Retro Sunday

RIP Malcolm McLaren

Buffalo Gals, takes me to a time and place...a long time ago!!!!

Retro Sunday on Tuesday

A little late this week.....this week's post is inspired by J's Top ten High School movies list. I love everyone of the movies that hit her list. Drive Me Crazy may not have crept in to my top 10, all the others I wholeheartedly agree with. I would say that I would somehow need to make room for Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink, School ties, Girls just want to Have Fun, Flirting, The Breakfast Club, actually, lets just make it a top 20!!!

The post today is of a classic high school movie. Well, in its day.....DAZED AND CONFUSED. It's a film about the last day of school for a group of Texas students in 1976, and basically everyone is trying to get stoned, drunk or laid, or beat someone up! Sounds like fun, hey? I guess it was a , 'you had to be there' kind of film. Many recognisable young faces including Ben Affleck, Renee Zellwegger, Matthew McConaghy, Jason London, Milla Jovovich and Parker Posey .

With classic lines such as the following, it's not exactly the type of fare you need to bring your brain to, but sometimes its just kinda fun:

Wooderson: Say, man, you got a joint?
Mitch: No, not on me, man.
Wooderson: It'd be a lot cooler if you did.

And

Freshman Girl: Will you marry me?
Dawson: I don't know. What's in it for me?
Freshman Girl: Anything you want?
Dawson: Anything?
Freshman Girl: Anything.
Dawson: [opening his mouth wide] Go like this. Do you spit or swallow?
Freshman Girl: Whatever you like.
Dawson: Whatever I like? I would definitely marry you.



I'm not sure its travelled as well as I hoped, but I did find myself watching it again when it was on last week.

retro sunday

This retro sunday is in anticipation of Kathryn Bigelow winning an Oscar for best director for THE HURT LOCKER, being the first female director to ever do so. she directed one of my fave films, POINT BREAK. A classic which I know we have posted about previously, but always worth a look!



Here's Kathryn talking about the film


Point Break Featurette - The best home videos are here
a featurette on the making of the film



And look how cute Keanu is here promoting the film in 1991.

retro sunday with a little root, shoot or marry mixed

There's been some interest in a new ROOT, SHOOT OR MARRY, and as I've had a big weekend and don't have a 'retro sunday' in me today, i'm mixing both together.

ROOT SHOOT OR MARRY - ST ELMO'S FIRE EDITION

In recent days, i have taken part in a discussion about our fave boys from ST ELMOS FIRE and BREAKFAST CLUB . I find it so intriguing that everyone has such different tastes.

So anyway, here it is!!! ROOT, SHOOT OR MARRY????

Andrew McCarthy

Judd Nelson

Rob Lowe

Retro Sunday - A history of the Chan!

Some magnificent detective work by our super sleuth in the Canadian office, has revealed our favourite bogan's not so secret past!!!

The Chan was a stripper!



"The actor was 18 at the time and performed under the alias "Chan Crawford" at the now defunct Florida nightclub. Tatum lip-synched in the act and earned $50 a night (plus tips) during his year-long stint. The "G.I. Joe" star was so impressive that he caught the eye of a casting agent who put him in Ricky Martin's "She Bangs" music video that launched his modeling and acting career." US People

So I found a video, it's so wrong, but please feel free to partake in a viewing, you may get a giggle!!!



he modelled undies.....



So then of course I chased down the Ricky Martin 'She Bangs' video clip that supposedly launched his career, well not so much I'm thinking. Not only have I just had to sit through the whole song to spot the Chan's big moment, but I couldn't even spot him. Well there are a couple of hot bodies on screen for short moments. was that you Chan?? Anyway, since I had to, now you can.....

Ricky Martin - She Bangs
Uploaded by Discodandan. - See the latest featured music videos.

My first memories of the Chan were from SHE'S THE MAN followed closely by STEP UP.







In summary, hot? Yes! Bogan? Definitely! But a bit of fun in between!!!

watch out for DEAR JOHN in cinemas very soon!

