first year in the Madness where I have gotten to use the entire trilogy.  Coppola directed this so it counts this year.  An aging Michael Corleone must deal with his fiery nephew Vincent.

-Possible bonus point for having a mafia family.

The Outsiders (1983, 91 minutes, 666):  Francis directed this film based on the novel from S.E. Hinton which deals with a small-town gang preparing for a rumble with a rival gang.  I always think of this as the before they were stars film.

-Maybe bonus for the gang having three brothers in Dally, Sodapop, and Ponyboy

Rumble Fish (1983, 94 minutes, 666):  Francis directed this film which is also based on an S.E. Hinton novel.  Matt Dillon tries to live up to the reputation of his brother Mickey Rourke.

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JACK NICHOLSON

Jack is a wild card this year so I get a lot to choose from with him.

Batman (1989, 126 minutes, 666):  Jack plays the Joker in this Tim Burton adaptation.  This was a very groundbreaking superhero film which deals more with Batman's darker side.  Jack clearly had a lot of fun playing this role.

-Bruce dealing with a familial tragedy

The Bucket List (2007, 97 minutes, 666):  Jack stars as the wealthy and terminally ill Edward who talks fellow dying man Carter, played by Morgan Freeman, into trying to complete a bucket list and to have enjoyment in their last days.  

The Pledge (2001, 124 minutes, 666):  Jack plays retired cop Jerry Black who despite his retirement, he is still determined to keep a promise to solve a murder case.  

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JAMES CAMERON

James is a wild card this year so any of his work counts.

Rambo II:  First Blood Part II (1985, 96 minutes, 66 1/2):  James actually wrote the screenplay to this sequel to the franchise which I did not know.

True Lies (1994, 141 minutes, 666 1/2):  James directed this spy comedy starring Arnold Schwarzenneger and Jamie Lee Curtis.

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JENSEN ACKLES

Jensen is not a wild card this year but has done enough that he could become one someday.

The Boys:  The Only Man in the Sky S3, E2 (2022, 60 minutes, 666):  Jensen plays Soldier Boy in this very gory superhero series.  I don't think much argument needs to be made for this to count.

Smallville:  Spell S4, E8 (2004, 42 minutes, 666):  Jensen co-starred in this season as Jason Teague before he would star in SUPERNATURAL.  Some episodes might not count but in this one Lana, Chloe, and Lois become witches.

-Possible ATB for Lana and her ancestor Isabel being a supernatural family.

-If ATB does not count, Clark and his adoptive parents.

Supernatural:  Sex and Violence S4, E14 (2009, 43 minutes, 666):  Jensen plays the iconic Dean Winchester in this series.  Sam and Dean are investigating deaths they find are being done by a siren.

-The siren pits Sam and Dean against one another.

-Sam and Dean being brothers.

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JONATHAN DEMME

Ricki and the Flash (2015, 101 minutes, 666):  Jonathan directed this movie about rock singer Ricki, played by Meryl Streep, who tries to reconnect with her family and hooks up with Rick Springfield.  I don't understand the hate.

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LINDSEY MORGAN

Lindsey is not a wild card this year but thought I'd help her out a bit with my recently started binge of THE 100.

Chastity Bites (2013, 93 minutes, 66 1/2):  Lindsey co-stars in this horror movie as Noemi.  1600s witch Elizabeth Bathory slaughtered more than 600 young virgin women to stay young.  She still lives today and targets a conservative high school where she lures in young girls in abstinence education.  Female blogger Leah Ratliff is out to stop the witch.

-Bonus points maybe for Leah being a descendent of another witch hunter.

The 100:  Murphy's Law (2014, 40 minutes, 666):  Lindsey co-starred in this CW series as Raven who at this time is on the Ark and is asked to help launch an escape pod.  On the island, they deal with the murder of Wells.

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LIVE EVENTS

Hadestown (2024):  This was a live production being put on in my town of Muncie at Emen's Auditorium from a touring group.  This involves the gods and Hades so should count.  This was a great musical.

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LUCY LIU

Lucy is not a wild card but has some qualifications so I made her into a category.

Kill Bill Vol. 1 (2003, 111 minutes, 666 1/2):  I know with volume 2, it had Sid Haig so it was easy to argue that one.  This does not have a wild card and I could be pushing this one.  I do feel the animated sequences and the exaggerated gore factor could make this count.

