Tag: brad pitt

Geekscape Movie Review: Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood

by MCDave

Quentin Tarantino is an iconic filmmaker who needs no introduction. His latest and ninth feature film, Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood, made a splash with its premiere at this year’s Cannes festival, the first time Tarantino debuted a movie there since 2009’s Inglourious Basterds a decade ago, and gave audiences a small taste of what this year’s Oscar season could look like. The two Tarantino films, Basterds and Hollywood, also share a common theme. Both use real life stories as backdrops to an alternate sensationalized reality that grows like a parasite from the depths of the writer and director’s perversely brilliant mind. This makes for a truly fascinating ride that, while certainly not an example of Tarantino at his best, proves Tarantino not at his best is still pretty darn good.

Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio (it feels awfully nice saying that) stars as fading actor Rick Dalton, a neurotic and immature performer who’s struggling to accept the downturn in his career and who’s completely reliant on his salaried friend and former stunt-double, Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt). While Dalton enjoys living his Hollywood lifestyle, a pretty young actress named Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie) and her famous husband, director Roman Polanski, move in right next door to Dalton. And little do they know that Cliff’s flirtatious encounters with a pretty young follower of cult leader Charles Manson could end up causing a bloody mess.

Some others that I have spoken to disagree with me on this, but Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood felt nothing like a Tarantino film until its unhinged final climax, a clear staple spread throughout the director’s accomplished catalog. Despite unraveling in a more traditionally delivered and less stylish demeanor, the film certainly provides handfuls of unforgettable moments, many of which come from the phenomenal onscreen work of DiCaprio. Leo’s brutally committed turn in this effort stands miles above any other performance I’ve witnessed all year and could possibly send him hunting his second Oscar. Pitt is no slouch either, ushering in a “cool guy” persona that flows from the actor with such a natural fluidity. But despite the film’s many strong performances and countless iconic moments, there’s obviously a hitch in its step early on and it’s one that lingers for some time. This isn’t what you hope for from a 160-minute marathon of a movie, yet the conclusion makes it all worth the ride. Once Tarantino gets all of his storylines and characters rolling, Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood flows masterfully, pulsates with a meteoric energy, and culminates in a bold, bloody finale that doesn’t disappoint. Tarantino’s latest could tread water throughout the fall Oscar season or fade away as just another fun summer flick, I wouldn’t be surprised either way. And although the film is far from Tarantino’s best, Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood represents another must-watch entry in the director’s mighty impressive filmography.

GRADE: 4/5

For more reviews, trailers and movie lists visit MCDAVE’s host site

Geekscape Movie Reviews: The Big Short

by MCDave

With every new 2015 cinematic release, insiders and prognosticators are seeking a standout film to swoop in and take over the Best Picture race. In steps Adam McKay’s potential contender, The Big Short, a star-studded examination of the United States’ economic meltdown following the 2008 housing market collapse. But in a bit of a twist, McKay isn’t known for his dramatic appeal. In fact, the director has built quite the reputation as a comedy guru following his synergetic film-partnership with Will Ferrell in collaborations such as Anchorman, Talladega Nights, Step Brothers and The Other Guys. Yet, perhaps McKay’s humerus touch could be exactly the spark needed to jump-start this Oscar tailspin.

Back in 2005 hedge fund manager Michael Burry (Christian Bale) recognized a dangerous trend in the United States housing market. And when he uses his full contractual authority to go against the wishes of his clients and bet against the power of the highly regarded banking system, word of his antics quietly spreads around Wall Street. While most insiders laugh off the possibility of a structural breakdown, other money managers and investors such as Mark Baum (Steve Carell), Jamie Shipley and Charlie Geller look beneath the surface of the markets and bravely follow in Burry’s footsteps.

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Adam McKay deserves copious amounts of respect as he achieves the remarkable feat of transforming dull and monotonous source material into a laugh-filled and enjoyable affair. The Big Short succeeds on many levels and, at its finest moments, uses unorthodox narrative techniques to capture the audience’s attention and hold it firmly for two plus hours. Be on the lookout for hysterical cameos from rising star and Australian beauty Margot Robbie, Chef extraordinaire Anthony Bourdain and pop-sensation Selena Gomez, all of which cleverly address the film’s nauseating banking and mortgage lingo in a spry and comical way. Furthermore, Steve Carell follows up his Oscar nominated turn in Foxcatcher with another exceptional performance. His cynical character is highlighted perfectly through the constant back and forth with bank trader, Jared Vennett, played by a typically charismatic Ryan Gosling. But through all of these impressive turns, it’s Christian Bale’s supporting work that stands out as the most likely to land in the awards season discussion. All in all The Big Short is a winning drama benefiting from outside-the box storytelling, a sturdy comical undertone and fine acting from its entire cast.

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However, despite all of the film’s glowing attributes and valiant attempts to withstand such boring source material, the inner workings of the financial and housing markets are an irrefutable turnoff. Industry verbiage and terminology prove to be inescapable as they bog down an otherwise hilarious screenplay and, to varying degrees, wear down the viewer. After repeatedly hearing phrases like “sub-prime mortgages” and “collateralized debt obligations (CDOs)” at nearly every turn for over two hours, disinterest inevitably settles in. Yet, just as The Big Short begins to test its audience’s patience, the movie’s self-aware director recognizes an urgency to wrap up the story. Hitting a wall is unavoidable, but McKay and company are still able to withstand the film’s own self-restricting limitations.

We all know a family or families impacted by the irresponsible actions of our banks and lenders during the economic collapse of 2008. The dark realities of this historical blunder are enough to warrant a dramatic retelling of such events. Adam McKay does an admirable job of oversimplifying a complicated situation and the result is an often hysterical and well-acted account of American greed. The Big Short is far from the Oscar frontrunner that many were desiring, but it’s still a journey worth taking.

GRADE: 4/5

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‘The Impossible’ Director J.A. Bayona To Helm ‘World War Z’ Sequel

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: The World War Z sequel just got a lot more interesting.

The Orphanage and The Impossible (both fantastic, fantastic films) director J.A Bayona has just signed on to helm Paramount’s yet untitled World War Z sequel. No information about the sequel has been announced at this point, as the film is still in search of a writer, but we do know that Brad Pitt will again produce the film (no word on whether or not he’ll also act in it).

World War Z was a major surprise for me when it released earlier this year. I was a big fan of the (very, very different) novel, and thought that the film looked like absolute crap right from the very first trailer (plot wise, and that wave of zombies looked like something out of an early PS2 game, among other things). When I finally got around to seeing it however, I actually really enjoyed it (Not as an adaptation, but simply as a film… its only similarities to the book were the title and character’s name). In any case, the HonestTrailer for the film was pretty spot on:

Are you looking forward to the sequel? What did you think of the first film? Sound out below!

Source: THR

Geekscape Movie Reviews: World War Z

by MCDave

In the new age of sequels, remakes and quick turnarounds, it’s easy to forget how difficult it can be to release a major motion picture. Just ask Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment, who first bought the screen rights to Marc Forster’s World War Z back in 2007. After a half-decade of development, filming and post-production that included multiple re-writes and threats of pulling the plug on the project altogether, Brad Pitt refused to let his “baby” get lost in the abyss. And finally, six years in the making, World War Z‘s long-awaited release has arrived.

Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt) is a former U.N. employee who, along with his wife and children, is rescued from a widespread zombie attack and brought in by officials to help put an end to the epidemic. In a race against time, Gerry must leave behind his loved ones and travel the world in hopes of finding a cure to this never-before-seen disease.

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Along with the release of Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, World War Z stands out as one of the most anticipated blockbusters of the summer, and it doesn’t disappoint. Brad Pitt’s passion project benefits strongly from his make or break performance. While it’s a far cry from his previous Oscar-caliber work in Moneyball, Pitt’s latest effort clearly surpasses most performances you can expect to see this summer. Along with Pitt’s excellent leading role, World War Z delivers enough non-stop action to cure all of your blockbuster blues. Inarguably riveting and gripping beyond belief, Marc Forster’s zombie-apocalypse film offers a unique vision in what’s become an extremely watered-down genre. Moreover, World War Z moves every bit as fast as its rage-filled fleet of foot monsters, making it an absolute adrenaline rush.