Retro Sunday

So as promised, a little more on Ethan Hawke today! I guess it was really DEAD POETS SOCIETY where I really sat up and took notice of little ethan. This is one of my fave films. It is Robin Williams in one of the 2 films where he is truly brilliant. (the other of course being GOOD WILL HUNTING) It is beautiful and sad and inspiring and it made me cry for about 1/2 in the cinema after it had finished. (never got asked out on a date with that boy again!!!)

Anyway, back to ethan! Does anyone remember the movie DAD with Ted Danson and Ethan hawke playing his son, well i bawled in that one also, but i guess the next movie starring Ethan that made an impact was REALITY BITES. I loved this film at the time. It was so 'cool' with Winona and Ethan and Ben Stiller and Jeneane Garafolo, it doesn't necessarily hold up for me now, and especially the character that Ethan plays, Troy. I kind of had in my mind that he was kind of this cool guy cruising around, but he was just some lowlife slacker really!


But then Ethan turned up in BEFORE SUNRISE, and i fell in love!!! Well, not just with him, but the whole concept. Having been completely sucked in by the travelling bug at the time this film came out(1995) I was so romantically involved with the concept that you could meet someone on a train and spend the night and fall in love......beautiful julie Delpy and gorgeous Ethan hawke! Oh how I loved this film!


And then, these wonderful people gave me BEFORE SUNSET. A sequel of sorts. After leaving each other 9 years ago, they have a chance meeting in Paris and spend the afternoon wondering what might have been......



They haven't dismissed a third, I guess a BEFORE DUSK or BEFORE MIDNIGHT, but if it happens, it's not going to be in the near future.

There is one other that comes to mind, GATTACA. the film where he met Uma. Don't dismiss this film as some futuristic sci-fi, this is a great film and Jude Law is at his prettiest!

So thinking back, it's not Ethan i love, but his films! Don't get me wrong, he;s cute, i've always thought so, and he just so happened to appear in a couple of ripper films!

Retro Sunday - Almost!

Well this could almost class as a retro Sunday, where the hell has Jared Leto been??

He appears to be seriously concentrating on his music with band '30 seconds to Mars', who as far as actors turned singers go, aren't too bad. They are more in the league of DEAD MANS BONES and SHE AND HIM rather than 30 ODD FOOT OF GRUNT or DOGSTAR!!! Doesn't appear to have a noteable lady friend at the present time, but I could be wrong. Perhaps he and Cam should give it another go, she doesn't seem to be having too much luck with the boys at the moment.

Anyway, here he is in Miami over the New Year. Not looking too dusty I say!!! (and almost my age!!)

RETRO SUNDAY

LOVE ACTUALLY - My very favourite Christmas film, and really one of my fave's of all time. It's one I'm happy to sit and watch at any time. any place, no matter how many times I have seen it.

I can never decide my favourite storyline or characters, it changes with each watching. Is it the delightful Andrew Lincoln providing some spookily stalkerish yet romantic advances to his best mates bride



Or lovely Hugh Grant doing his bumbling englishman to perfection to persuade the 'plump' Natalie to be his chick and his magnificent attempt to dance to the Pointer Sister's JUMP?


Or the gorgeous Liam Neeson and his 'wee motherless mongrel'



Or Colin, who we so want to find repulsive but we kind of end up having a silly crush on


Or Colin Firth and his attempts to speak Portugese to win his love...


Or Billy Mack dancing in the nude...


I love them all. Definitely worth another watch!

RETRO SUNDAY

I have my suspicions that K may be feeling a little worse for wear this morning and may not be up to posting so I thought I'd sneak in a retro Sunday for her. I've just been listening to a mixed tape that K made for me when I go rollerskating (don't ask) and greatly enjoyed belting out a bit of 'Xanadu'. Livvy sure can bring a smile to my face. Now you may be thinking that Xanadu is my retro Sunday but you would be wrong... Livvy got me thinking about a movie of hers that for some reason I watched over and over in the 80's. I am almost too embarrassed to admit it but I feel that Star's Hollow is just the sort of supportive environment where admissions like this are appreciated and understood. The movie also starred John Travolta and I must admit, totally tanked at the box office. I have my suspicions that it was for good reason.
Be your own judge - I give you ... 1983s TWO OF A KIND ....

