Let's be real: Dragons are awesome! Since ancient Mesopotamians whispered about Tiamat and Marduk's red serpent servant, the legend of dragons thrived. For generations, these scaly creatures have induced fear and delight. Tolkien drew from these myths to bring the creature into the modern fantasy canon, with his childhood love of Fafnir, Siegfried's legendary foe, transformed into the prideful Smaug. Now the fantasy genre is almost synonymous with dragons. Of course, the '70s introduction of Dungeons & Dragons helped, too! Today, there's a resurgence of love for these big fellas -- starring in movies like "How to Train Your Dragon" and "Raya and the Last Dragon."
Putting dragons on the big screen is a huge technical challenge. Not every movie's budget can commit to that feat. For decades, animation came to the rescue -- pitching price-conscious versions to younger and more accepting viewers. But after the release of "Jurassic Park,...
Putting dragons on the big screen is a huge technical challenge. Not every movie's budget can commit to that feat. For decades, animation came to the rescue -- pitching price-conscious versions to younger and more accepting viewers. But after the release of "Jurassic Park,...
- 4/7/2023
- by Margaret David
- Slash Film
If you've never watched the 1981 Mel Brooks film "The History of the World, Part I," now is the time to do it. All these years later, a sequel series, "The History of the World, Part II," is hitting Hulu in March. Even if you haven't seen it, you've definitely heard people quote it, from the Torquemada musical number in The Spanish Inquisition segment to lines like, "It's good to be the king," and the "No, no, yes" song from Madeline Kahn. I feel pretty confident when I say that it's one of the funniest movies of all time, and I'm hardly alone in that sentiment.
"History of the World, Part I" is irreverent and absolutely stupid in the most wonderful way, and even after dozens of viewings, I still giggle to myself about parts of it whenever they cross my mind. Not only did Brooks write, direct, and star as Moses,...
"History of the World, Part I" is irreverent and absolutely stupid in the most wonderful way, and even after dozens of viewings, I still giggle to myself about parts of it whenever they cross my mind. Not only did Brooks write, direct, and star as Moses,...
- 1/18/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
Amazon Women on the Moon
Blu ray
Kino Lorber
1987 / 85 Min. / 1:85
Starring Lots of Actors
Cinematography by Daniel Pearl
Directed by Joe Dante, Carl Gottlieb, Peter Horton, John Landis, Robert K. Weiss
Mark Twain said “If you don’t like the weather in New England now, just wait a few minutes.” That applies just as well to 1987’s Amazon Women on the Moon, John Landis’s unofficial sequel to Kentucky Fried Movie and the bastard child of Joe Dante and Jon Davison’s The Movie Orgy. Like those back-handed tributes to the disreputable entertainments of our youth, Amazon Women is a smorgasbord of comedy skits, some served up just right and others pretty half-baked—but a judicious use of the remote control and patience rewards; overall the result is a good-natured vacation for the mind with three or four laugh-out-loud vaudeville sequences and a couple of bona-fide short-form classics. The...
Blu ray
Kino Lorber
1987 / 85 Min. / 1:85
Starring Lots of Actors
Cinematography by Daniel Pearl
Directed by Joe Dante, Carl Gottlieb, Peter Horton, John Landis, Robert K. Weiss
Mark Twain said “If you don’t like the weather in New England now, just wait a few minutes.” That applies just as well to 1987’s Amazon Women on the Moon, John Landis’s unofficial sequel to Kentucky Fried Movie and the bastard child of Joe Dante and Jon Davison’s The Movie Orgy. Like those back-handed tributes to the disreputable entertainments of our youth, Amazon Women is a smorgasbord of comedy skits, some served up just right and others pretty half-baked—but a judicious use of the remote control and patience rewards; overall the result is a good-natured vacation for the mind with three or four laugh-out-loud vaudeville sequences and a couple of bona-fide short-form classics. The...
- 11/10/2020
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
In 1977, Walt Disney Studios released Pete's Dragon, a live-action/animated musical about a boy and his dragon. The film, which was nominated for two Academy Awards, stars Mickey Rooney, Helen Reddy, Red Buttons, Shelley Winters, and Charlie Callas as the voice of the animated dragon. 40 years later, Disney is introducing a whole new generation to Seton I. Miller and S.S. Field's classic story. The remake, co-written and directed by filmmaker David Lowery (of Ain't Them Bodies Saints previously), retains the sweetness of Don Chaffey and Don Bluth's original film while reimagining the story for a modern audience. In the Pacific Northwest in the ‘80s, forest ranger Grace Meacham (Bryce Dallas Howard) finds a young boy named Pete (Oakes Fegley) alone in the wilderness. Like The Jungle Book's Mowgli, Pete is a man-cub raised by animals. Instead of a pack of wolves, the boy is raised by a giant,...
- 8/12/2016
- by Adam Frazier
- firstshowing.net
A frantic 911 call was placed after Monkees singer Davy Jones suffered a massive heart on Wednesday in Florida.
