Cinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.comCinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.com/media/feedlogo.gifCinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.comen-usCopyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Stars in Rewind: Ken Ober & 'Remote Control'http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/17/stars-in-rewind-ken-ober-and-remote-control/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/17/stars-in-rewind-ken-ober-and-remote-control/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/17/stars-in-rewind-ken-ober-and-remote-control/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Attention children of the '80s: If you haven't already heard, television's Ken Ober died at the age of 52. The cause of death is not yet determined, although his agent noted that Ober "complained of headaches and flu-like symptoms on Saturday night." While he produced shows like Mind of Mencia and The New Adventures of Old Christine, he's probably best known for his time as the host of MTV's '80s quiz show: Remote Control.

Remember it? Three players would get strapped into arm chairs, answer questions about television and film (basically anything that could be found on TV), find food raining down on their heads, and get entertained by the likes of Colin Quinn, Kari Wuhrer, Denis Leary, and Adam Sandler. It was part classic MTV ridiculousness, and part media junky geek party.

In memory of the host and show, I thought I'd take us back in time for a few movie-centric bits after the jump. First, there will be Adam Sandler as the awkward "Stud Boy" while Ober doesn't think about the innuendo before saying "I'd love to give it to her." After that, scribe Zak Penn, who wrote flicks like PCU, Elektra, and X-Men: The Last Stand, pops up as a contestant. Now the latter is a little confusing, since the Zachary on the show says he's a biochem major at USC, and bios have him graduating from Wesleyan, but one look at the vid and this pic should quell confusion.

Ken Ober, you're missed already.

Continue reading Stars in Rewind: Ken Ober & 'Remote Control'

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]]>Adam SandlerAdamSandlerCinematicalKen OberKenOberRemote ControlRemoteControlZak PennZakPennMonika BartyzelTue, 17 Nov 2009 18:45:00 ESTRest in Peace, Edward Woodwardhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/16/rest-in-peace-edward-woodward/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/16/rest-in-peace-edward-woodward/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/16/rest-in-peace-edward-woodward/#commentsFiled under:



The Equalizer Edward Woodward has passed away at the age of 79, having lost his battle against illness in a hospital near his home in Cornwall, England. A statement from agent Janet Glass said: "He was equally fine and courageous in real life, never losing his brave spirit and wonderful humour throughout his illness." He is survived by his second wife, actress Michele Dotrice, and four children.

But while I lead off with the actor's famed television role, Woodward was more than a television star ... even if he once told The Associated Press that he's probably done "more television than any actor living. I've done over 2,000, could be 3,000 now, television productions," and earned a number of Emmy nominations and a Golden Globes win for The Equalizer. Woodward was the man who played Sergeant Howie in the original 1973 film The Wicker Man -- a performance that inspired director Robin Hardy to eulogize: "He was one of the greatest actors of his generation, without any question." Yet his success wasn't only relegated to past films. In recent years, he played CCTV head Tom Weaver in Simon Pegg's Hot Fuzz, and recently starred in the as yet unreleased drama A Congregation of Ghosts.

Edward Woodward, you will be missed.

For more, check out Hot Fuzz director Edgar Wright's blog post on Woodward. It's a fantastic read.

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]]>A Congregation of GhostsACongregationOfGhostsCinematicalEdward WoodwardEdwardWoodwardHot FuzzHotFuzzThe EqualizerThe Wicker ManTheEqualizerTheWickerManMonika BartyzelMon, 16 Nov 2009 18:15:00 ESTRIP: Lou Jacobihttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/28/rip-lou-jacobi/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/28/rip-lou-jacobi/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/28/rip-lou-jacobi/#commentsFiled under:

On October 23, actor Lou Jacobi passed away in his Manhattan home at the age of 95.

Born in Toronto, Jacobi began acting as a boy, but really kicked off his career in the '50s, playing Captain Noakes in Is Your Honeymoon Really Necessary in 1953 and soon making his Broadway debut in 1955 as one of the attic dwellers in The Diary of Anne Frank. Only a few years later, he brought his role as Mr. Hans Van Daan to the big screen opposite Shelley Winters in 1959 and followed it with a long career as a character actor, filled with notable film and television roles.

Cinematically, he played Uncle Morty in My Favorite Year, a plant store owner in Arthur, Herb in Next Stop, Greenwich Village, Gabriel Krichinsky in Avalon, and even Kurt Godel in I.Q. -- his last film. But perhaps his most notable character was Sam Musgrave in Woody Allen's Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex *But Were Too Afraid to Ask. If you've seen the film, you'll remember Jacobi, the man who snuck his way into a woman's closet, cross-dressed in a white and red dress, and ended up in a whole thieving kerfuffle on the suburban streets outside.