Retro Sunday on Tuesday

I'm not sure what made me think of this film today, but I did! I haven't seen it for awhile but remember it to be a great chick flick with an amazing cast, Drew Barrymore, Whoopi Goldberg and Mary Louise Parker (and Matthew McConaghy) Tears, laughter and more tears!

The story goes something like this.....

Jane is a night club singer, out of work. Robin is a quirky real estate agent looking for a ride-share to accompany her to California. Her advertisement is answered by Jane, who at first was uncertain about her. A stop in Pittsburgh picks up a third, Holly, escaping a violent and drug-dealing partner. Girls on the road, reaching understanding, respect, and care for each other. But this trio is different - Jane a lesbian, Robin suffering with AIDS, Holly running from her past, seeking one-night stands and a good man



Nearly crying just watching this clip...........

retro sunday

This is a quickie this evening because I have clearly left this a little too late to post, as it is not sunday anymore and I need to go to bed......

however, J and I were watching BIRDS OF AMERICA, finally, it has taken us a long time to get around to it. It of course stars our very fave lady ever, Lauren Graham, with her wannabe life partner, Matthew Perry, also Ginnifer Goodwin and Hilary Swank. Anyway, film was a little slow/ordinary but amongst the discussions we had during the viewing was one of Lisa Bonet, how beautiful she was and where the hell is she now. This topic came up as her daughter, Zoe Kravitz, also appeared in the film.



This is a pic of Zoe and her co star from the film and boyfriend (at the time) Ben Foster.

Back to Lisa. What a goddess!


She is now also known as Lilakoi Moon, and has starred in a few bits and pieces (am being generous here!!). Last thing I saw her in was HIGH FIDELITY as the sexy singer who seduces Rob.

She has had 2 further children but not with Lenny! The 2nd, a boy, goes by the name, Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa!

Here is a pic of Lilakoi now!

Retro Sunday

Before Robert Pattinson, before Zac Efron, before Joe Jonas there was Jonathan Taylor Thomas!!

I spent much of the mid-90's secretly fascinated by JTT. I would tape Home Improvement to watch after work and although I have a tendency to like younger men you'll be pleased to know that in this case I just thought he was a fantastic actor. I loved Randy's dryness, his sense of humour and his facial expressions. I can still watch Home Improvement and feel the same awe for JTT. He was only 10 years old when he started on the show and he became a firm favourite with the tweenys of the era.

Then with the world at his feet - JTT all but disappeared. A couple of movies followed and he was the voice of Simba in the Lion King but save for a few guest stints on random TV shows (notably Veronica Mars), all has been quiet on his career front.

It turns out Jonathan went off to Harvard and now attends Columbia University. Little has been heard of him lately and in fact there are dozens of posts dedicated to the question - 'Where Is Jonathan Taylor Thomas?' Hopefully he will return to acting as I for one miss him.

retro sunday

This is inspired by a viewing last weekend. I tried so hard not to watch it. I've seen it so many times it's not funny, so definitely didn't need to watch it. Maybe I could just watch the start and then I'll watch something else. Of course I couldn't stop. I am talking about the masterpiece that is PRETTY WOMAN. The funny thing is that next time it's on, I'll do exactly the same thing!

We'd already loved her in SATISFACTION, MYSTIC PIZZA and STEEL MAGNOLIAS, but this is where we fell in love with Julia Roberts. She makes it totally believable and fun to be a hooker. Did I want to grow up and be one? maybe, if I got to go and stay in the penthouse apartment with Richard Gere and watch 'I love lucy'! Cool!

We sang along to Roy Orbison's 'Pretty Woman' and were introduced to songs by Go West and 'it must have been love' by Roxette.

And this film has some of my fave lines from a film ever, and some that are used in my everyday language!

Remember Julia singing in the bath with her yellow sony walkman (yes I had one exactly the same)
Julia: Don't you just love Prince?
Richard: More than life itself!

