My celebrity lookalikes, or so I'm told...

It has been a very interesting week. Throughout my life I have been told that I resemble certain celebrities, but through the years I have never been labeled as one specific celebrity so often and frequently as I have this year. People have frequently told me I look like the following:

1. Bradley Nowell (lead singer of Sublime) but not dead or on drugs.

But I don't see it.

2. Ethan Suplee (actor) only 100 pounds thinner.

But again, I don't see it.

3. Justin Timberlake (as far fetched as it sounds)

I may have real deal DANCE MOVES, but again, I don't see it.

But over the last few months, on an almost daily basis, I've been hearing the same phrase. In person, on the web, and even from family members. "You look like Jason Statham," those are the words that have been uttered more frequently than you can imagine. Do I think I resemble the British action star? Well, besides sharing the same hair cut and 5 o'clock shadow, no I do not. But it seems others would disagree.

Comments are left on my semi-popular Youtube video "A Tribute to the Handshake in Predator" everyday. And only recently have I been getting comments from complete strangers regarding my Jason Statham-esque looks. Here are a few examples:

"To the guy in the red.....if you were a little leaner....BAM!!! JASON STATHAM lol"

urb3stm8

"You look like Jason Statham"

larrymcjones

Yesterday, while walking to lunch with my friend, a homeless/crazy man, stopped us, asked us if we were famous. He said to me, "You know who you look like? Have you seen the Expendables? You know the guy that drives all the cars and gets all the women? You look just like him, man, for real." Had this not been happening as a regular occurrence I would have just laughed off the compliment and chalked it up to this man's insanity. But at this point, I might just have to buy into the hype. To hell with it, I do look like Jason Statham...

Mr. Monk and the Odlands...

After working on the hit USA series Monk for the last 3 seasons I was honored to attend the show's final wrap party. Here are a couple pictures of Tony Shalhoub with me and my mother. Yes, I'm a good son, I take my mom to fancy schmancy Hollywood parties.

I'm Rantman!

It seems that my favorite actor is up to it again. This time his rantings are captured on tape. Christian Bale, previously known for "assaulting" his mother shortly after the release of The Dark Knight, is at it again. This time his victim: the Director of Photography for Terminator Salvation. Here is the recording, try and count the "F-words."

click here: JUICY EXPLICIT AMAZINGNESS

Gearing Up For Sundance 2009....

Now that a new week is upon us, I find myself trying to mentally and physically prepare for my grand return to the Sundance Film Festival 2009 in Park City, Utah. I have not attended this annual collection of Independent films since I made my Utah exodus in 2006. As you can imagine, I am more than excited to make my return. With two "fest rookie" friends at my side, Matt (NY) and Megan (LA) we are going to conquer a total of 7 screenings in 4 days. Since the festival is already well underway (has been on since Thurs. Jan. 15), we will be a little behind the buzz, which from my experience will be to our benefit.

Our indy film adventure begins on Wednesday, when we fly into Salt Lake City. Matt and I have the exact same layover in Las Vegas, and coincidentally will be on the same flight from Vegas to SLC. We couldn't have planned it better! Once we land we will meet up with Megan, somehow, some way and will head to my parents house in Park City (pictured right). We'll hit the sack and rest up for the next few days, which will be mad busy.

Our plan will be as follows, feel free to meet up with us at the following screenings:

Day 1 Thurs. Jan. 22:

8:30 am Peter & Vandy @ the Raquet Club. (Matt's Choice)3:15 pm Big Fan @ the Eccles Theatre. (Matt's Choice)
Day 2 Fri. Jan. 23:

6:00 pm Black Dynamite @ The Tower Theater, Salt Lake City (Kristian's Choice)



11:59 pm Død Snø (Dead Snow) @ The Egyptian Theater (Kristian's Choice)


Day 3 Sat. Jan. 24:

9:00 am Moon @ The Eccles Theatre (Kristian's Choice)


8:30 pm Shorts Program V @ Prospector Square Theater (Matt's Choice)

11:59 pm The Informers @ The Tower Theater, Salt Lake City (Kristian's Choice)



As you can see we have a lot to look forward to this year. Many of these films are already getting lots of critical acclaim. Some have already been picked up for distribution (Black Dynamite). Although, I must say that my Norwegian bias paired with my love for horror movies has made Dead Snow the must see film of the Festival for me this year. I will do my best to give my take on each of these flicks in blogs to come. Stay tuned and stay warm while we're freezing our asses off in Park City.

