Phil attends CHARLIE CHAPLIN DAYS at the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum-June 1 & 2, 2013

During the year of 1915, the world of cinema was making history. D.W. Griffith's THE BIRTH OF A NATION  changed the landscape of cinema forever. Producer/distributor William Fox founded the new Fox Film Corporation. Also in the small town of Niles, California, a little comedian came into town, made about five films in three months, and then left. However, those five films helped paved the way for Charlie Chaplin's signature character The Tramp to become one of cinema's most beloved icons. This past weekend, the town of Niles, as well as the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, celebrated its most famous actor with its annual Charlie Chaplin Days, which are held every year on the first weekend of June.

Charles Chaplin (1889-1977)

Before I begin, let me tell you how Mr. Chaplin found his way to Niles real quick. In late 1914, Essanay Studio co-founder G.M. Anderson (also known as Broncho Billy, the screen's first cowboy superstar) signed the then yet well known comedian Charlie Chaplin. Chaplin had been discovered by Mack Sennett, founder of Keystone Films, the home of Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle, Mabel Normand, and the infamous Keystone Cops. Anderson offered the young comedian complete creative over his films: he would write, direct, and star in his films. To sweeten the deal, Anderson offered Chaplin a $10,000 signing bonus, which was a large sum of money back in late 1914. Chaplin made one film for the Chicago Essanay Studio branch, but he didn't get along very well with co-owner George Spoor. Chaplin soon left to make films out in Niles. During this time he made an astounding five films in just three months, as well as discovering his leading lady Edna Purviance. However, Niles was a little too boring and country-ish for Chaplin, who loved the city life. So with Anderson's permission, Chaplin took Purviance and a small crew to Los Angles, where he finished up his contract. The following year, Chaplin singed a deal with Mutual Pictures, where they offered him more money, his own production company, and a $150,000 signing bonus. But it was his time in Niles is where he developed his Tramp character. By combining pathos, sympathy, while still bringing a smile to our faces, Chaplin's Little Tramp became an overnight sensation, and thus creating one of cinema's most treasured characters.

On both Saturday and Sunday, the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum showed all five of Chaplin's films he made here in Niles: A NIGHT OUT (co-starring Ben Turpin), THE CHAMPION, IN THE PARK, A JITNEY ELOPEMENT, and his most famous film THE TRAMP, featuring the most iconic image and ending in film history of the Little Tramp walking away in Niles Canyon. One of Chaplin's most important films he ever made. Also shown on both days was the documentary short WHEN THE MOVIES GO WEST, a 1974 PBS short. The other documentary short, the 1964 KPIX WHEN THE MOVIES CAME FROM NILES was shown on Saturday afternoon.

Later that Saturday night, there was a show showcasing other Chaplin films. The first films screened were three shorts: MAKING A LIVING (a 1914 Ketstone film), A NIGHT AT THE SHOW (a film he made for Essanay in LA in 1915), and EASY STREET (from 1916, after he left Essanay for Mutual). The main feature of the night was 1918's SHOULDER ARMS.

On Sunday afternoon the museum held their annual Chaplin lookalike contest. Also there was a cool train ride through Niles Canyon, courtesy of the Niles Canyon Railway. It's the perfect way to see the canyon were film history was made 100 years ago!

This was such a fun filled weekend! I for one can't wait till next year's Charlie Chaplin Days! In the meantime, there are plenty more excitement happening at the museum. We have a weekly Saturday Night shows, including the extremely popular Comedy Shorts Night. The last weekend of June is their annual Bronco Bill Film Festival! So don't delay! Come on down to the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, where silent films live forever!!

To learn more about Charlie Chaplin, visit the official website at www.charliechaplin.com. To learn more about the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, how to become a member, and to view their film schedule, visit their website at www.nilesfilmmuseum.org.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees THE HANGOVER PART III at the Century 20 Oakridge Mall-May 24, 2013

Well, it's over. The fat lady has sung. The final curtain call. Game over man. What am I trying to say, you may be asking? I'm talking about THE HANGOVER PART III, the final chapter chronicling the misadventures of the infamous wolfpack. However, I'm sorry to report that this was not a funny movie to end the series on.

