From the category archives:

Sex Symbols (Male)

Film and television star Peter Graves died Sunday of a heart attack outside his home in Pacific Palisades, California. He was 83.

The dashing actor (one of the few who could actually carry the term dashing) had just returned from brunch with his wife and children. One of his daughters administered CPR, but Heaven apparently needed one more dashing actor.

Peter Graves had an impressive career that spanned 60 years. He was best known for his Golden Globe-winning portrayal of James Phelps on the piece of Americana and pop culture we know as ‘Mission: Impossible.’ This outstanding spy drama ran for seven seasons on CBS and later would launch hugely successful (and equally outstanding) films starring Tom Cruise.

Peter Graves also graced other television series such as ‘Fury,’ ‘Whiplash,’ ‘Alfred Hitchcock Presents,’ ‘The Dean Martin Show,’ ‘Fantasy Island’ and ‘7th Heaven.’

In the mid-’90s, Peter Graves became the wonderful (and, yes, dashing) host of A&E’s ‘Biography,’ and received an Emmy for the 1997 special ‘Judy Garland: Beyond the Rainbow.’

The talented actor also appeared in a number of well-known and successful movies, including Billy Wilder’s ‘Stalag 17,’ opposite Oscar winner William Holden, ‘Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell’ and the 1955 thriller ‘Night of the Hunter.’

Of all of his films, however, it was the 1980 comedy ‘Airplane!’ that earned Graves the most fame in theaters. He turned in a hilarious performance as Captain Clarence Oveur in the film as well as its 1982 sequel.

Thankfully, just last October, Peter Graves received a much-deserved star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to honor his career.

According to the Times, Graves is survived by his older brother, actor James Arness (Gunsmoke), his wife, Joan Graves, whom he married in 1950, and his three daughters. He died just four days shy of his 84th birthday.

How Much Do You Know About Peter Graves?

  • Peter Graves was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on March 18, 1926
  • He was left-handed
  • Peter excelled in sports and music
  • He played the saxophone
  • Served two years in the Air Force
  • Studied drama at the University of Minnesota
  • When he first received the script for Airplane, he hated it!  He called it “the worst piece of junk” he’d ever seen.  However, he changed his mind when he met the writers.

Elvis fans, you’re going to love this interview with Music photo archivist Michael Ochs. Ochs headed the publicity departments of Columbia, Shelter and ABC Records in the ’60s and ‘70.

In the words of Spinner.com, Ochs possesses one of the largest stores of Elvis pictures this side of Graceland. Click through the link above to read the fascinating interview with Ochs – it’s great stuff no self-respecting fan of the King will want to miss out on.

You know you want it – don’t even try to fight it. Jump over to Calendars.com and get hands on James Dean. James Dean 2010 Wall Calendar.

James Dean is such a wonderful American icon – as recognizable as Marilyn Monroe and Abraham Lincoln. In just over a year, Dean starred in three films and became a representation of the rebellious American youth of the mid-fifties. He still personifies the mystery and restlessness of adolescence today.

The outstanding photographs in this calendar pay homage to the James Dean that fans will always remember and love.

James Dean 2010 Wall Calendar
James Dean 2010 Wall Calendar

Whitney Houston

“THE BODYGUARD,” starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston will air this Friday, September 18, on TV LAND PRIME at 9PM/8PM. Check your local listings for the exact time in your area.

This romantic thriller marked beautiful Whitney Houston’s film debut. Costner plays an ex-secret service agent-turned-professional-bodyguard who never leaves anything up to chance, until he meets a pop superstar-turned-actress whose fabulous career takes a life threatening turn when she becomes the target of an obsessive fan.

Watch the original theatrical trailer here.

Did you know?

The film was originally proposed in the mid-’70s, starring Diana Ross and Steve McQueen, but was rejected as “too controversial”.

Whitney Houston’s character Rachel Marron lives in the same mansion as the “horse’s head in the bed” mansion featured in “The Godfather” (1972).

Madonna was originally considered for the lead role of Rachel. The deal was called off informally after Madonna met with Costner backstage during her Truth or Dare tour. Costner congratulated her and called the show neat. Madonna made fun of his “neat” remark after he left.

“The Bodyguard” soundtrack became the first album to sell more than a million copies in a single week and won a Grammy for “Album of the Year.” To this day, “The Bodyguard” remains the best selling soundtrack of all time – outselling “Saturday Night Fever,” “Purple Rain” and “Grease.”


James Dean Racecar T-Shirt Sheer This hot James Dean Racecar T-Shirt Sheer is from Stylin Online. I know all my fellow James Dean fans can picture themselves (or someone they love to look at) wearing one of these.

Product Description:

This is an officially licensed James Dean t-shirt in which these James Dean shirts have been screen printed with a James Dean image. These James Dean tshirts are usually made of combined cotton and poly blend giving this James Dean tee a super soft feel. This type of super soft sheer t-shirt gives it a pre-washed feel. Be sure to check out our SIZE CHARTto get an idea of the average size and dimensions of this James Dean tshirt style. Check back often for some of our new James Dean clothing and other James Dean Merchandise at great prices only at – www.StylinOnline.com.

HERE to take a closer look AND to see the other gloriously sexy James Dean t-shirts they sell.

Ricardo Montalban, Fantasy Island

My dad and I used to watch Fantasy Island every week. We absolutely loved that show.  It may sound cliche, but they honestly don’t make purely entertaining television dramas anymore.  The kind you can sit back and enjoy with every member of the family.

Ricardo Montalban had such an amazing charisma and screen presence. I’m pretty sure if he were to read the phone book, I would have tuned in to watch – from A to Z.

Sadly, Mr. Montalban passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2009. He was 88 years old. His wife of 68 years, Georgianna, had passed away only last year. “He was in peace,” said his son-in-law Gilbert Smith. “He will be missed.” He is survived by four children and six grandchildren.

Ricardo Montalban was born in Mexico City, Mexico in 1920.

He worked passionately for the advancement of Spanish actors and actresses in Hollywood. He injured his back while filming Across the Wide Missouri in 1951.

In 1993, he was in surgery for over 9 hours as doctors tried to repair damage to his spine.  He was said to have been in constant pain.

A Few DID YOU KNOWS about Ricardo Montalban:
His wife Georgianna’s sister was Loretta Young.
Agreed to reprise his role of “Khan” in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan (1982) for only $100,000 because he loved the role so much!
Is the only “Star Trek” movie villain who previously appeared on “Star Trek” (1966). He played Khan Noonien Singh in the “Star Trek” (1966) episode “Space Seed” and Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan (1982).
In 1970, he founded the non-profit organization “Nosotros” whose goal is “to help fulfill the goals of persons of Spanish-speaking origin in the motion picture and television industry.” (www.nosotros.org).
Best remembered by the public for his starring role as “Mr. Roarke” on “Fantasy Island” (1978).

After winning his Emmy for “How the West Was Won” in 1978, Ricardo Montalban said, “I don’t know about Mr. Roarke, but this certainly fulfills my fantasy. Thank you very much.”

Rest in perfect peace, Ricardo Montalban.

Twilight



Twilight Framed Art Print
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Edward: And so the lion fell in love with the lamb.
Bella: What a stupid lamb.
Edward: What a sick, masochistic lion.

Before we went to see Twilight Friday night, I was a little nervous. Honestly, I read (just for the heck of it) about 9 reviews that day and they weren’t just all bad – they were hideously bad.

Critics didn’t like the directing, they didn’t like the stars, they didn’t like the dialogue, they didn’t like the action, they didn’t like the close ups (are you even kidding me?).

Bella: Are you going to tell me how you stopped the van?
Edward: Yeah. Um… I had an adrenaline rush. It’s very common. You can Google it.

I was blown away by every single aspect of the movie. I love the fact that there was so much energy and excitement in the lobby. We all had to stand in line for over an hour waiting to go back – even after we had our tickets. It reminded me of the frenzy that surrounded The Dark Knight, the Pirates movies, and I Am Legend.

Some people wore Team Edward tops while a few had on Team Jacob ones. A lot of the girls had their hair fixed like “Bella” and a few guys even attempted the Edward look… at least I think that’s what they were aiming for!

Bella: You know, your mood swings are kinda giving me whiplash.

Everyone clapped as soon as the trailers began, then they clapped again when the actual movie began. It was a grand old time before one word was spoken.

However, the real magic started as soon as Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart shared the screen. The chemistry between these two is something special, and they lookes just as we knew they would… beautiful!

Edward: Hold on tight spidermonkey.