Mike Myers Austin Powers...

So I'm sitting here inside theater 5 awaiting the showing of AFI Night at the movies presentation of Austin Powers. This is a very cool event hosted by the Arclight Hollywood. The theater closed it's doors to all regular business to accommodate each of these movies. Initially I was very worried that I wasn't going to make it on time, there was bad traffic between here and the Hollywood bowl, probably from Niel Diamonds adoring fans(I'm actually seeing the Diamond for free tomorrow night.). But I made it with 10 minutes to spare, this was supposed to start at 7:00, now it is 7:38 and still nothing, but I anticipate it to start soon. In fact I'm hearing the ushers saying that we are moments away, so I am going to put my AMAZING iPhone away and report back later...

*several hours later*

The movie was loads of fun, Austin Powers has always been one of my favorite comedies of all time. Before the screening the film's Director, Jay Roach, came out, shared a short story about the issue the production actually had with getting Sharks with "freakin" lasers attached to their heads. The budget wouldn't permit so they really couldn't get sharks. Mike Myers, in all seriousness suggested to Jay they get mutated ill-tempered sea bass. Jay liked it so much, that it was rewritten and added into the movie. See it for here...



After Jay Roach did his piece, he introduced the one the only, Mike Myers. Mike told of his love for the Austin Powers franchise and actor Robert Wagner aka "No. 2." Apparently "RJ" as his closest friends called him, made a lasting impression on Mike. As you would assume, Mike was full of jokes and funny stories. Unfortunately there was no hint of a possible fourth installment of the A.P. series.

The AFI night at the Movies event was very cool. I will be attending next year and so should you. Below is a list of the films and actors that presented at the event.

Dying to meet Dexter...

Today I sent my parents, aunt and uncle to the Tonight Show. As I went to pick them up we got the chance to meet Michael C. Hall out in the NBC midway. He was on the show promoting the new season of Dexter. The "parentals" got a REAL kick out of meeting Dexter himself. I don't often get star-struck, but would it be out of place to say that it was "killer" to meet the man behind Dexter Morgan (I know cheese ball line, but what else could I have said?).

Tricia Helfer: The most beautiful NUMBER...

*Me and Tricia Helfer (known best as the super sexy Cylon "Number Six" from the SciFi series "Battlestar Galactica")

SEE MORE OF MY CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS!

Save McLovin'

You've seen him in the highly popular comedy Superbad. Apparently, the higher you are, the HARDER you fall...PLEASE do what you can, save McLovin'

Bullet-ridden Action that you MUST see...

There is one thing that makes a good action movie EVEN better. Bullets, bullets and more bullets. From Rambo to Commando, the more bullets flying on screen, and the higher the body count, the better the action flick. With that said there are two movies coming out that show some SERIOUS potential, let me tell you all about them.

The first, is one that you have probably already heard about. Starring veteran action star and mega babe, Angelina Jolie, and James McAvoy (Atonement), Wanted, tells the story of a young man (McAvoy) who finds out his long lost father is an assassin. And after his father is murdered, he is recruited by his pappy's old organization and is trained to follow in his dad's footsteps. This will be a high octane shoot-em-up action movie with some added eye candy thanks in part to Angelina. Wanted comes blows up in theaters on June 27, 2008. Check out the trailer...



While surfing the web today, I came across a promo reel for this movie, which I have NEVER heard of. It more than caught my eye, believe me, it looks VERY kick ass. The Tournament, is about a contest that takes place in an unsuspecting town every seven years, a battle royale between 30 of the world's deadliest assassins. The last man standing gets a $10,000,000 cash prize and the title of Worlds No1 Killer. A blood-soaked, action-thriller, The Tournament brings together Robert Carlyle (28 Weeks Later), Ian Somerhalder ("Lost"), and Ving Rhames (Pulp Fiction) as pawns in a deadly game of assassisin ego and pride. No official word on when this violence smörgåsbord comes to theaters, but you should check out this demo reel in the meantime, its kind of long, but it is WICKED cool!