The film's official synopsis: In the aftermath of the death of Alan's (Zach Galifianakis) father, the wolfpack decide to take him to get treated for his mental issues. But things start to go wrong on the way to the hospital as the wolfpack is assaulted and Doug (Justin Bartha) is kidnapped. Now Alan, Phil (Bradley Cooper), and Stu (Ed Helms) must find Mr. Chow (Ken Jeong) again in order to surrender him to the gangster named Marshall (John Goodman) who kidnapped Doug in order to save him.

The film tries to be funny but fails to become funny every step of the way. While we are taken to both Tijuana and back once again to Las Vegas, the laughs and sight gags are few and far between. Director Todd Philips (ROAD TRIP, OLD SCHOOL, and THE HANGOVER films) does a fine job of directing the film, capturing the beauty  of the scenic locations of Mexico and the bright lights of Sin City, but  in the end, the jokes fall flat. Fall flat on its ass. All the jokes sucked. Just making sure that what I'm saying is crystal clear.

This is a perfect example of what's wrong with Hollywood. When the first film came out in 2009, it was hailed has one of the funniest films of the 21st century. But when it made an enormous amount of money at the box office, the studio saw dollar signs and became greedy. It was a stupid idea to try and make a sequel in the first place because how do you top the first film? The comedy in THE HANGOVER was so over the top and so outrageous, the next film would look lame and pathetic in comparison. This was what happened with the PART II and we witness it again here with this film.

Also, here's something that I don't get. It's called THE HANGOVER PART III, but there is no hangover in the film. Granted, there's a bonus scene in the credits that takes place after a wedding and the whole gang wakes up and are all hungover. So there you go but that's it. It's also worth noting that the 4 minute bonus scene was funnier than the entire 90 minute movie. Yup, that's pathetic!

THE HANGOVER PART III is a waste of time and not even worth a look. It's not even worth renting, or streaming, or anything. In lament terms, the film sucked ass big time! 2 out of 5 stars, only because of the hilarious bonus scene.

THE HANGOVER PART III is currently playing in theaters nationwide, including the Century Theaters here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at http://cinemark.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS in 2D and 3D at the Century 20 Oakridge Mall- May 17, 2013

In the year 2009, writer/director J.J. Abrams did the impossible. His re-imaging of STAR TREK was a huge summer blockbuster, injecting the stale franchise with a major shot of adrenaline for the 21st century audiences to enjoy. Now in 2013, Abrams releases the next chapter in the rebooted series. STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS expands on the characters we've all come to know and love while giving us one of the greatest villains of all time.

Here is the film's official synopsis: When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.

What I enjoyed about the film was that we get to know more about the characters. Kirk (Chris Pine) is still a brash, impulsive, head strong young man who has so much potential, but thinks he's above rules and regulations. Since the film is supposed to take place before the original television series, we get to see what the crew of the Enterpise was like when they were still young and green. In the case of Kirk, the events that transpire in the film will no doubt shape him into becoming the great captain that he is destined to become.

However the big star of the film is Benedict Cumberbatch, who's Kahn is one of the greatest villains to ever grace the silver screen. Unlike the previous incarnation, this Kahn is far more intelligent, more cunning, and more vicious. His mind is like a steal trap. His plans are far more deadlier. His body is a lethal weapon. And this Kahn has no problem with killing someone with his bare hands. Not since Heath Ledger's Joker in THE DARK KNIGHT have we seen a villain so terrifying!