And these classics:

Vivian: Tell me one person who it's worked out for.
Kit: What, you want me to name someone? You want like a name? Oh, God, the pressure of a name... I got it. Cindafuckin'rella


Vivian: Let's watch old movies all night... we'll just veg out in front of the TV.
Edward Lewis: Veg out?
Vivian: Yeah. Be still like vegetables. Lay like broccoli.


Vivian: i want more
Edward: how much more?
Vivian: I want the fairytale.

Vivian: It's a really good offer for a girl like me!

And my very fave:

Vivian: We think you got a lot of potential Kit De Luca!

Retro Sunday

In 1983 I was in year 9, and completely mesmerised by the mini-series RETURN TO EDEN.

It was the Dynasty of Australian TV and it was completely addictive, evil, glamorous, and camp.

Return To Eden originally appeared as a lavish 6 hour mini series filmed in various glossy locales around Sydney and the Barrier Reef; Rebecca Gilling headlined as Stephanie Harper who gets caught up with evil tennis pro Greg Marsden (played by James Reyne), his plot to murder Stephanie to get his hands on her money go awry when she manages to escape from the crocodile infested swamp he left her for dead in. Stephanie, in full on Dynasty mode, undergoes plastic surgery and emerges transformed as Tara Welles intent on revenge on Greg.....

.

What a story line! What a cast! What a winner! I thought this show was fantastic and can remember vividly how stunned I was when Greg threw Stephanie to the crocs. The music is so sinister it still creeps me out watching it today.

Apparently it is now available on DVD as is the following series so I may just have to add it to my 'wish list'.

Retro Sunday

K has kindly given up her retro sunday to me so I can share one of the greatest tv shows ever screened in Australia!

SWEET & SOUR

Starring
Tracy Mann David Reyne Sandra Lillingston Arky Michael Ric Herbert Robin Copp

Sweet and Sour is a fabulous Australian t.v series which screened on the ABC in 1984. It was produced internally for the ABC by Jan Chapman (The Piano, Lantana) It was a great mix of drama and music with some truly spectacular 80's fashion. The main storyline of the series followed the efforts of a fictional band, The Takeaways, to break into the Sydney music scene. Who didn't want to be in the Takeaways? I think it was my soul ambition in 1984!


In mid-1983 Sydney a band called The Takeaways is formed. Initially it consists of Carol Howard, Martin Kabel and George Poulopoulos. Carol Howard (Tracy Mann) is an attractive vocalist and novice guitarist from Melbourne; she had pursued an acting career with little success but is now focused on her music. Carol wrote her first song on the train to Sydney.

Martin Kabel (David Reyne)is an established, albeit unsuccessful, guitarist who wants to branch out from his current band: he would like to sing his own songs. Martin gets his chance with The Takeaways.
George Poulopoulos (Arky Michael) is more interested in playing soccer for the Combined Hellenic Travel Agents but reluctantly joins to play bass. He learns how to play at the band’s first practice session; slowly he overcomes his shyness to become a confident performer.

Darrell Winters (Ric Herbert) sees a quick dollar to be made as their manager; Darrell talks the talk and tries to walk the walk. He sets out to organise their first gig: a backyard barbecue! Fortunately better gigs followed in various Sydney pubs. Their first jam sessions are in an old boot factory. 'wikipedia'

Numerous famous Australian and New Zealand musicians and songwriters were involved in this TV series.
The title song of the series,"Sweet and Sour", was written by Sharon O'Neill, who also recorded the song in 1987 as "In Control". Deborah Conway (Do-Ré-Mi) was actor Tracy Manns' singing voice' and sang the hit "Sweet & Sour" which reached number 13 on the Aus' music charts.


The list of recording musicians/songwriters includes Tommy Emmanuel, Chris Bailey (The Angels, GANGgajang), Eric McCusker (Mondo Rock), Red Symons (Skyhooks), "Freddie" Strauks (Skyhooks), Todd Hunter (Dragon, XL Capris), Rick Grossman (Divinyls, Hoodoo Gurus), Mark Edwards (The Runners), Tony Buchanan (Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs mk2) and Reg Mombassa (Mental As Anything).
Cathy McQuade (Deckchairs Overboard) was Sandra Lillingston's 'singing voice' and John Clifforth (Deckchairs Overboard) was David Reyne's 'singing voice' (both Reyne and Herbert sang backing vocals on some tracks).
The soundtrack album went platinum, selling over 70,000 copies, and David Reyne won a Logie for his efforts.