Watch the clip and reminisce after the jump. Lou, you are missed.

[via Variety]

Continue reading RIP: Lou Jacobi

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]]>CinematicalLou JacobiLouJacobiMonika BartyzelWed, 28 Oct 2009 17:18:00 ESTHenry Gibson, 1935-2009http://www.cinematical.com/2009/09/17/henry-gibson-1935-2009/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/09/17/henry-gibson-1935-2009/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/09/17/henry-gibson-1935-2009/#commentsFiled under:



The gallery of colorful character actors has lost another one of its most reliable members. Don't feel bad if you don't know the name Henry Gibson, because I suspect that a "supporting" player like Mr. Gibson would take your ignorance as a compliment. Actors like Henry Gibson generally show up 7th or 8th in the opening credits, if they show up there at all, but they excel at two things: Providing flawless support for a lead actor or a big star, and giving movie-watchers a nice comfortable vibe of "Ohhh, this guy! He's been in a dozen flicks I've seen before. No idea who he is, but I'm glad to see him again."

That was Henry Gibson. The frustrated "Illinois Nazi" from The Blues Brothers. The confused grocer in Innerspace. The goofy preacher from Wedding Crashers. He was in Nashville, The Long Goodbye, The Nutty Professor, Magnolia, and The 'Burbs. He worked on the screen, on the stage, and in more TV shows than you've probably ever seen. Hell, he was even the voice of Wilbur in the animated version of Charlotte's Web.

Mr. Gibson passed away this week at the age of 73. I think its safe to say he left behind a legion of adoring colleagues (he worked a lot!), to say nothing of the appreciative old-school film fans. He will be missed. The Cinematical staff sends its condolences and best wishes to Mr. Gibson's friends and family.

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]]>henry gibsonHenryGibsonScott WeinbergThu, 17 Sep 2009 15:33:00 ESTDiscuss: What Kind of Patrick Swayze Fan Are You?http://www.cinematical.com/2009/09/16/discuss-what-kind-of-patrick-swayze-fan-are-you/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/09/16/discuss-what-kind-of-patrick-swayze-fan-are-you/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/09/16/discuss-what-kind-of-patrick-swayze-fan-are-you/#commentsFiled under: ,



When I first heard the news that Patrick Swayze had passed away at age 57, my first two thoughts were as follows: Point Break (1991) and Donnie Darko (2001). Those were my two personal Patrick Swayze cult classics, the ones I own on DVD, the ones I can watch again, anytime. But the next thing I saw was a tribute on morning television, and the main clips came from Swayze's biggest hits, Dirty Dancing (1987) and Ghost (1990), two films I do not own on DVD and do not particularly care to see again. Then I looked him up and saw a cornucopia of other titles, ranging all over the map, including a bunch of stuff I had never heard of. There were two I reviewed as a critic, the awful Green Dragon (2001) and the very cool 11:14 (2003).

There was an early appearance, along with a handful of other rising stars in Francis Ford Coppola's The Outsiders (1983). There was a Golden Globe nomination for the campy To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar (1995). There was a failed bid for Oscar glory with Roland Joffe's City of Joy (1992). There was a British comedy that seems pretty popular in England, Keeping Mum (2005). There were some cheesy 1980s action films, like Steel Dawn (1987) and Next of Kin (1989). Then, further down the list, I noted two more films of a different nature, Red Dawn (1984) and Road House (1989). I saw Red Dawn so long ago that I can't remember any of it, and I have never seen Road House, but they are on my radar as much-loved cult films in other quarters. From the looks of them, however, they probably fall somewhere between the "cheesy" and "so-bad-it's-good" categories of cult films.

Continue reading Discuss: What Kind of Patrick Swayze Fan Are You?

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]]>discusspatrick swayzePatrickSwayzeJeffrey M. AndersonWed, 16 Sep 2009 17:45:00 ESTRest in Peace, Patrick Swayzehttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/09/14/patrick-swayze-dies/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/09/14/patrick-swayze-dies/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/09/14/patrick-swayze-dies/#commentsFiled under:



Recently, the National Enquirer swore that Patrick Swayze had taken a turn for the worse and was heading home to die. I didn't write it up because I didn't want to believe it, and comforted myself in the fact that the Enquirer is far from a reliable source for information. However, while he may have been valiantly fighting pancreatic cancer and working until almost the end, now the AP reports that Patrick Swayze has passed away at the age of 57. In a statement released by publicist Annett Wolf: "Patrick Swayze passed away peacefully today with family at his side after facing the challenges of his illness for the last 20 months."