The entire cast from the first film are once again reunited for this successful sequel. All turn in great performances. But like all sequels, there are some new blood injected into the mix. Joining in on all the fun is actor Peter Weller, who's famous for the playing the lead in the 1987 film ROBOCOP. Here, Weller portrays Starfleet Admiral Alexander Marcus, who knows more about Kahn than he's letting Kirk on. Also appearing in the film is the beautiful Alicia Eve as science officer Dr. Carol Marcus, daughter of Admiral Marcus and potential love interest for Kirk. Both of these two make the film much more interesting as well as intense.

Overall STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS is on helluva sci-fi, hi-octane, roller coaster ride of a sequel! It's action packed, it's humorous, it's unpredectable, it's just a damn good movie! Don't believe me? I saw the film TWICE IN ONE DAY!! That's right people! I saw it in 2D, loved it, walked to the boxoffice and saw it again in 3D! BTW the 3D effects were spectacular! So if it's in 3D see it! If not, see it still!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS is currently playing in both 2D and 3D in theaters nationwide, including the Century Theaters here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at http://cinemark.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil hosts the Cult Movie Screening of SPACEBALLS at the Camera 3 in Downtown San Jose-May 16, 2013

Hello again everybody and welcome to Month Four of the 2013 Cult Movie series at the Camera 3 in Downtown San Jose! Now for those of you who are late to the game, let me explain this cool series. In 2011 the Camera Cinemas started up the Cult Movie series (which for years had been called the Midnight Movie series). They would show one cult film twice a month (Thursday nights at 9:30 and Saturday nights at midnight) from February through November. Tonight we screened the Mel Brooks' 1987 sci-fi/comedy classic SPACEBALLS. Once again yours truly was back as the host for tonight's screening. Prizes were donated by Streetlight Records and by Time Tunnel Toys, both located here in San Jose. There were also yummy donuts to eat, courtesy of Psycho Donuts located in the lobby.

The film's official synopsis: King Roland (Dick Van Patten) of the planet Druidia is trying to marry his daughter Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga) to Prince Valium, but Vespa is kidnapped by the evil race of the Spaceballs, led by the ruthless Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis). The Spaceballs ask Roland a tremendous ransom: all the air of Druidia (you see, the air of Spaceball had serious pollution problems...). The King decides to offer a generous amount of money to a space rogue, Lone Starr (Bill Pullman) and his partner Barf (the late John Candy), to persuade them to save Vespa. What follows is the parody of a LOT of famous sci-fi movies (STAR WARS, ALIENS, STAR TREK, and THE WIZARD OF OZ just to name a few).

The film was directed by Mel Brooks, who has made several of the all-time classic comedy films of all time. This list is endless: THE PRODUCERS, BLAZING SADDLES, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, SILENT MOVIE, HISTORY OF THE WORLD: PART I, and ROBIN HOOD: MEN IN TIGHTS for starters. The cast reads like a who's who: Rick Moranis and John Candy were on the cult Canadian TV show SCTV and have appeared in numerous film throughout their career. Dick Van Patten is famous for his role as Tom Bradford from the TV show Eight Is Enough. A young Bill Pullman can be seen here, of course he would go on to appear in films like INDEPENDENCE DAY, LOST HIGHWAY, WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING, and BOTTLE SHOCK. Actress Daphne Zuniga has starred in films like THE SURE THING, THE FLY II, THE INITIATION, and TV shows like Melrose Place, Models Inc., and One Tree Hill. 

The film was released to theaters by MGM on June 24, 1987 and was met with a mixed reception. The film's budget was $22.7 million and grossed only $38,119,483. So the film was not a success at all, however, it went on to become a cult classic once it was released on VHS. Now it is considered one of Mel Brooks' finest (and funnest) films!