Ian Somerhalder with his little pump-action friend from The Tournament.
Looks like a bit of homage to Scarface.

Don't get your hopes up for Indy 4!

Some concerning words have sprouted online from Indy writer/producer George Lucas. In an interview Lucas expressed concern that Indiana Jones fans may have built up unrealistic expectations for his upcoming Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

"When you do a movie like this, a sequel that's very, very anticipated, people anticipate ultimately that it's going to be the Second Coming," Lucas told USA Today. "And it's not. It's just a movie. Just like the other movies. You probably have fond memories of the other movies. But if you went back and looked at them, they might not hold up the same way your memory holds up." In fact, he added, when expectations rise to such heights, "You're not going to get a lot of accolades. ... All you can do is lose."

Don't get too worried, I'm pretty sure Lucas is just saying this in the wake of what happened with Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, everyone was BEYOND stoked for its 1999 release and there was so much hype behind it. But when it finally came to theaters most people weren't happy and expected more. Lucas just doesn't want the same thing to happen to loyal Indy fans.

G.I. Joe, the real American ZERO...

It is a bit of a trip down memory lane for many of us that grew up in the '80s. I'm sure you've heard by now that Paramount and Dreamworks has decided to make G.I. Joe into a feature film. I honestly don't know what to think about this. Frankly, I think it is just another attempt for the studios to grab a HUGE chunk of money from the generation that grew up watching the cartoon and playing with the action figures. In fact, the upcoming film will most likely be LAME. After all, Stephen Sommers, who directed the awful and shameful Van Helsing, is helming this adaptation. I WILL say however that I am pretty impressed with the people they have cast. See for yourself.



One of my favorite casting decisions is that of martial artist-actor Ray Park. He has been cast as the masked and mysterious hero Snake Eyes. You might remember Park from his unforgettable role as the devious Darth Maul, from Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace and the highly agile mutant, Toad, in the highly popular X-Men. In fact just yesterday, Larry Hama, the mastermind behind this new cinematic version of the Joes, sent out the first released publicity shot of Ray Park in the Snakes-Eyes costume and they are for lack of a better word "DOPE!"These photos are AWESOME, but I fear the awesomeness may just end there. I feel like I should admonish you to enjoy these photos for now, because something tells me that this movie could be, for lack of a better word, "SHIT!" G.I. Joe is out Summer 2009.

Super Heroes and Comedy, do they make a dynamic duo?

Spoof films are one of my favorite things to laugh at. Yes they are usually over-cheesy, and just plain unoriginal. But I don't think this underrated genre gets the respect it deserves. My love for spoofs or "Parody Films" developed at an early age when I was a kid. Although I didn't completely understand the jokes and all the movie references, Airplane! was the first true spoof that I saw and actually remember having a fondness for. It wasn't too long after that I saw Mel Brook's Young Frankenstein and was COMPLETELY in love with parody movies.

The 1980s was the decade in which the spoof genre truly blossomed. After all, the first film in the greatest spoof franchise of all time was produced in 1988. The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! raised the bar to comedic levels not yet reached by previous parodies, and added over-the-top, ridiculously stupid, yet monstrously hilarious gags into the story line. It also made Leslie Nielsen the undisputed king of the genre. He has since appeared in dozens of parody films since including: Dracula: Dead and Loving It, Spy Hard, The Scary Movie Franchise, and the upcoming Superhero Movie.

With that said, I must point out that in recent years, the spoof has been over used and no longer has the same charm and appeal it once had. Epic Movie, Meet the Spartans, and The Scary Movie Franchise have all but ruined the genre and have virtually scared me away from taking any part in it. However, I will admit that I am a little interested in the Superhero Movie that is due out in theaters on March 28th. David Zucker, the guy that brought us Top Secret!, BASEketball, and The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! is producing the picture. So in my mind there is some hope that Superhero Movie could be entertaining. But I am not getting my hopes too high for this one.