The distressed woman who dialed the emergency number pleaded for an ambulance to "hurry," before suggesting it might be faster to put Jones in a car and drive to the nearest hospital -- which was 27 miles away.
Jones had complained of breathing trouble early in the morning, and was later taken to a hospital in the town of Stuart,...
The distressed woman who dialed the emergency number pleaded for an ambulance to "hurry," before suggesting it might be faster to put Jones in a car and drive to the nearest hospital -- which was 27 miles away.
Jones had complained of breathing trouble early in the morning, and was later taken to a hospital in the town of Stuart,...
- 3/1/2012
- Extra
R&B great Etta James, best known for her classic song "At Last," has died from chronic leukemia. She was 73.
James had been struggling with the disease for several years. She died at a hospital in Riverside, Calif. with her husband of 41 years, Artis Mills, and her sons by her side.
Etta's longtime friend and manager, Lupe De Leon, said, "This is a tremendous loss for the family, her friends and fans around the world.
James had been struggling with the disease for several years. She died at a hospital in Riverside, Calif. with her husband of 41 years, Artis Mills, and her sons by her side.
Etta's longtime friend and manager, Lupe De Leon, said, "This is a tremendous loss for the family, her friends and fans around the world.
- 1/20/2012
- Extra
"Extra" takes a look back at Hollywood's beloved stars who passed away this year.
In Memoriam 2011Harry Morgan
"M*A*S*H" star Harry Morgan died [http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2011/12/mash_star_harry_morgan_dead_at_96.php] at the age of 96 on December 7, after suffering from pneumonia.
Patrice O'Neal
Comedian Patrice O'Neal died at the age of 41 [http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2011/11/charlie_sheen_others_pay_tribute_to_comedian_patrice_oneal.php] on November 29, from complications of a previous stroke.
Ken Russell
British director Ken Russell died [http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2011/11/director_ken_russell_dead_at_84.php] at the age of 84 on November 27, from a stroke.
Theodore Forstmann
"Top Chef" host...
In Memoriam 2011Harry Morgan
"M*A*S*H" star Harry Morgan died [http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2011/12/mash_star_harry_morgan_dead_at_96.php] at the age of 96 on December 7, after suffering from pneumonia.
Patrice O'Neal
Comedian Patrice O'Neal died at the age of 41 [http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2011/11/charlie_sheen_others_pay_tribute_to_comedian_patrice_oneal.php] on November 29, from complications of a previous stroke.
Ken Russell
British director Ken Russell died [http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2011/11/director_ken_russell_dead_at_84.php] at the age of 84 on November 27, from a stroke.
Theodore Forstmann
"Top Chef" host...
- 12/26/2011
- Extra
He was one of the last of the old school comedians. Rubber-faced Charlie Callas has died at age 83. A favorite of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, Callas was a staple of variety TV in the 60s and 70s, usually incorporating sound effects to great effect into his act. Callas was not without controversy and, despite being a frequent guest on The Tonight Show, once so offended Johnny Carson that he was banned from the show- on broadcast TV! Callas also morphed into making feature films, appearing in Jerry Lewis' The Big Mouth and in several Mel Brooks films. Click here for more...
- 1/29/2011
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
American comedian Charlie Callas has died at the age of 86. The veteran funnyman, who worked with Mel Brooks, Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin, passed away on Thursday, January
27 at a care center in Las Vegas, according to Lvrj.com. No further details were available as WENN went to press.
Callas served in the U.S. army during World War II and later worked as a drummer before turning to stand-up comedy. He became well-known for his TV appearances, including regular slots on "The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson", before he was eventually banned by the host for shoving him in an attempt to generate laughs.
Callas famously voiced dragon Elliot in 1977 Disney film "Pete's Dragon" and and starred in Robert Wagner's 1970s detective TV show "Switch". He also regularly opened for Frank Sinatra at the singer's Las Vegas shows.
He was married to Eve Velac and they were parents to two children.
27 at a care center in Las Vegas, according to Lvrj.com. No further details were available as WENN went to press.
Callas served in the U.S. army during World War II and later worked as a drummer before turning to stand-up comedy. He became well-known for his TV appearances, including regular slots on "The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson", before he was eventually banned by the host for shoving him in an attempt to generate laughs.
Callas famously voiced dragon Elliot in 1977 Disney film "Pete's Dragon" and and starred in Robert Wagner's 1970s detective TV show "Switch". He also regularly opened for Frank Sinatra at the singer's Las Vegas shows.
He was married to Eve Velac and they were parents to two children.
- 1/29/2011
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
The zany comedian best known for his work with Mel Brooks, Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin, along with his many stand-up appearances on television in the 1960s and '70s, has passed away in Las Vegas at the age of 83.
Clark County Coroner Mike Murphy told the Associated Press the death was from natural causes.
Mr. Callas was a regular on "The Andy Williams Show" and "The ABC Comedy Hour." Before being permanently banned from...
Clark County Coroner Mike Murphy told the Associated Press the death was from natural causes.
Mr. Callas was a regular on "The Andy Williams Show" and "The ABC Comedy Hour." Before being permanently banned from...