Now like I said, the Camera 3 will be showing one cult classic film every month from now till November. Next month we'll be screening the 1992 David Lynch film TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME on June 13th and again on June 15th. So make plans to attend this screening folks! To view their upcoming schedule, visit the Camera Cinemas website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil attends the Peaches Christ Production of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW: THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT TRIBUTE with Patricia Quinn Live In-Person at the Vistoria Theatre-May 11, 2013

Now as many of you are already aware, I'm a big fan of THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW. I attended the regular monthly midnight screenings at the Camera 3 with my friends Barely Legal, I've done the Time warp dance numerous times. I thought I've done it all, but I was wrong. Recently I had the pleasure of heading back out to San Francisco with my good friend/make-up artist Michelle Snyder to attend the Peaches Christ production of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW: THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT TRIBUTE! Also making this even more extraordinary was the addition of Magenta herself, Patricia Quinn was there live in-person. All this ROCKY fun was held at the Victoria Theatre (San Francisco's oldest operating theatre) over in the Mission District.

There were three shows at three different times: Friday, May 10th at 8pm, then Saturday, May 11th at 3pm and 8pm. Michelle and I went to the last show on Saturday. Upon arriving at the theatre, we made our way to the front row (as we always do) so we can take in all this Peachy goodness fun! The air in the Victoria was intoxicating! The energy level was off the charts. The audience was really fired up. Then The Bawdy Caste (the ROCKY shadowcast that performs here in the city and in Menlo Park) showed all the newbies (AKA virgins) how to do the Time Warp dance. They left the stage right after, and the lights dimmed, and the show began!

Hostess Peaches Christ (Photo courtesy of Facebook)

Peaches came out looking absolutely gorgeous! Fans were screaming and shouting and whistling! She greeted the audience and explained that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the original musical play, which was created by Richard O'Brien (who played Riff Raff in both the play and the movie). After Peaches finished her introductions, it was time for the show to begin!

Singing the song's intro was Magenta herself: Patricia Quinn!! The entire audience went completely crazy!! Hearing Mrs. Quinn singing "Science Fiction/Double Feature" was incredible!! I was jumping and screaming like a little girl!! After the she finished her song, Peaches came back out to narrate the show.

The entire cast was outstanding! This is what a rock'n'roll show should be! So much singing and dancing! Drag queens rocking out! People doing the Time Warp! There were so many highlights that it is just too damn difficult to list. But if I had to list just one, it would be when Jason Brock (one of the Dr. Frank-N-Furters that night) was belting out a heart warming rendition of "I'm Going Home." That performance literally made everyone gasp for air and they all gave Jason one helluva standing ovation! At the end of the show, Patricia Quinn returned to the stage to sing the closing song.

Peaches & Patricia Quinn (Facebook photo)

After the show was over, Peaches conducted an interview with Patricia Quinn, who regaled audiences with funny and interesting personal stories that made the audience laugh. The Mrs. Quinn participated in a rousing Q&A session. The my friends from Barely Legal came on-stage as judges for the costume contest. Then Patricia did an autograph session for all her fans!

This was one night I will not forget for a very long time! Now this was the big kickoff for what Peaches Christ has dubbed "The Summer of Peaches!" All summer long there will be Peaches shows for all her fans to enjoy! The first of these events will be A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 2, which will take place on June 22nd during the Frameline Film Festival 37. Then on July 13th, Peaches will screen THE CRAFT. And finally, on August 24th, it's the annual SHOWGIRLS event. All three shows will be at the historic Castro Theatre and ticket for all three shows are on sale now! To purchase your tickets for these shows, please visit Peaches' official website at  www.peacheschrist.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil counts down to CREATURESCON 2 during the Big Wow! ComicFest at the San Jose Covention Center May 18-19, 2013

During the Big WOW! ComicFest at the San Jose Convention Center May 18th-19th, there will be another special convention happening simultaneously. CreaturesCon 2 is "the world's ONLY convention dedicated to the Bay Area's beloved TV phenomenon Creature Features." For those of you who live outside the Bay Area, this legendary show ran on KTVU Channel 2 in the San Francisco Bay Area from 1971 to 1984. The show was hosted by Bob Wilkins, and later by John Stanley, who took over in 1979. During the convention, we celebrate this beloved television show!

