A note to my readers (and some beef jerky time)

I just wanted to thank each and every one of you, dear readers. You made my 2009 much brighter, and it makes me happy to know that my brand of nostalgia and cinema lovin' can be shared with others with likewise open heart and mind. You all rock. I sign off 2009 with a nod to 1983 and one of my absolute favorites of all time. A movie that makes me happy, and can watch at any given time... I don't think it's fair to sum up the genius of Trading Places with a bunch of words on a screen. Just watch the film and you'll laugh. MERRY NEW YEAR!!!

Happy Holidays!

Hope your 2009 rocked (the casbah even!) And if it didn't come close, which is true for a lot of us, there's always 2010 to make a little contact. Here are a few holiday treats...

Now playing at a theater near you... 25 years ago

25 Years ago this week these movies opened up on the big screen: This little movie opened the weekend before: (the most successful R-Rated comedy of all time until 2009's The Hangover) The following week people learned how to stop worrying and love the boogaloo: Beverly Hills Cop stayed on top for weeks on end, thus less films were released during the change into the new year, but that's okay. The one-two Betsy Russell punch of opened in January of 1985 and I had something else to go see and drool over. Oh, and December 1984 wouldn't be complete without...

DVD Evaders: Mortuary (1983)

Mortuary was a slasher film released in 1983, but feels unlike anything of the time. The movie has a very unusual vibe and atmosphere. It's a low budget creepfest with a zany performance by newcomer Bill Paxton.

This movie has become a real favorite of mine over the years. It's the kind of picture I can watch over and over, and never be let down by it's charm. Sample dialogue: "Come on Mr. Boogeyman, let's boogie!"

A DVD release is much needed before this film gets lost into obscurity forever.

In addition to that very misleading poster, they also promoted the film with a very misleading trailer. The Hills Have Eyes' Michael Berryman is not in this film: