PASSING ON
Very sad to relate the news that my nephew Michael Gammello, son of my sister, Terri, passed away this week at the age of 36.
MOVIE NOTES
Charlize Theron, Tom Hardy and Vera Farmiga have reportedly been offered roles (none identified) in "The Dark Knight Rises."
Karl Urban, currently co-starring in "RED" and reprising his role of Dr. McCoy in the next "Star Trek" film, will play the title role in the remake of "Judge Dredd."
If the gossip around Sony Pictures is correct, "Ghostbusters 3" will start filming in May 2011. Maybe.
Apparently attacking your wife (allegedly) and having hookers dress up as cheerleaders is good for your career. Not only has Charlie Sheen signed up for the western "Guns of the Dead" but he will also appear in two upcoming sequels: "The Expendables 2" and, reprising his role as Rick "The Wild Thing" Vaughn, "Major League 4," which is also bringing back Tom Berenger. And I'm assuming, if he's not in prison, Wesley Snipes.
Album:
The Return of Bruno - Bruce WillisSoundtrack:
Television's Greatest Hits - A collection of television show themes
For some reason I'm in a television mood this week. I've already spotlighted albums by such television "songsters" as William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. This week I thought I'd pull out one that actually had a hit. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr. Bruce Willis. And behave yourself...I could have brought out Don Johnson!
Released in 1987, on Motown Records no less, "The Return of Bruno" features the red hot star of television's "Moonlighting" covering some of his favorite R & B tunes. In fact, all but one song on the album are Willis' take on familiar melodies. The album reached as high as #14 on the charts, with the first single, a remake of the Staple Singers classic "Respect Yourself," gaining it's own respect by hitting #5. (the original version only hit #12) Two other singles, "Under the Boardwalk" and "Youngblood" didn't crack the top 40 in the states, though "Under the Boardwalk" hit #2 in the U.K. and was one of the most popular songs of the year. Here's a look at Willis, playing off his early career as a bar tender, in the video for "Respect Yourself." I like how he opens with the Staple Singers on the television:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K43BZ0FSOAY
When ever I win a "name that tune" category at weekly trivia, I can usually thank the album series (seven so far) that features the themes from popular television shows. My favorite of the bunch is the first album, which featured 65 themes from many of my favorite shows growing up. From such early morning treasures as the theme to "Captain Kangaroo" to the theme from "The Tonight Show" and everything in between, a spin on the turntable was a trip down memory lane. Say it with me: "Good morning, Captain!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3w7w58CREY
And now, Herrrrrrrrrrrrrrre's Johnny:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keiuXB3dJ0E
Well that's all for now. Have a great week. See ya!
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