Celebrities in attendance for CreaturesCon 2 are as follows: Creatures Features host John Stanley, filmmaker and Creature Features archivist Tom Wyrsch, Strephon Taylor from November Fire, HARDWARE WARS director Ernie Fosselius, Bay Area horror host Lord Blood-Rah, and Rob Wilkins, son of the late Bob Wilkins, who passed away from Alzheimer's disease on January 7, 2009.

There will be informative Programs and panels for fans to attend: History of TV Horror Hosting panel, Creepy KOFY Movie Time panel, and A Tribute to Bob Wilkins.  There will be a props area, cool Creatures Features items for sale, but the biggest event happening is that there will be a LIVE Creatures Features show hosted by John  Stanley!! That's right! I said a LIVE CREATURES FEATURES SHOW HOSTED BY JOHN STANLEY!! Now I grew up watching the show, and to see it live, it is a dream come true for not only myself, but for fans of the show!!

Creature Features hosts John Stanley (L) and Bob Wilkins (R)

So for all you horror fans out there in the Bay Area, make sure you come out d be part of all this fun! To learn more about the CreaturesCon 2 and to purchase tickets and passes, please visit their official website at www.creaturescon.com. To purchase tickets and passes for the Big WOW! ComicFest, visit their official website at www.bigwowcomicfest.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!  

Phil counts down to the BIG WOW! COMICFEST at the San Jose Convention Center May 18-19, 2013

Ladies and gentleman, fanboys and cosplayers rejoice! The Big WOW! ComicFest returns to the San Jose Convention Center this weekend May 18th and 19th! That's right, San Jose's premier comic book show is back with comic book artists, Anima/Manga, cool cosplayers and costume contests, movie stars and so much more!

There are numerous comic book personalities already signed up to appear at the convention and all are icons in the industry: Neal Adams, J. Scott Campbell, Mark Badger, Sergio Aragones, Travis Charest, Adam Hughes, Kevin Nowlan, Barbara Kesel, and Frank Cho just to name a few.

Stan Lee circa 2007.

However, the big news is that on Sunday, May 19th, making is only Northern California appearance is none other than Mr. Marvel Comics himself: Stan "The Man" Lee! For those of you who may not recognize this name, Stan Lee is the co-creator of the Marvel Universe. Along artist Jack "The King" Kirby, Lee helped create The Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, The Avengers, The X-Men, The Mighty Thor, and Spider-Man. He's made cameo appearances in every Marvel film to date, and is the founder and CEO of POW! Productions. Stan Lee is a legend in the industry, whose contributions are extraordinary. The comic book world wouldn't be the same without him!

Along with comic book personal, there will be other celebrities appearing from all avenues. In the entertainment world, fans can meet local stars such as Balrok from the hit KOFY TV20 television show Creep KOFY Movie Time, horror hostess Miss Misery from Miss Misery's Movie Massacre, horror host Lord Blood-Rah, Strephon Taylor from November Fire, local documentary filmmaker Tom Wyrsch and legendary Creature Features host John Stanley. Also appearing is gutarist Jane Wiedlin from the Go-Go's, as well as Thomas Jane, star of the 2004 Marvel film THE PUNISHER.

Fans will also meet some of the finest cosplayers around, including Valerie Perez, Ivy Doomkitty, Keith  Carter, and Tally Smith for starters. Then there's all the comic book artists at the Underground and Artist's Alley creating original works of art, the cool Anima area that includes my friend Carlyfornia, plus all the dealers, toys, comics and everything else you can imagine!

There's also cool programs and panels during the two days, including a Geek Fashion Show, Costume Rock Band Challenge, Women in Comics, Filmmaking with Miss Misery, Latinos in Comics, and so much more.

So what are you waiting for? Start planing to attend Northern California's premiere comic book and entertainment event! To learn more about the convention and to purchase tickets and passes, please visit Big WOW! ComicFest's official website at www.bigwowcomicfest.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!