Swayze's career started back in 1979, when he played Ace Johnson in Skatetown, U.S.A. But it wasn't until The Outsiders in 1983 that he started to make the waves, stealing young girls hearts with his portrayal of Darrel Curtis. Then came Red Dawn, Youngblood, and the epic miniseries North and South, each paving the way for the film that made him an indelible icon, a man we would never forget -- Johnny Castle in Dirty Dancing. Pulling Baby out of the corner, he became a tried and true star. Ghost, of course, followed soon after, and then things petered off. But he didn't stop working. He had an amazing stint as the eerie Jim Cunningham in Donnie Darko, and even as he fought the cancer, he showed up in Powder Blue and The Beast. He seemed unbeatable...

Patrick, you're missed ... and this is for you ...

Dirty Dancing, The Time Of My Life

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]]>CinematicalfeaturedPatrick SwayzePatrickSwayzeMonika BartyzelMon, 14 Sep 2009 20:11:00 ESTRIP Punk Poet Jim Carrollhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/09/14/rip-punk-poet-jim-carroll/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/09/14/rip-punk-poet-jim-carroll/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/09/14/rip-punk-poet-jim-carroll/#commentsFiled under: ,

Punk poet and author of The Basketball Diaries Jim Carroll passed away September 11th at the age of 60. His autobiography, which detailed his transformation from prep school basketball player to an increasingly desperate drug addict, was adapted for the big screen in 1995. Leonardo DiCaprio's raw performance as Carroll bolstered the young actor's rising star; the film also featured Lorraine Bracco as Jim's mom and Mark Wahlberg as one of his teammates and drug buddies.

Carroll also contributed two songs to the soundtrack, "Catholic Boy" and "People Who Died, " which was also used in the soundtracks for E.T. and the 2004 remake of Dawn of the Dead.

The rocker and writer was also featured in the documentary Poetry in Motion, along with other famous modern poets like Charles Bukowski, Allen Ginsberg, Amiri Baraka, and Anne Waldman. Check out some clips from the movie here, courtesy of Monika Bartyzel. After the jump you'll find a clip from The Basketball Diaries that could easily double as a D.A.R.E. commercial, as well as a music video of Carroll performing "People Who Died" with his band for the movie.

Continue reading RIP Punk Poet Jim Carroll

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]]>Jim CarrollJimCarrollleonardo dicaprioLeonardoDicaprioobitsobituarythe basketball diariesTheBasketballDiariesJenni MillerMon, 14 Sep 2009 17:02:00 ESTTribute: Alexis A. Tioseco and Nika Bohinchttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/09/08/tribute-alexis-a-tioseco-and-nika-bohinc/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/09/08/tribute-alexis-a-tioseco-and-nika-bohinc/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/09/08/tribute-alexis-a-tioseco-and-nika-bohinc/#commentsFiled under:



I'm probably the wrong person to write this tribute, but I felt something needed to be said. I had never met, nor indeed had ever heard of Filipino-Canadian film critic Alexis A. Tioseco -- though he and I have been published in the pages of the same weekly paper -- or his Slovenian film journalist partner Nika Bohinc, who were killed by three burglars in their home in Manila last Tuesday night. (He was 29; she was 30.) A few of my colleagues knew them, and the heartfelt tributes have been pouring in. Raised in Vancouver, Tioseco moved back to his birthplace, the Philippines, in 1997. He started and ran a website called Criticine.com and contributed articles to other papers, magazines and websites. He focused mainly on Southeast Asian cinema, and felt that it was unnecessary to contribute to the already overloaded myriad of opinions on the latest English-language blockbuster.

Continue reading Tribute: Alexis A. Tioseco and Nika Bohinc

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]]>alexis tiosecoAlexisTiosecoapichatpong weerasethakulApichatpongWeerasethakulcinematicalfeaturedfilmmovienika bohincNikaBohincJeffrey M. AndersonTue, 08 Sep 2009 19:15:00 ESTMolly Ringwald on the 'Neverland' of John Hugheshttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/08/12/molly-ringwald-on-the-neverland-of-john-hughes/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/08/12/molly-ringwald-on-the-neverland-of-john-hughes/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/08/12/molly-ringwald-on-the-neverland-of-john-hughes/#commentsFiled under: ,

Molly Ringwald's tribute to John Hughes in the New York Times offers outsiders an enlightening look at what it was like to work with the writer and director who created the movies that not only shaped our teen years, but those of his stars.

While her essay is sentimental, it's not saccharine, and like Ms. Ringwald herself, it's beautiful. She offers us a rare glimpse into the reclusive director, "a sort of J.D. Salinger for Generation X" whom she compares to Peter Pan with a huge, open heart that eventually closed off to the world of Hollywood.

She writes, "Most people who knew John knew that he was able to hold a grudge longer than anyone - his grudges were almost supernatural things, enduring for years, even decades. Michael suspects that he was never forgiven for turning down parts in Pretty in Pink and Ferris Bueller's Day Off. I turned down later films as well. Not because I didn't want to work with John anymore -- I loved working with him, more than anyone before or since...

Eventually, though, I felt that I needed to work with other people as well. I wanted to grow up, something I felt (rightly or wrongly) I couldn't do while working with John. Sometimes I wonder if that was what he found so unforgivable. We were like the Darling children when they made the decision to leave Neverland. And John was Peter Pan, warning us that if we left we could never come back. And, true to his word, not only were we unable to return, but he went one step further. He did away with Neverland itself."

And just like we all have our favorite memories of watching Hughes movies, so do his stars. Read her essay -- it will make you feel like you were there, crawling through the AC ducts above Maine North High School during detention.

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]]>Anthony Michael HallAnthonyMichaelHallFerris Buellers Day OffFerrisBuellersDayOffJohn HughesJohnHughesMolly RingwaldMollyRingwaldPretty in PinkPrettyInPinkJenni MillerWed, 12 Aug 2009 14:45:00 ESTWhat's Your Favorite John Hughes Memory?http://www.cinematical.com/2009/08/07/whats-your-favorite-john-hughes-memory/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/08/07/whats-your-favorite-john-hughes-memory/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/08/07/whats-your-favorite-john-hughes-memory/#commentsFiled under: ,

I was a wee lass when my mom and I caught The Breakfast Club on late-night TV. I remember a distinct uneasiness mixed with giggles during the one scene where John Bender (Judd Nelson looking very foxy) snuck a peek at Claire's underwear while he was hiding under the desk. (Claire, in case you live under a rock, is played with ice-queen perfection by Molly Ringwald.) I teared up when Brian (Anthony Michael Hall) described his desire to commit suicide. And I admired how awesome, cool, and crazy Allison (Ally Sheedy) was in her black clothing, purse full of crap, and lies about sex with her shrink. (I was also disappointed by her makeover, but such is life. Duckie was supposed to end up with Andie, and Iona traded in her punk rocking-ness for a more normal dude in Pretty in Pink, after all.) And every time I hear "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds all I want to do is dance in my living room and trade earrings with a cute boy. I was never in detention, but The Breakfast Club makes me wish I was. At least once.

What's your favorite memory of watching a John Hughes movie? What scene do you wish you could have lived in, just for a minute?

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]]>anthony michael hallAnthonyMichaelHalljohn hughesJohnHughesjudd nelsonJuddNelsonmolly ringwaldMollyRingwaldsimple mindsSimpleMindsthe breakfast clubTheBreakfastClubJenni MillerFri, 07 Aug 2009 19:02:00 ESTJohn Hughes Passes Away After Sudden Heart Attackhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/08/06/john-hughes-passes-away-after-sudden-heart-attack/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/08/06/john-hughes-passes-away-after-sudden-heart-attack/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/08/06/john-hughes-passes-away-after-sudden-heart-attack/#commentsFiled under: , ,

John Hughes left an indelible mark on the childhood of most people who grew up in the 1980s. It was impossible to get through most days without hearing a quote from one of his movies, and chances are you can remember watching at least one of these with your friends: Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Weird Science, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Planes, Trains, & Automobiles, She's Having A Baby, and those are just some of the movies he directed -- he wrote and produced many more.

His words, characters, and song selections all made up the soundtracks of so many of our lives, and he passed away earlier today at the age of 59, according to TMZ. Cause of death appears to be a sudden heart attack while visiting his family in New York City. We're sure cable channels will be scrambling to toss together some Hughes marathons this weekend, and though his time as a director might have been over for some time, the impression he left on audiences and filmmakers will hopefully never be forgotten.

Now to go pull out my Ferris Bueller's Day Off DVD and reminisce about 1986.