-Pregnant woman in peril

-Woman in peril in a wedding dress

Kung Fu Panda (2008, 92 minutes, 666):  Lucy voices the role of Viper in this animated film.  I might be pushing this fantasy but I'll give it a shot.  I felt that Tai Lung had a very dark and dangerous demeanor practically hellbent on destroying the village and was saved by Po the panda.

Rise:  Blood Hunter (2007, 97 minutes, 66 1/2):  Lucy stars in this vampire movie as reporter Sadie Blake who is turned into a vampire and goes after those that made her into a vampire.  This has become a rather guilty pleasure of mine.  I also just picked up on Marilyn Manson having a part in this movie.

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LUKE EVANS

Luke is not a wild card this year but I have a couple selections on my list to make Captain America's brother a category.

Clash of the Titans (2010, 106 minutes, 66 1/2):  Luke plays the god Apollo in this dark fantasy movie.

-ATB for family of supernatural being in regard to the gods starting with Zues.

No One Lives (2012, 86 minutes, 66 1/2):  Luke stars as "Driver" as he is credited.  Him and his girlfriend are kidnapped by a group of robbers having no idea they kidnapped a very dangerous couple.  This is essentially a slasher film and does not hold back on the gore factor.  This is also produced by WWE Films.

-Bonus for a family of criminals  

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MARY HOLLAND

Mary is not a wild card this year but found a couple good comedies to make her a category.

Ghosts:  Sam's Dad S4, E2 (2024, 23 minutes, 666):  Mary joined the cast this season as the pilgrim ghost Patience and makes things difficult for her reunion with Sam's dad by showing a very strange ability.

Harley Quinn:  Bachelorette S2, E9 (2020, 23 minutes, 666):  Mary voices the characters of Jennifer who is part of Harley's bachelorette party for Ivy and King Shark's suitor Tabitha.  

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MEGAN CHARPENTIER

Megan is not a wild card this year but this young actress gets a category.

Mama (2013, 100 minutes, 66 1/2):  Megan plays the role of Victoria in this supernatural horror film where an evil force named Mama tries to control them.  

-There is a sister connection, maybe a family of supernatural beings

Red Riding Hood (2011, 100 minutes, 66 1/2):  Megan was in the earlier part of this movie as the young Valerie who is the title character in this movie and later played by Amanda Seyfried.  This is a very dark take to the fairy tale and has the creature in the werewolf.

-TBD for supernatural family with a werewolf line.

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MICHAEL IRONSIDE

Michael may not be a wild card but he has paid his dues so why not give him a category.

Heavy Metal 2000 (2000, 88 minutes, 66 1/2):  Michael provides the voice of Tyler in this post-Apocalyptic animated movie.  An avenger named Julie sets out to save her sister who was kidnapped by the crazed Tyler.

Harley Quinn:  A Very Problematic Valentines Day Special S3, E11 (2023, 43 minutes, 666):  Michael provides the voice of Darkseid as he has a lot in the animated universe.  Even Darkseid needs love on Valentine's Day.

Justice League Unlimted:  Alive! and Destroyer S3, E12 and E13 (2006, 43 minutes, 666):  These are the last two episodes of the series and Michael also provides the voice for the powerful Darkseid.  Some of Lex Luthor's plans backfire and now is on Darkseid's bad side where the heroes and villains must team up.

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MICHELLE WILLIAMS

Michelle is not a wild card this year but I started the Madness with fellow DAWSON'S CREEK alum Katie Holmes so why not end with Michelle?

Halloween H20 (1998, 86 minutes, 66 1/2):  Michelle co-stars in this franchise entry as Molly who is in a private school.  Jamie Lee Curtis returns to the role of Laurie Strode for the first time since 1981 and she is living under assumed name as the dean of a Northern California school.  She soon learns that she can never escape the presence of Michael Myers.

-ATB for Michael Myers

Venom:  Let There be Carnage (2021, 97 minutes, 66 1/2):  Michelle reprises her role as Anne who is getting married.  Eddie must work out his differences with Venom to take on escaped serial killer Cletus Kasady who has escaped execution and has his own symbiote as Carnage.

-Would Venom and Carnage be considered family?

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MINNIE DRIVER

Minnie is not a wild card but has a couple good musical selections for me to use.

The Phantom of the Opera (2004, 143 minutes, 66 1/2):  Minnie co-stars as Carlotta in this adaptation to the Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical.  The Phantom should be good enough to make this count.

-Mother/daughter connection in Madame Giry and Meg.