Now let me just make fun of it for a bit. Apparently this one is a send-up of all superhero films, from Batman Begins, X Men, Spider-Man to the Fantastic Four. And like any recent-day spoof a cast of major B-Listers like Pamela Anderson, Tracy Morgan, and Christopher McDonald will be making complete fools of themselves for the sake of comedy. Take this picture of Ms. Anderson, for example. Clearly sporting an outfit similar to those worn by the members of the Fantastic 4, only in this case the tailor forgot to take into account her DYNAMIC DUO.

Tracy Morgan, who you might recognize from SNL and 30 Rock, plays "Dr. Xavier," the tradition spoof trademark of using a very similar, but different name from the original character. (example: Professor Xavier now: Dr. Xavier). I happen to be a HUGE T. Morgan fan, so I will admit that he alone is one of the main driving forces behind my interest in seeing this potential train wreck. If nothing at all, I'll pay, watch, laugh and leave. All in good fun. Check out the trailer...

Random Celebrity Sighting...

I was reminded today of why I love living and working in LA. On my way back from lunch today, I noticed a familiar face, critically acclaimed director, Ron Howard (The Da Vinci Code, A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13) . Man, it's cool to be in this town, you truly never know who you are going to see...

3 ACTION-PACKED web rumblings, and they're making me GIDDY...

What a juicy day in movie news. Today, I was overjoyed to read about the rumblings of three different action movie "sequels" that will be coming to theaters in the not too distant future. And I must admit people, that I am getting pretty giddy about it.

First up is Warner Bros. reinvention of the highly popular Terminator series. Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins, starring Christian Bale and rumored to also star Josh Brolin, has been set for release in May 2009. According to Variety, the film will begin shooting in New Mexico on May 5 and should go for about two months. The storyline is under tight wraps, but the plot is only the first part of a planned trilogy. Salvation is supposed to take place after the nuclear holocaust that concluded Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, with John Connor (Bale) leading a renegade band of human survivors in the fight against Skynet. Terminator fans everywhere rejoice, there might actually be salvation for us after Terminator 3's shortcomings.

The second bit of juicy news, although not nearly as cool, is that my British look-alike, Jason Statham, is officially repeating his role, for the third go, as the edgy, gun-slinging, kung fu-fighting, driver/delivery man also known as The Transporter. The buzz-cut-having Brit will again play Frank, the mercenary delivery driver who will transport any package, anywhere, no questions asked. Plot details for the third installment haven't been released yet, but according to Variety, Transporter 3 will maintain its European flair with shooting scheduled for 16 weeks in Russia and France.

The third and final bit of juiciness is all thanks to a mundane and otherwise boring article that was posted on Variety (yes, all of my source material is from the same website in this entry). The article eludes to, but does not confirm that a fourth chapter of the Jason Bourne series could be reality. Can the series be BOURNE AGAIN? Word for word the article states:

"More recently, Shmuger and Linde landed Paul Greengrass and Matt Damon for a fourth "Bourne" movie, even though the director and star seemed ready to wrap it up after three pics."

Reality or not, the idea of another Bourne film gets me excited like a 12-year-old girl at the front row of a Back Street Boys concert. "Quit Playin' Games (With My Heart!)" Matt Damon.

“I’m F***ing Seth Rogen”

This is pretty freakin' hilarious...Check it out!

SNL is back and There will be Blood...

For those of you who didn't see the return of Saturday Night Live this weekend, you missed some pretty funny sketches. The Milkshake sketch, which pays homage to this years Best Picture nominees, was by far the highlight of the night. Properly titled "The Will Be Milkshake for Old Men." Check it out...

Quantum of Scarface?

The is a rumor going around today and if it turns out to be true could be super AMAZING. It's no secret that in the new Bond film, Quantum of Solace, 007 will be in pursuit of the head of the terrorist network established in Casino Royale. Most fans had expected that big man to be Dominic Greene, the villain played in "Q of S" by Mathieu Amalric. But what if Greene isn't the top dog? Well, Ain't it Cool News, broke this rumor today that Oscar winner, Al Pacino will make a climactic cameo in "Q of S" as the boss of the terrorist network. Although this has not been confirmed I wouldn't rule out the possibility completely. It would definitely make for a great "OH SNAP!!" moment in the movie, as long as he doesn't insist on making Bond "say hello to his little friend." In reality, chances are that someone just overheard something that was incorrect and passed it on. You know how some rumors can grow into outrageous but ever entertaining falsehoods. My fingers are crossed for the "OH SNAP!" moment to be a truth.