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]]>cinematicalfeaturedfeaturesferris buellers day offFerrisBuellersDayOffJohn Hughesjohn hughes dies of heart attackJohnHughesJohnHughesDiesOfHeartAttackKevin KellyThu, 06 Aug 2009 16:52:00 ESTIn Memoriam: Harve Presnell (1933-2009)http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/03/in-memoriam-harve-presnell-1933-2009/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/03/in-memoriam-harve-presnell-1933-2009/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/03/in-memoriam-harve-presnell-1933-2009/#commentsFiled under:

Actor, singer and Broadway star Harve Presnell died July 1, 2009 at the age of 75. Born September 14, 1933, Presnell started his career on stage, playing prominent roles on Broadway in shows such as The Unsinkable Molly Brown, before moving into film work in the late 1960s. Perhaps best known as the domineering father-in-law to William H. Macy's sheepish wannabe kidnapper in Fargo, Presnell enjoyed a career resurgence in the 1990s and became one of the more recognizable character actors of the last two decades.

Presnell's performance in Fargo was one of those that made even cinephiles wonder, who is this guy? Playing Wade Gunderson, the gruff and obstinate father of the film's kidnap victim, he complemented the desperate ambition of Macy's Jerry Lundegaard and the smalltown sensibleness of Frances McDormand's Marge Gunderson. That same year, he appeared in several other movies, including The Whole Wide World, Larger Than Life and The Chamber, rekindling a film career that stagnated in 1976.

Continue reading In Memoriam: Harve Presnell (1933-2009)

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]]>harve presnellHarvePresnellTodd GilchristFri, 03 Jul 2009 09:02:00 ESTKarl Malden Dies at 97http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/01/karl-malden-dies-at-97/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/01/karl-malden-dies-at-97/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/01/karl-malden-dies-at-97/#commentsFiled under:

Karl Malden, an Oscar- and Emmy-winning actor and former president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, died of natural causes today in Los Angeles at the age of 97. His long life and successful career were virtually free of scandal or controversy, and as an actor he was by all accounts a consummate professional. He and his wife, Mona, who survives him, were married for 70 years, which might literally be a show-business record.

Malden was born Mladen George Sekulovich in Chicago, the son of a Serbian father and Czech mother. He changed his name for obvious reasons when he went into acting (after working alongside his father in the steel mills), but often found a way for someone to mention the name "Sekulovich" in his films, as a tribute to his roots. He appeared in 21 Broadway productions between 1937 and 1957, including the premiere of A Streetcar Named Desire in 1947. He and several other cast members from the show, including Marlon Brando, reprised their roles for the 1951 film version, and Malden won an Oscar for best supporting actor. He was later nominated for On the Waterfront, in which he also appeared with Brando. Overall, he appeared in some 50 films, 19 in the 1960s alone.

In the 1970s, he earned four Emmy nominations as the star of The Streets of San Francisco, where he played an experienced cop working with rookie Michael Douglas. Malden also appeared in American Express TV commercials throughout the '70s ("Don't leave home without it"), an oft-parodied but long-remembered campaign that worked because of his familiar, trustworthy face. His bulbous nose, perhaps the most recognizable thing about him, was the result of sports injuries in his youth, and Malden joked about it frequently. He later won an Emmy for his work in the 1984 miniseries Fatal Vision.

Continue reading Karl Malden Dies at 97

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]]>a streetcar named desireAStreetcarNamedDesirefeaturedkarl maldenKarlMaldenmarlon brandoMarlonBrandoEric D. SniderWed, 01 Jul 2009 23:02:00 ESTMichael Jackson's Bond with Sci-Fi and Comicshttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/26/michael-jacksons-bond-with-sci-fi-and-comics/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/26/michael-jacksons-bond-with-sci-fi-and-comics/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/26/michael-jacksons-bond-with-sci-fi-and-comics/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

One of the things us genre fans remember most about Michael was his love of sci-fi and fantasy. It oozed out of almost everything he touched, and as visionary filmmakers like James Cameron and George Lucas began making advancements in special effects during the 1980s, Jackson was right there, incorporating his talents into the most memorable music videos of our generation.

Here, SciFi Squad's Mike Moody remembers Jackson's love of sci-fi and comics, and points to some really great content from around the web as all of us come together today to mourn the loss of a pop-culture legend.

Michael Jackson, the king of pop, whose music left an indelible mark on the popular music landscape, died yesterday at the age of 50. It seemed there was little about Jackson's life that didn't make the news or tabloids throughout his long career, with the possible exception of his love of science fiction and comic books.

Jackson was a huge comic book fan, and even considered buying Marvel Comics in the 1990s. MTV Splashpage looks at Jackson's history with comics, and notes that the pop star owned a giant collection of superhero books, costumes and statues that recently went up for auction. Comics Alliance has a rundown on Jackson's 5 greatest moments in comics, including his last public trip to a comic shop and the fate of his Moonwalker comic.

Read more at SciFi Squad

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]]>comicsmichael jacksonmichael jackson diesMichaelJacksonMichaelJacksonDiesCinematical staffFri, 26 Jun 2009 12:02:00 ESTBREAKING: Michael Jackson Dies, According to Reportshttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/25/breaking-michael-jackson-dies/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/25/breaking-michael-jackson-dies/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/25/breaking-michael-jackson-dies/#commentsFiled under: , ,

TMZ is reporting that Michael Jackson has died of cardiac arrest. Paramedics were called to his home this afternoon after the singer stopped breathing. When they arrived, he had no pulse and after repeated attempts to revive him, he was pronounced dead. Jackson's songs were featured on a number of different movie soundtracks over the years, and as an actor he appeared in the film The Wiz and the Francis Ford Coppola-directed Captain EO, among others. Of course we'll never forget his extended music video/short film for Thriller, directed by John Landis (who later directed his video for Black or White), as well as the other countless videos that helped shape our culture. Though he's had his share of problems and controversy over the years, it's sad to hear that one of the great pop-culture icons of our generation has passed on. He was 50.

UPDATE: The LA Times now confirms through law enforcement officials that Jackson passed away after arriving at the hospital in a deep coma.

Feel free to share you favorite Michael Jackson memories in the comments section ...



Michael Jackson Photos

    FILE - In this Sept. 15, 1972 file photo, The Jackson 5, from left, Tito, Marlon, Michael, Jackie and Jermaine perform during the "Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour" in Los Angeles. (AP Photo, file)

    AP

    FILE - In this Oct. 4, 1977 file photo, Diana Ross, center, as Dorothy, Michael Jackson, right, as Scarecrow, and Nipsey Russell as Tinman perform during filming of the musical "The Wiz" in New York. Ted Ross, portraying the Lion, is partly hidden behind Russell. (AP Photo, file)

    AP

    Singer Michael Jackson (C) and sisters LaToya (L) and Janet Jackson walk over to greets fans during a lunch break at a pretrial hearing in Santa Maria, California in this August 16, 2004 file photo. Pop giant Michael Jackson, who took to the stage as a child star and went on to set the world dancing to the thumping rhythms of his music for decades, died on June 25, 2009, TMZ website reported. He was 50. There was no official confirmation of the reported death and spokespersons for Jackson could not be reached for comment. REUTERS/Ed Souza/Pool/Files (UNITED STATES ENTERTAINMENT HEALTH)

    Reuters

    FILE - In this undated file photo, the Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, front right, Marlon Jackson, front left, Tito Jackson, back left, Jackie Jackson and Jermaine, back right, are shown in Los Angeles. (AP Photo, file)

    AP

    FILE - In this Friday, April 30, 2004 file picture, Michael Jackson, center, surrounded by security, uses his hand to block the view of cameras as he arrives for his expected indictment on charges related to child molestation at a courthouse in Santa Maria, Calif. (AP Photo/Pool, Hector Mata)

    AP

    FILE - In this 1972 file photo, singer Michael Jackson at age 13, the youngest member of the singing group Jackson Five, sings in his home in Encino, Ca. (AP Photo, file)

    AP

    U.S. pop star Michael Jackson performs "We are the World" during the World Music Awards at Earl's Court in London in this November 15, 2006 file photo. Pop giant Michael Jackson, who took to the stage as a child star and went on to set the world dancing to the thumping rhythms of his music for decades, died on June 25, 2009. TMZ website reported. He was 50. There was no official confirmation of the reported death and spokespersons for Jackson could not be reached for comment. REUTERS/Kieran Doherty/Files (BRITAIN ENTERTAINMENT HEALTH IMAGES OF THE DAY)

    Reuters

    SANTA MARIA - MARCH 24: (FILE PHOTO) Singer Michael Jackson arrives at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse on day 19 of his child molestation trial March 24, 2005 in Santa Maria, California. The iconic pop star, 50, was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital June 25, 2009 after going into cardiac arrest, receiving CPR in the ambulance, according to reports. (Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Michael Jackson

    Getty Images

    SANTA MARIA, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: (FILE PHOTO) Singer/songwriter Michael Jackson waves to fans as he arrives for court on September 17, 2004 in Santa Maria, California. The iconic pop star, 50, was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital June 25, 2009 after going into cardiac arrest, receiving CPR in the ambulance, according to reports. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Michael Jackson

    Getty Images

    SANTA MARIA, CA - AUGUST 16: (FILE PHOTO) Defendant Michael Jackson with sisters LaToya Jackson (L) and Janet Jackson exit the Santa Maria courthouse for break during the evidentiary hearing in the Michael Jackson child molestation case August 16, 2004 in Santa Maria, California. The iconic pop star, 50, was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital June 25, 2009 after going into cardiac arrest, receiving CPR in the ambulance, according to reports. (Photo by Ed Souza-Pool/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Michael Jackson

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]]>featuredmichael jacksonmichael jackson deathmichael jackson diesMichaelJacksonMichaelJacksonDeathMichaelJacksonDiesErik DavisThu, 25 Jun 2009 17:45:00 ESTFarrah Fawcett Dies After Battle with Cancerhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/25/farrah-fawcett-dies-after-battle-with-cancer/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/25/farrah-fawcett-dies-after-battle-with-cancer/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/25/farrah-fawcett-dies-after-battle-with-cancer/#commentsFiled under:

Farrah Fawcett, one of the original Charlie's Angels cast members and the best-selling pinup girl in history, died this morning in Santa Monica, Calif, three years after being diagnosed with cancer. Actor Ryan O'Neal, with whom she'd had an on-again/off-again relationship for nearly 30 years, was at her side. Fawcett was 62.

The Corpus Christi native and University of Texas at Austin alumnus had become relatively famous in the early 1970s doing modeling and guest spots on various TV shows, but it was her role as one of the three sexy crime fighters in Charlie's Angels, in 1976, that made her a superstar. The iconic poster of her in a red swimsuit sold 12 million copies -- the most ever for a poster -- and adorned teenage boys' bedrooms all across America. When she appeared mostly nude in Playboy in 1995, at age 48, it became the magazine's bestselling issue of the 1990s.

She left Charlie's Angels after a year to pursue a movie career that never materialized, but she earned critical respect and Emmy nominations in made-for-TV movies throughout the 1980s, including The Burning Bed and Poor Little Rich Girl: The Barbara Hutton Story. Her theatrical films included Logan's Run, The Cannonball Run, The Apostle, and Dr. T and the Women. Her last role was in the 2004 comedy The Cookout.

Fawcett and O'Neal have a son, Redmond, born in 1985.

[Via: Associated Press and Variety.]

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]]>farrah fawcettFarrahFawcettfeaturedEric D. SniderThu, 25 Jun 2009 14:33:00 ESTR.I.P. Dom DeLuisehttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/05/05/r-i-p-dom-deluise/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/05/05/r-i-p-dom-deluise/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/05/05/r-i-p-dom-deluise/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Wow. Leave it to one friend's muted Facebook status to tip me off to the fact that actor Dom DeLuise passed away yesterday at the age of 75.

Most of us probably grew up watching his comedic work, whether it was live-action -- Blazing Saddles, The Muppet Movie, The Cannonball Run -- or animated -- An American Tail, The Secret of NIMH, All Dogs Go to Heaven. He also frequently appeared on the small screen, eventually garnering a Golden Globe nomination and a Daytime Emmy for his live-action and animated TV work, respectively. He also authored several children's books and cookbooks in his spare time.

According to Popeater, he is survived by his wife of 54 years and three sons. No cause of death has been given at the time of this posting.

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]]>William GossTue, 05 May 2009 14:02:00 ESTWho's Your Favorite Dirty Old Lady on Film?http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/27/whos-your-favorite-dirty-old-lady-on-film/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/27/whos-your-favorite-dirty-old-lady-on-film/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/27/whos-your-favorite-dirty-old-lady-on-film/#commentsFiled under: ,

By now you've probably heard -- Maude-Golden Girl Bea Arthur passed away over the weekend at the age of 86. In honor of the great actress and comedian, EW called up old co-star Rue McClanahan for her thoughts. During the discussion, she said: "And she [Arthur] told some pretty raunchy jokes, live on stage. In fact, a couple that were just a bit too much for me! [Laughs.] But boy she could tell a dirty joke. Oh my God, she was funny!"

This is what makes her passing right now all the more unfortunate -- one of the greats has left us just as the dirtiness of the silver set, particularly the Golden Girls themselves, dips into a Renaissance already mourning the loss of Estelle Getty. Lenora Claire recently brought us the wonder of Golden Gals Gone Wild. Meanwhile, Betty White jumped from her woman-without-morals role on Boston Legal to the dirty ol' Grandma Annie in the upcoming Sandra Bullock romcom The Proposal. One view of the trailer and it is obvious that White is easily the one reason the film might be worth a view or two.

These are the women who tought us the ever-important lesson that age isn't all bridge clubs and shopping sprees to spoil the grandkids. Nor is it something that eradicates every lascivious whim of youth, perversions and obscenities melting away for sugary, batty niceness (even if Ellen Albertini Dow made a wonderful career out of it).

So I thought we could take a moment on this Monday to give some love to the old ladies who defy expectations, whether they're spinning a dirty joke with the best of 'em, or delivering shocker line for comedic effect (like Jessamine Milner in Blazing Saddles). Which surprising old women stick in your memory banks? The killers of Arsenic and Old Lace? The saucy dentured neighbor in Yes Man? That other famous Maude, the one who loved Harold? Or maybe Nedra Volz from Moving Violations? Weigh in below!

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]]>Bea ArthurBeaArthurCinematicaldirty old ladies on filmDirtyOldLadiesOnFilmfeaturedGolden GirlsGoldenGirlsMonika BartyzelMon, 27 Apr 2009 11:02:00 ESTRIP, J.G. Ballardhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/20/rip-j-g-ballard/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/20/rip-j-g-ballard/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/20/rip-j-g-ballard/#commentsFiled under:

After a long battle with prostate cancer, British novelist J. G. Ballard passed away in his home in west London on Sunday at the age of 78. Ballard might not have been a big name in Hollywood, nor lent his time to the world of Tinsel and screenwriting, but his novels did make for two radically different and unforgettable films.

First, there was Steven Spielberg's Empire of the Sun -- the story of Ballard's expat childhood in China and his experiences in an internment camp when the Japanese invaded during World War II. This also happens to be the film that truly kicked off Christian Bale's career (he played the young, fictionalized version of the writer). Ballard once wrote: "In many ways my entire fiction is the dissection of a deep pathology that I had witnessed in Shanghai and later in the postwar world."

This notion adds a whole other dimension to the other notable film made from his work: David Cronenberg's Crash, which saw James Spader, Holly Hunter, Elias Koteas, Deborah Kara Unger, and Rosanna Arquette explore the world of sexual energy bred out of car crashes. Roger Ebert said of the film: "It downloads gigabytes of information about sex, it discovers our love affair with cars, and it combines them in a mistaken algorithm. The result is challenging, courageous and original--a dissection of the mechanics of pornography."

J.G. Ballard, you will be missed.

Perhaps with his passing, Ballard's work will now get new life in Hollywood. Is there any you'd like to see on the big screen?

[via The Hollywood Reporter]

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]]>CinematicalCrashEmpire of the SunEmpireOfTheSunJG BallardJgBallardMonika BartyzelMon, 20 Apr 2009 19:03:00 ESTNoted Clothing-Eschewer Marilyn Chambers Dies at 56http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/13/noted-clothing-eschewer-marilyn-chambers-dies-at-56/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/13/noted-clothing-eschewer-marilyn-chambers-dies-at-56/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/13/noted-clothing-eschewer-marilyn-chambers-dies-at-56/#commentsFiled under:

You probably knew Marilyn Chambers best as the model who appeared on an Ivory detergent box in the early 1970s, or from her starring roles in Angel of H.E.A.T. and David Cronenberg's Rabid. Or perhaps you remember her as a 2004 vice presidential candidate, running with Charles Jay on the Personal Choice Party ticket and receiving almost a thousand votes.

I'm kidding, of course. You remember Marilyn Chambers as a porn star, titillating millions in such films as Behind the Green Door and Insatiable. She passed away over the weekend, in California, 10 days before her 57th birthday.

Chambers' career began wholesomely, with the Ivory gig and some other modeling jobs, as well as a few small-ish roles in movies, including the 1970 Barbra Streisand/George Segal comedy The Owl and the Pussycat, which sounds like porn but isn't. But it was gettin' naked and doin' it that made her a star, and though she found some mainstream work later on, it never approached the success she had in the porn biz. And besides, you might not consider Cronenberg's Rabid -- in which Chambers gets an emergency skin graft that mutates into a phallic stinger under her arm that turns people into zombies -- to be very "mainstream" anyway.

Her most recent work was in a yet-to-be-released indie film called Solitaire. She also did voice work for a spoof called Porndogs, joining several other legendary adult-film stars in providing voices for the animals who make up the bulk of the cast.

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]]>behind the green doorBehindTheGreenDoormarilyn chambersMarilynChambersEric D. SniderMon, 13 Apr 2009 21:32:00 EST