For me, this is more of a love story than anything else – and a great one, at that. As Edward pointed out, it’s like a love story of a lion and a lamb. But, unlike Bella’s words suggest, I think the lamb’s anything but stupid. I also think the casting director is a freaking genius.

Apparently, they’ve made it official, there WILL be a sequel.  While we already assumed it, it’s incredible to have it in writing.  Hopefully the Cullen’s will be in the next one even more. Each actor/actress did a phenomenal job and I didn’t see one thing to NOT love about this movie.

In fact, I can’t wait to see it again!

Twilight



Twilight Poster
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Twilight



Twilight Poster
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Twilight



Twilight Double-sided poster
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Twilight



Twilight Framed Art Print
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Twilight



Twilight Poster
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Twilight



Twilight Framed Art Print
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Twilight



Twilight Poster
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James Bond- Quantum of Solace


James Bond – Quantum of Solace Framed Art Print
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I have officially lost faith in professional movie critics. It was on shaky ground anyway, but after Quantum of Solace, there isn’t any trace of faith left. I read that the stars didn’t have any chemistry, that the opening song wasn’t “true” to the James Bond dynasty, that the lead actress was too tan (what?!?!) that the story was weak, and so on.

I have no explanation for what others get or somehow fail to get, but it’s a shame to think that people are paid to do this for a living and can’t even get in the ballpark!

First of all: The theme. Alicia Keys and Jack White do an outstanding job with the theme song. I honestly didn’t know what to expect out of such a collaboration, but it was incredible. The entire opening was dead-on what you’d expect from a James Bond movie. Sexy, stylish, breathtaking… What’s not to love?

Second of all: The leads – Daniel Craig and Olga Kurylenko – imo, had a very, very special chemistry. Generally speaking, whenever I’ve seen a Bond film, I walk away from it wondering who the next “Bond girl” will be. However, for the first time EVER, I walked away wondering if I begged hard enough and petitioned as though my life depended on it – would they, somehow, bring Olga back? She was, by far, my favorite Bond girl ever. In fact, she’s one of my favorite action female characters of all time. The character was a perfect blend of vulnerability and toughness – with just the right amount of each.

Olga Kurylenko actress is as talented as she is beautiful and I’ve loved every movie I’ve seen her in (Hitman, Max Payne, Quantum of Solace). Even so, I had no idea she’d be able to pull off being a Bond girl so effortlessly. I certainly didn’t see her becoming my favorite one ever!

Daniel Craig is perfect in the role as James Bond. As I’ve said on this blog a gazillion times, Pierce Brosnan has always been my favorite Bond. After seeing Quantum of Solace, however, I can say something I never thought I’d ever hear myself saying, “Pierce Brosnan is one of my favorite two James Bonds.” I love Daniel Craig in the role just as much. Never. Saw. That. Coming.

The chase scenes, action, fight scenes, emotional undertows, acting, chemistry, GORGEOUS scenery, sex appeal, Dame Judi Dench, the music…. it all gets straight A+s from me.

No action film fan could walk away from this movie without feeling pumped with excitement. That’s part of the beauty of the film, actually. It’s a movie that stands on it’s own two legs – whether or not the name James Bond was involved or not. It didn’t need “Bond. James Bond.” to stand and it didn’t need “…shaken, not stirred…”

Quantum of Solace is action film-making at its best. It just so happens to also be James Bond at his best as well. To be perfectly honest, Casino Royale wasn’t one of my favorite movies – Bond or otherwise. I didn’t like the relationships whatsoever. I hated the Bond/M relationship (or lack thereof) most of all. (I also wasn’t the least bit impressed with the Bond girl in that film. When she met with her fate, my face did more of a grin than a grimace.)

I’ve actually given Daniel Craig and Olga Kurylenko my ultimate nod of approval after seeing Quantum of Solace. See the Categories in the sidebar? Only a certain amount of names/subjects will fit. I have to make certain that I only include the stars, shows, etc. that absolutely send me over the moon. You’ll now find their names there.

Quantum of Solace is, in my opinion, a thousand times better than Casino Royale. It’s a mind-blowing movie that’s just beautiful front to back. Ignore the newspaper critics and see the movie. You won’t be sorry.

If, somehow you find something to hate about this fantastic movie, I only have one piece of advice. Quit your day job, you missed your calling. You were meant to be a professional movie critic. ;/

You may also be interested in: Trying to Make Sense of These Quantum of Solace Reviews