Stage Fright (2014, 89 minutes, 66 1/2):  Minnie co-stars in the beginning as musical actress Kylie Swanson who is murdered and years later, Kylie's daughter Camilla tries to keep her name alive while someone is going around killing people.  I suppose this is a horror musical slasher comedy.  Meat Loaf is also in this so where can we go wrong.

-ATB for brother and sister Buddy and Camilla.

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MITZI MCCALL

Mitzi is a wild card this year so anything she has done counts.

Duckman:  Psych S1, E4 (1994, 23 minutes, 666):  Mitzi gust stars in this adult animated series as Mistress Nina.  Duckman gets a bill job which leads to all kinds of trouble.  This was a favorite of mine growing up and have enjoyed revisiting.

Silk Stalkings:  Whore Wars S3, E16 (1994, 46 minutes, 66 1/2):  Mitzi plays the recurring role of Fran in this risqué series that was on USA that I would watch sometimes when I was in middle school.  Chris and Rita investigate a deadly dispute between rival madams.

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PETER BOGDANOVICH

Peter is a wild card this year so I have used him quite a bit this year.

The Sopranos:  He is Risen S3, E8 (2001, 54 minutes, 666):  Peter guest stars in this episode as Dr. Elliot Kupferberg who is Dr. Melfi's psychiatrist.  I know dealing with Tony Soprano is not easy so I can understand why she would need her own counselor.

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RICHARD BRAKE

Richard is not a wild card but he might have had some consideration with the family theme.

Bingo Hell (2021, 85 minutes, 66):  Richard co-stars as Mr. Big who brings a big bingo hall into a small town.  People think they win big but then it is at a price.  This is satire towards gentrification.

The Munsters (2022, 109 minutes, 66 1/2):  Richard co-stars in this reboot from Rob Zombie as Dr. Wolfgang who is essentially the equivalent of Dr. Frankenstein and he brings Herman Munster to life.  This is more of an origin story of how Herman and Lily meet and how then end up on Mockingbird lane.

-ATB for a supernatural family

31 (2016, 102 minutes, 66 1/2):  Richard co-stars in this Rob Zombie film as Doom-Head.  Five carnival workers are kidnapped and held in a compound where they must fight a very deadly game.  

-I'm not sure if the villains were depicted as family.  If they are it is ATB.

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ROGER CORMAN

Black Scorpion:  Home Sweet Homeless S1, E4 (2001, 42 minutes, 66):  Black Scorpion must take on AfterShock who learns how to start earthquakes.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991, 118 minutes, 666):  No argument really needs to be made for this movie to count but Roger has a cameo in this film as FBI Director Hayden Burke.  

-ATB for Roger being in the movie.

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RON HOWARD

The former child star is a wild car this year so he has a very vast selection.

The Andy Griffith Show:  The New Housekeeper S1, E1 (1960, 25 minutes, 666):  This is the first episode of the popular series where Ron plays Andy's son Opie.

Arrested Development:  Pier Pressure S1, E10 (2004, 23 minutes, 666):  Ron is creator and narrator for this sitcom.  Buster asks George-Michael to score him some marijuana for Lucille Austero's vertigo.  Michael learns about this and decides to set up a phony bust to teach George-Michael a lesson like the lesson's Michael's father did.

-Bonus point for the family element.

Arrested Development:  Public Relations S1, E11 (2004, 23 minutes, 666):  Michael struggles to get George-Michael from getting into a private school.  He hires a publicist to work on changing the image of the Bluth family.  Also, Carl Weathers guest stars as himself when he agrees to mentor Tobias.

-Bonus point for the family element.

Arrested Development:  Marta Complex S1, E12 (2004, 23 minutes, 666):  Marta realizes she has feeling for Michael.  George-Michael learns that him and Maebe might not be related.

-Bonus point for the family element.

Arrested Development:  Beef Consomme S1, E13 (2004, 23 minutes, 666):  Michael tells Gob about his flirtation with Marta.

-Bonus point for the family element.

Arrested Development:  Shock and Aww S1, E14 (2004, 23 minutes, 666):  Heather Graham guest stars in this episode as George Michael's teacher whom he has a crush for and so does Michael when he meets her.

The Beatles:  Eight Days a Week- The Touring Years (2016, 106 minutes, 666):  Ron directed this documentary of the Beatles which takes a look at their touring years from 1963 to 1966.

A Beautiful Mind (2001, 135 minutes, 666):  Ron directed this film based on real-life mathematician and Novel prize winning John Nash who experienced Schizophrenia.  I suppose this could be argued with the hallucinations but Ron directed so it counts either way. 

