THE YEAR THAT WAS
On a personal note, two events stand out for me this year. In May, with my son by my side, I proposed to my lady love, Juanita and, thankfully, she said "yes!" Sadly, in October, Marjorie Drinnenberg, Matt's mother, passed away. She had been my "mom" since 1976 when Matt and I met, and her passing leaves a void in my heart that will not quickly heal. In August I was fortunate to see her one last time, introducing her not only to my own mother but to Juanita. Thinking back on that day later I commented that I was so happy she had gotten to meet Juanita because "I could never marry someone my mother didn't approve of."
THANKS FOR EVERYTHING
Once again, it's time to give thanks to the people that mean the most to me, both here at the PCR and in my life. Often they are one and the same:
Nolan B. Canova: Yes indeed, my friend. This summer marked 30 years of our friendship. How time flies. I often go back and read some of the earlier Rants and chuckle at the little asides you used to add to them, commenting on something I had written. You have given me a place to share my thoughts and ideas and for that I sincerely thank you.
Matthew Drinnenberg. My brother. I often say I don't know where I would be today if we hadn't met, though I think I can safely say I wouldn't like it. I can't tell you enough how proud I am to be your friend. I sense great things ahead in 2008.
Phillip Smith. My son. Now a junior in college with his own apartment. When I was a teenager I used to love Harry Chapin's "Cats in the Cradle," because it said so much to me as a kid. The older I get I relate more to the song as a dad. Of course, Phillip recently purchased his first NEW car so at least he won't be bugging me for the keys to mine. I love you son.
Juanita Craft. My honey. In less then four months we will be married. It makes me smile to know that when I write this next year I'll be referring to you as my wife! These past two years have been some of the happiest of my life and I can't wait to see what lies in store for the next 50. I love you.
The PCR staff. It was hard enough trying to keep up with Wil and now I've got to deal with Andy, Lisa and ED! You all keep me on my toes and push me to do my best work. I can't wait to see what you all have planned for 2008.
The readers. Yes, you! Thank you for taking the time to click on the picture of the guy with the shark on his head and read his ramblings. And thank you for your comments, be they positive or negative. Though, of course, I prefer positive ones. I mean, if you think you're so damn smart, why don't......oops, sorry. Happy New Year!
FINALLY!
It was pretty thin this year for the "Crazed Fanboy Presents" Interview series. But 2008 will start off with a bang as TWO interviews are already in the can. Coming soon, in celebration of the 30th Anniversary of "Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind," an in depth interview with Production Designer Joe Alves. Mr. Alves not only designed the look of this classic film, he's worked on films as diverse as "Forbidden Planet" and Elvis Presley's last non-concert film, "Change of Habit." Oh, and he also designed the shark for a little movie called "JAWS." Also, I sat down with actor John Lehr, creator of the improv-comedy "10 Items of Less," which begins it's second season next month. You may also know John from his work as the original Geico caveman.
FANBOY CALENDAR
Keep these dates circled on your movie going calendar for 2008:
Jan 18: "Cloverfield"
May 2: "Iron Man"
May 16: "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian"
May 22: "Indiana Jones and the Kindgom of the Crystal Skull"
June 13: "The Incredible Hulk"
June 20: "Get Smart"
July 11: "Hellboy 2: The Golden Army"
July 18: "The Dark Knight"
Nov 7: "Bond 22" (Untitled James Bond)
Nov 21: "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"
Dec 25: "Star Trek"
THEY SAID IT
Next week I'll reveal my top 10 films of 2007. While you're waiting, here are my 10 favorite movie quotes:
"Spiderpig, spiderpig. Does whatever a spiderpig does!"
Homer Simpson singing the praises of his pet pig in "The Simpson's Movie."
"Do I look like I'm negotiating!?"
An obviously non-negotiating Michael Clayton (George Clooney) in "Michael Clayton."
"You know when you hear a girl say 'Ah man, I was so shit faced last night. I shouldn't have fucked that guy?' WE could be that mistake!"
Seth (Jonah Hill) in "Superbad."
"Quitting while you're ahead is not the same as quiting."
Chinese General (Ric Young) to Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington" in "American Gangster."
"If you are thinking of going into this house....DON'T!"
Narration for the faux trailer for "Don't" in "Grindhouse"
"You don't have to brush me or feed me after riding me."
Rachel (Lindsay Lohan), explaining why she was less dangerous then a horse in "Georgia Rules."
"Nancy Kerrigan? You an official here? Because you have officially given me a boner!"
Chazz Michael Michaels (Will Ferrell) to Nancy Kerrigan in "Blades of Glory"
"Then we will fight in the shade!"
Stelios (Michael Fassbinder) explaining to the Persian messenger that he has no fear of their arrows blotting out the sun in "300"
"If you want to be famous, learn how to take blood out of car upholstery. That's a skill you can take right to the bank!"
Edna Turnblad (John Travolta) to her daughter, Tracy, in "Hairspray."
"Steely Dan can gargle my balls!"
Ben Stone (Seth Rogen), obviously not a Steely Dan fan, in "Knocked Up."
PASSING ON
Sports commentator Stu Nahan, who at the age of 81 still worked on air for the Los Angeles Dodgers, passed away from lymphoma. Movie fans will remember him as the main fight commentator in the "ROCKY" films.SORRY I MISSED YOU, PART 2
Those who left us during the last 6 months of 2007:
Hy Zaret, lyricist for the song "Unchained Melody," at the age of 99 from unknown causes.
Max Hodge, television writer credited with creating "Mr. Freeze" for the "Batman" series. 91.
Peter Zinner, 88. Oscar winning film editor of such films as "The Deer Hunter."
Monty Westmore, patriarch of a Hollywood family that would design film make up effects. Age 84.
Mel Tolkin, head writer for Sid Caesar's "Your Show of Shows." Among his fellow writers: Neil Simon, Woody Allen and Mel Brooks. He was 94.
Roger B. Smith, head of General Motors in the 1980s and the subject of Michael Moore's film, "Roger and Me," passed away at age 82 after a brief illness.
Frank Capra, Jr., movie executive and son of famed director Frank Capra. Age 73 from prostate cancer.Well, that's it for now. Have a great week and a happy new year and I'll meet you in 2008. See ya!
"Mike's Rant" is ©2007 by Michael A. Smith. Webpage design and all graphics herein are creations of Nolan B. Canova. All contents of Nolan's Pop Culture Review are ©2007 by Nolan B. Canova.