John Rambo, changing the WORLD??

The highly popular but fictitious character John Rambo seems to be creating some ruckus in reality. According to IMDB several
Bootleg copies of the latest Rambo movie have been popping up all over Myanmar (Burma - where the film is set.), despite efforts by authorities to prevent the film from being circulated.

A report from Yangon said that the movie, in which the country's military junta is portrayed as the enemy, is "fast becoming a talking point among a population eager to shake off 45 years of military rule." Reuters indicated that a paraphrased line from the movie, "Live for nothing, die for something," has become a rallying cry within the country and has buoyed the resolve of opponents of the military regime.

You go John Rambo! This is the whole reason movies are made, to inspire! I'm not condoning senseless violence, nor am I supporting any act of war. I'm just saying that I've seen this movie twice already and know that there is some serious power behind it and I'm NOT surprised that it is inspiring the Burmese (Mayanmarian) population to revolt against their current military leadership. Again, I am not claiming that Rambo is an epic film that deserves awards. I'm just glad to see that this testosterone packed action fest is doing more than entertaining people. Here is just a taste of what you're missing out on, if you haven't seen it yet, GO...

"Oy vey. They're darker than we are...."

You may remember a few weeks ago I mentioned a special screening that I was looking forward to attending. Well, last night was that night. It was a Mel Brooks double feature at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica. In the past I had attended screenings at the Aero where directors/actors would do a Q&A session in between their features. A very cool opportunity for die hard film fanatics, like myself. But this particular night was different. My whole life I had grown up watching Mel Brooks movies, I would even credit them for helping me develop this "grade A" sense of humor I have today. But anyway, back to the subject, Mel Brooks himself was going to be at this screening and was going to take questions from the audience in between the showing of Blazing Saddles and History of the World: Part 1. I really had no idea what to expect from old Mel, but my hopes were high.

We arrived at the theater a little over an hour before the screenings began and to our surprise the line was already out the door and around the corner. (Actually, I wasn't too surprised Mel is very popular.) At that point I realized that actually meeting Mel Brooks was highly unlikely. Regardless, I was still anxious to see the two classics on the big screen in their original film print.

Once inside, we took our seats, the Aero Theatre welcomed us to the special engagement and Blazing Saddles began rolling on the big screen. The movie, of course, is hilarious, but because there were so many Brooks fans in the house it seemed to be twice as funny.

Once the credits were finished rolling, the house MC introduced Mr. Mel Brooks. The entire theater rose in standing ovation and I could barely see the top of Mel's head making his way to the front of the theater. Before the Q&A session began, the MC announced that there would be no photographs or autographs allowed with Mr. Brooks. I thought that was a bummer, but I was so taken by his presence that I soon forgot.

At the ripe old age of 82 years old, Mel Brooks still hasn't lost it. He had the audience roaring in laughter. He spoke about the production of Blazing Saddles. He shared with us a story of how the Warner Bros. Executives in 1973 almost denied production. See and hear for yourself...

I'm telling you Mel hasn't lost it. After a long and VERY entertaining Q&A session Mel Brooks went to the back of the theater, took his seat and we watched the History of the World: Part 1. I will admit, this was the first time I had ever seen this movie. I loved it in all of its hilarity. Easily, one of Mel's best. "It's good to be King!"

As the movie ended we decided to beat the crowd and left just as the credits started. We had parked blocks away, so we started walking up to my car. After about four blocks or so, we noticed a little old man, walking alone to his car. It was then it smacked me in the face...that was Mel Brooks. He had apparently left moments before us to avoid the crazy fans. I was ecstatic, here I thought I was going to miss out on meeting the man, but fate had other plans. HA HA (I know, I am kind of superstitious when it comes to this kind of stuff.) I kindly asked him if I could get a picture with him? He turned and said, of course. I shook his hand and told him what a fan I was, that I loved all of his work and that he was a household name in my family. He was so kind and talkative. He said he was grateful that we came out to see his movies.

In all, it was a very cool experience. Mel Brooks will one day be listed among the greats of comedy and now I will be able to say that I got to shake the hand of this legend.