Bono and the Edge:  A Sort of Homecoming with David Letterman (2023, 84 minutes, 666):  Ron is an executive producer for this concert documentary where Letterman is invited to a concert performance by Bono and the Edge for a concert performance.  He also interviews the U2 members.

Felicity:  Hello, I Must Be Going S3, E3 (2000, 42 minutes, 666):  Ron was the executive producer for this series of a group of college friends.  Ben learns that his dad has been missing for days.  Julie also has a lot of thinking to do.  Noel tries to get an annulment with Natalie.

The Good Lie (2014, 110 minutes, 666):  Ron was the executive producer of this film of Sudanese refugees trying to make it in the United States.  Reese Witherspoon stars as an employment agency counselor who tries to help a group of refugees through the ups and downs.  This is a very moving story and glad to have this as a loophole.

In the Heart of the Sea (2015, 122 minutes, 666):  Ron directed this film based the events that inspired Herman Melville's classic novel MOBY DICK.

MASH:  Sometimes You Hear the Bullet S1, E17 (1973, 23 minutes, 666):  Ron guest stars in this episode as a wounded soldier who is underage and lied about his age.

The Missing (2003, 137 minutes, 666):  Ron directed this western where a frontier medicine woman must team with her estranged father to rescue her kidnapped daughter.

The Paper (1994, 112 minutes, 666):  Ron directed this film centering around a tabloid editor who is also considering a job offer in a 24 hour period.

Parenthood (1989, 124 minutes, 666):  Ron directed this comedy of a family who each has a different style of parenting and this is the ultimate story of parenting to say the least.  I'm sure many can relate.

Tick, Tick... Boom (2021, 115 minutes, 666 1/2):  Ron was an executive producer for this musical that would usually not count but it does this year.

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ROSE MCGOWAN

Rose is not a wild card this year but could be worthy of one so she gets a category this year.

Charmed:  Womb Raider S4, E21 (2002, 42 minutes, 666):  Rose plays Paige in this series in the later years when she discovers her sisters are the Charmed Ones.  Phoebe's baby is causing her to do things she would not usually do while the Seer plots to become the new Source.

-ATB for supernatural family.

Grindhouse (2007, 191 minutes 666):  Rose is in both of the feature films from this project done by Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez where they pay homage to the Grindhouse experience from the '70s.  This was the first time I experienced watching it in this way as opposed to individually watching DEATH PROOF and PLANET TERROR.  

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SAMARA WEAVING

Samara is not a wild card this year but she does give some worthy selections.

Ready or Not (2019, 95 minutes, 666):  Samara stars as the newlywed Grace but learns of a very violent family tradition that happens when getting married.

-I'm pretty sure there are ATB at least for the characters Daniela and Emilie being brother and sister

Scream VI (2023, 122 minutes, 666):  Samara co-stars in this film as Laura Crane in a beginning scene.  The survivors of the previous film leave Woodsboro to go to New York City only to learn they can't escape their past.  I found this to be surprisingly compelling and even more than the previous films.  This did take a little bit of a different approach which I thought worked well.

-ATB for brother and sister Chad and Mindy

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SANDRA OH

Sandra is not a wild card but I had these Disney selections so she became one.

Raya and the Last Dragon (2021, 107 minutes, 666):  Sandra co-stars in this Disney film as Virana who is the Chief of the Fang Land.  The dragons should make this count.

-ATB for a family of dragons.

Turning Red (2022, 100 minutes, 666):  Sandra co-stars in this Disney film as Ming who is rather overbearing to hear teenage daughter Mei Lee.  Mei Lee soon discovers that when she gets overly excited that she turns into a giant panda.  I think this should work as a creature feature and as a family curse as we learn as time goes on.

-ATB for a supernatural family.

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SARAH MICHELLE GELLAR

My girl Sarah is not a wild card this year but she was last year.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer:  The Gift S5, E22 (2001, 45 minutes, 666 1/2):  Sarah stars in this series as her most iconic role of Buffy Summers.  This is the 5th season finale where Buffy and the gang take on Glory in a very important battle.  This has always been my favorite episode of the series.  There are a couple really well directed scenes that have stayed with me to this day.

-Buffy and Dawn being sisters

-Tombstone at the end of the episode.

Scooby-Doo (2002, 86 minutes, 66 1/2):  Sarah co-stars in this live-action adaptation as Daphne.  The gang go their separate ways for awhile but get reunited at an island resort to investigate strange things that are happening.  This was a pretty fun movie and I realized that this world would be a better place if there were more friendships like the one between Shaggy and Scooby.