FASCINATING FACT - Australian band GANGgajang were formed as a direct result of four of their members involvement as musicians/songwriters for this show: Chris Bailey, Graham Bidstrup, Mark Callaghan and Kay Bee. Who would have guessed.

Unfortunately Sweet & Sour is not available on DVD or online, with the ABC releasing this statement - "Due to copyright restrictions this program is unavailable for sale as it was produced on a broadcast only basis; thus restricting ABC Commercial from selling the material. There are no plans to re-broadcast this program."

Maybe we should start a Stars Hollow petition - just a thought.

retro sunday

STARSTRUCK. Does that name ring any bells. 'She's got body, she's got soul......" well it has been awhile but i gave it a viewing this week. What fun. Good old, light hearted , Aussie fun! In 1982, I thought this film was so cool, this viewing maybe not so much cool, but what a genious Gillian Armstrong is. she totally captured a moment, and we were very happy to hook into it.

For those not familiar, or not born, STARSTRUCK is the story of Jackie Mullens who dreams of becoming a singing star and her cousin Angus thinks he has what it takes to be a successful manager. After a spot at the hip club in town (wearing a kangaroo suit) fails to win Jackie any paying gigs, Angus enters her in a major talent competition to be held on New Year's Eve. If Jackie wins, her career is assured, and the $25,000 grand prize will help keep her family's pub open.

The film starred Jo kennedy in the lead role and she even had a hit with the song 'BODY AND SOUL' from the film's soundtrack. Geoffrey Rush also gets a small role! Jo has done a few acting gigs between now and then, but appears these days to be happier behind the camera, either writing or directing. She still lives in Melbourne, so next time you are in the supermarket and recognise a face, just have a think whether it is 'jackie mullens' or not!

Definitely has a place in our film culture and has been referenced in other Aussie films such as Muriel' Wedding, Strictly Ballroom and Priscilla! Not the easiest of films to find, but worth a look.

retro sunday

WHAM! Caught the music video of WAKE ME UP BEFORE YOU GO GO on VH1 this morning and i just knew where 'retro sunday' was headed today! So loved their music. Must admit, and I promise this is not just hindsight, but I was never in love with either of the boys like some chicks I knew, but was a huge fan of their music

George Michael and Andrew Ridgely met at high school and released their first single in 1981. Their first singles were WHAM RAP and YOUNG GUNS. Think leather angsty teens! Together for only 5 years, they produced other classics such as BAD BOYS, CLUB TRPOICANA, my personal fave WAKE ME UP BEFORE YOU GO GO, CARELESS WHISPER, EVERYTHING SHE WANTS, LAST CHRISTMAS, and I'M YOUR MAN.

They are also famous for introducing the 'choose life' and 'go go' t shirts (designed by Katherine Hamnett) to popular culture in 1984 in the music video for WAKE ME UP BEFORE YOU GO GO.

As you are aware from J's post just the other day, Andrew is happily married to Keren from BANANARAMA, and well George, his love life has been a little less stable. Looking at this picture below, it's funny to think at the height of the 80's we never knew he was gay?????




I couldn't decide which video to post, so I have posted 2. Still tormented about my decision as I could have watched any of them with joy. Also worth a look is YOUNG GUNS and CLUB TROPICANA if you feel so inclined!

Retro Sunday

This year really has been the year of the Vampire, with Twilight and True Blood both doing astonishing well and many others sneaking up to milk the genre. This got me thinking about the first time I fell in love with a Vampire ... his name was John and he had 24 hours to live after his vampire lover had enough of him and cast him off.

The movie was 'The Hunger' from 1983 and John was none other than David Bowie. I went through a bit of a 'Bowie The Actor' stage but I will save my other favourite Bowie film for another time. Catherine Deneuve played the Egyptian vampire and Susan Sarrandon is the doctor that falls under her spell when she tries to save John.