- 1/28/2011
- Extra
Comedian Charlie Callas has died. A staple of the Las Vegas nightclub scene for over three decades, Callas was 86. His rubber faced antics and rapid fire delivery also made him a popular guest on variety shows and late night programs such as Johnny Carson, Jackie Gleason, and Ed Sullivan. All told, Callas appeared on "The Tonight Show" more than 50 times, according to the New York Times. Callas orbited the "Rat Pack" universe, touring with Frank Sinatra and appearing on Dean Martin's various television programs and roasts. Callas also appeared sporadically in movies.
- 1/28/2011
- by Brent Lang
- The Wrap
Charlie Callas, a versatile comedian and sidekick whose zany faces and antics made him a regular for more than four decades on television, in films and on casino stages, has died in Las Vegas. He was 83. A son, Mark Callas, tells The Associated Press that Callas died Thursday in a hospice.
Clark County Coroner Mike Murphy says the death was from natural causes.
Callas toured with Frank Sinatra and Tom Jones, and had a screen part with Jerry Lewis in "The Big Mouth" in 1967.
His facial expressions and rapid-fire comedy also made Callas a favorite on the "Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson.
He also worked with Mel Brooks and was the voice of Elliot in Disney's "Pete's Dragon."...
Clark County Coroner Mike Murphy says the death was from natural causes.
Callas toured with Frank Sinatra and Tom Jones, and had a screen part with Jerry Lewis in "The Big Mouth" in 1967.
His facial expressions and rapid-fire comedy also made Callas a favorite on the "Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson.
He also worked with Mel Brooks and was the voice of Elliot in Disney's "Pete's Dragon."...
- 1/28/2011
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Comedian Callas Dies At 86
American comedian Charlie Callas has died at the age of 86.
The veteran funnyman, who worked with Mel Brooks, Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin, passed away on Thursday at a care centre in Las Vegas, according to Lvrj.com. No further details were available as WENN went to press.
Callas served in the U.S. army during World War II and later worked as a drummer before turning to stand-up comedy.
He became well-known for his TV appearances, including regular slots on The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson, before he was eventually banned by the host for shoving him in an attempt to generate laughs.
Callas famously voiced dragon Elliot in 1977 Disney film Pete's Dragon and and starred in Robert Wagner's 1970s detective TV show Switch. He also regularly opened for Frank Sinatra at the singer's Las Vegas shows.
He was married to Eve Velac and they were parents to two children.
The veteran funnyman, who worked with Mel Brooks, Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin, passed away on Thursday at a care centre in Las Vegas, according to Lvrj.com. No further details were available as WENN went to press.
Callas served in the U.S. army during World War II and later worked as a drummer before turning to stand-up comedy.
He became well-known for his TV appearances, including regular slots on The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson, before he was eventually banned by the host for shoving him in an attempt to generate laughs.
Callas famously voiced dragon Elliot in 1977 Disney film Pete's Dragon and and starred in Robert Wagner's 1970s detective TV show Switch. He also regularly opened for Frank Sinatra at the singer's Las Vegas shows.
He was married to Eve Velac and they were parents to two children.
- 1/28/2011
- WENN
DreamWorks’ newest animated adventure How To Train Your Dragon opens this week in theaters nationwide, so We Are Movie Geeks decided to mark the occasion with our own Top Ten list of movies that best depict dragons. These films may or may not be strictly about dragons, but all of them feature the ancient, often scary, but always cool creatures of fantasy. Whether you’re into fearsome and fiery or cute and cuddly, we’ve got dragons for you!
10. Enchanted
This wonderful modern take on a fairy tale features an awesome climactic ending with the main villain turning into a dragon and chasing Patrick Dempsey up the side of the Woolworth Building in New York. Not only does the sequence feature a dazzling transformation from human to dragon form, but it then escalates into an extremely satisfying chase/battle sequence! If you haven’t scene Enchanted, this finale dragon-filled sequence...
10. Enchanted
This wonderful modern take on a fairy tale features an awesome climactic ending with the main villain turning into a dragon and chasing Patrick Dempsey up the side of the Woolworth Building in New York. Not only does the sequence feature a dazzling transformation from human to dragon form, but it then escalates into an extremely satisfying chase/battle sequence! If you haven’t scene Enchanted, this finale dragon-filled sequence...
- 3/24/2010
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Pete.s Dragon is from a period when the Disney Studios seemed to have lost its way. The film doesn.t seem to have the same magic as when Uncle Walt was in charge but it does have its charms. Pete (Sean Marshall) is an orphan .adopted,. with a bill of sale, into the vile Gogan family, Ma (Shelly Winters), Pa (Charles Tyner), and their dull sons (Gary Morgan and Jeff Conaway). The Gogans keep Pete as a slave, but Pete.s made a friend who gets him away from his servitude. His friend just happens to be an invisible dragon named Elliott (voiced by comedian Charlie Callas but animated by Don Bluth). Pete and his dragon set out on...
- 8/22/2009
- by Jeff Swindoll
- Monsters and Critics
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