TMNT (2007, 87 minutes, 66 1/2):  Sarah co-stars in this resurgence of the turtles as their reporter friend April O'Neil.  The Turtles have had their differences but must all reunite and come together when an ancient evil threatens the world.  

-Family element among the turtles

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SID HAIG

Batman:  The Spell of Tut/Tut's Case is Shut S2, E7 and 8 (1966, 50 minutes, 66 1/2):  Sid guest stars in these two episodes as Royal Apothecary who works for King Tut and Batman and Robin must save the day once again. 

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SQUARED CIRCLE MADNESS

NWA Powerrr 10/15/2024 (2024, 45 minutes, 666):  I thought on this one, I would try to get Alex Misery and his gothic nature to be counted.

NWA Powerrr 10/22/2024 (2024, 45 minutes, 666:  This features Vampiro as the manager of Daisy Kill and Talos so maybe I could make that argument.

NWA Powerrr 10/29/2024 (2024, 40 minutes, 666):  This episode features the wrestler Gaagz the Gymp so seeing if maybe he'll count.  He is usually accompanied by James Mitchell but not this time.

TNA Bound For Glory (2024, 200 minutes, 666):  This features PCO taking on Matt Cardona in a Monster's Ball match.

TNA Impact 10/17/2024 (2024, 93 minutes, 666):  This should be counted on account of PCO, the French-Canadian Frankenstein as they call him.

TNA Impact 10/17/2024 (2024, 92 minutes, 666):  I will use the dark nature of Wendy Choo and Rosemary again for this episode.

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TONY TODD

Tony is a wild card this year so anything he has done will count.

Angel:  The Shroud of Rahmon S2, E8 (2000, 43 minutes, 666):  Tony guest stars on this episode of the vampire series as Vyasa.  Angel must infiltrate a gang of thieves bent on stealing a supernatural shroud.

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WILLIAM SHATNER

Boston Legal:  Squid Pro Quo S2, E25 (2006, 43 minutes, 666):  William stars in this legal series as Denny Crane and goes against his son Donny, played by Freddie Prinze Jr., once again.  Parker Posey joins the cast as Marlene.

Third Rock From the Sun:  Dick's Big Giant Headache S4, E23 and 24 (1996, 45 minutes, 666):  William in introduced in this two-part season finale of the alien comedy as recurring character the Big Giant Head.  This show was hilarious and was a favorite of my mom's.  

Dodgeball:  A True Story (2004, 92 minutes, 666):  William has a cameo in this comedy as Dodgeball Chancellor making this one count.  

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WORLD OF SUPERHEROES AND SUPERVILLAINS

Batman:  The Animated Series:  Shadow of the Bat S2, E1 and 2 (1993, 45 minutes, 666):  Commissioner Gordon is rumored to be taking bribes and Barbara Gordon dons the Batgirl outfit in this two-part episode helping Batman and Robin go after Two-Face's gang.

-Maybe the father/daughter connection of Jim and Barbara Gordon

Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.:  Of Moles and Men (2013, 23 minutes, 666):  The Hulks go to Vista Verde where Hulk is idolized and they come across the Moloids, a group of mole-type people.

-Hulk and She-Hulk are cousins.

Superman and Lois:  Perfectly Good Wedding S4, E4 (2024, 43 minutes, 666):  Lois tries to throw Kyle and Chrissy an impromptu wedding.  I might be pushing this one but there was that guy who had torches for arms and could throw fire.

-Maybe ATB for family of superheroes with Clark and his twin sons having powers.

Superman and Lois:  Break the Cycle S4, E5 (2024, 43 minutes, 666):  This one should count with the return of Doomsday where Lois goes to extreme measures in hopes of protecting her family.

-Maybe ATB for family of superheroes with Clark and his twin sons having powers.

Superman/Batman:  Public Enemies (2009, 67 minutes, 666):  President Lex Luthor frames Superman for murder and has a huge bounty on the head of him and Batman.  I think Batman makes it count and just about every DC character was in this one.

Young Justice:  Welcome to Happy Harbor S1, E3 (2011, 23 minutes, 666):  The team tries to handle a nearby plant that is on fire.  I feel the character of M'Gann M'Orzz as the alien shapeshifter should make this count.  Also, the characters Red Tornado and Mr. Twister can control weather so maybe they will make it count.

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