I think the weirdness of this flick, the goth music, the lesbianism, the darkness was so different to my usual fare that I was quite fascinated. I have no idea if it holds up today and I don't know if I should watch it in case it is ruined for me. If you have seen this movie lately please let me know if it has translated well to 2009.

Retro Sunday

There are certain movies in my life that evoke such strong memories of time and place that I can almost smell and taste the J. that I was then. One of these movies was in last week's Retro Sunday - The Pirate Movie holds a very special place in my heart and in the psyche of my 15 year old self.

I thought I would go forward a few years and share a film that rocked my world in 1984. I was 16 years old and I became obsessed with VALLEY GIRL.

Valley Girl starred Nicholas Cage in his first role since dropping the Cappola from his name, and Deborah Foreman who unfortunately has not set the movie world on fire since.



Here's a run down of the plot - Julie Richman (Deborah) is a sweet-natured, if shallow, Valley Girl. After breaking up with her jerk boyfriend Tommy, she is at her friend Suzi's party ("the social event of the season") when two boys from Hollywood crash the scene. One of them, the sensitive and adventurous Randy (Nicholas), is immediately smitten with Julie, and she with him. Julie's friends, however, are not smitten with Randy purely because he is from "Holly-weird" and want Julie to dump Randy and get back together with Tommy. Julie must decide which is more important: her heart and the boy she loves, or the approval of her friends. Classic teen fare but along with a fabulous soundtrack this film nailed it. It did very well at the box office and was considered a great success.



When Deb Foreman was asked what 'Julie' was up to now she replied -"Julie won a scholarship to Harvard. Graduated with honors and received another scholarship to Boston University Medical School. Julie became a medical doctor, alas, losing her medical license to a terrible addiction to heroin. As an ex-addict, she now manages Autoworld Go Carts in West Covina, California. She has the highest score on PacMan... Go Julie!!!" Hilarious

Here is a trailer for the film which should give you a pretty good idea of what I aspired to in 1984! (Did I mention how much I wanted that shirt she wore at the party?)

By the way this film has one of the best 'New Wave' soundtracks EVER!!! 'I Melt With You' by Modern English - it just doesn't get better than that!

retro sunday

EDDIE AND THE CRUISERS is a film I have such fond memories of, however, this may be because of my love for the soundtrack. Which came first, the music or the movie??? I think I saw this one in a cinema but apparently it wasn't until it was released on video that it became a hit, and sadly I have chewed through way too many brain cells since then to recall the exact details. It has been many years since my last viewing but I have a distinct memory of Micheal Pare on stage belting out 'Tender Years'. The soundtrack is a much more recent memory.

The story, for those not remembering or too young to know!
They say rock 'n' roll never dies, but one dark night in 1963, Eddie Wilson's car took a dive off a Jersey bridge with the troubled rock idol at the wheel. His body was never found. Tom Berenger , Michael Pare and Ellen Barkin star in this cool, compelling classic that really rocks! Twenty years after the lead singer of"Eddie and the Cruisers" disappeared, the band's songs are hotter than ever. And renewed interest in the band leads TV reporter Maggie Foley to pursue a tantalizing mystery: What if Eddie is still alive? The circumstances surrounding his death are just shadowy enough to make it a distinct possibility, and someone (could it be Eddie?) has been ransacking the homes of surviving band members in a desperate search for tapes of the group's visionary, never-released album. As Maggie interviews the former "Cruisers," the pieces of the puzzle start to fit...but only until still deeper mysteries begin to surface.

Michael Pare still acts and seems to have a fairly consistent presence in features, not necessarily the 'A' list ones, but he is certainly not an out of work actor! He has created quite a niche for himself as the star of modestly budgeted straight-to-video action films

. And apparently made alot of money appearing in ads in Japan!

The music in this film is all done by a band called John Rafferty and the Beaver Brown Band. They were supposedly approached after Bruce Springsteen, who was originally asked to do the music, suggested them. They do sound not unlike the E Street Band!

WARNING: If you love this Film, do not be tempted by EDDIE LIVES the sequel. You have been warned!!!