Although World War Z is a worthy and above average summer action blockbuster, the feature leaves much to be desired with its dramatic elements. There lacks heart in Gerry Lane’s family’s subplot. Instead of creating depth to this portion of the story, director Marc Forster remains content in showing off his high-octane zombie sequences. Thus, World War Z delivers very little substance and feels slightly incomplete. In fact, outside of watching cities crumble at the hands of a flesh-eating epidemic, not much happens in the film. And once the movie begins to test the audience’s patience with a merely glossed over plot line, Forster has the good sense to quickly roll the credits. As entertaining as you could hope for, World War Z is a successful summer release despite its unfulfilled screenplay.

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You can expect a handful of certainties with Marc Forster’s World War Z. Edge of your seat suspense and a fresh take on the zombie-phenomenon can be assured, while Forster’s direction and Pitt’s performance are just icing on the cake. However, a repetitive feel and a surreal plane crash scene leave World War Z as a good, but not great, film. Chances are you’ll enjoy this made-for-summer treat (especially if you’re looking forward to it), therefore I suggest taking a shot on producer and star Brad Pitt’s latest piece of work.

GRADE: 4/5

You can find more reviews, entertainment news and trailers at MCDAVE’s home site Movie Reviews By Dave

Geekscape Mobile: ‘World War Z’ Game Coming To iOS!

by Derek Kraneveldt

I have to say that I’m not really looking forward to World War Z. Each trailer for the film has felt uninspired, and it looks as though the production team has turned what was an excellent, intelligent novel into some generic action garbage. It also doesn’t help that the zombies essentially look like they were pulled from the awful film adaptation of I Am Legend, only somehow they look even worse.

If you are looking forward to the movie, a World War Z iOS game is also on its way. Set to hit the App Store on May 30th, the game adaptation looks pretty awful itself, but with Phosphor Entertainment developing, maybe things will turn out alright. Little information is available on the title at this time, but World War Z is set to featured 28 levels of combat, and a fully upgradable arsenal of weapons and armor.

Watch the trailer for the game below, and let us know if you’ll be picking it up!

Source: IGN

Brad Pitt Gazes Out At The Destruction In New ‘World War Z’ Poster

by Shawn Madden

Another brand new poster has been released for the Marc Forster directed World War Z. The new poster features Brad Pitt gazing out from a safe distance at the destruction inflicted upon a major city by the seemingly endless hordes of zombies. Check it out below.

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World War Z hits theaters June 21, 2013.

Source: Digital Spy

Paramount Debuts New Poster For ‘World War Z’

by Shawn Madden

Following the second theatrical trailer for the film making its way online ahead of schedule, Paramount has revealed an official new poster for Marc Forster’s zombie-apocalyptic film World War Z starring Brad Pitt. The film, which is based off the Max Brooks novel of the same, hits theaters in just a few months. Seriously though, that helicopter is ****ed.

 

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As a zombie pandemic traverses the globe, United Nations employee Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt) travels the world trying to find a way to stop the pandemic that is defeating armies and collapsing governments.

 

World War Z is set to hit theaters June 21, 2013

Second Theatrical Trailer For Marc Forster’s ‘World War Z’ Released

by Shawn Madden

A second theatrical trailer for Marc Forster’s upcoming adaptation of World War Z starring Brad Pitt has popped up online. The second trailer features plenty of new footage from the upcoming release, which includes some mid-air chaos, that you can check out below.

 

 

As a zombie pandemic traverses the globe, United Nations employee Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt) travels the world trying to find a way to stop the pandemic that is defeating armies and collapsing governments.

 

World War Z is set to hit theaters June 21, 2013

Superbowl Spot For ‘World War Z’ Released

by Shawn Madden

Why wait until Sunday? Paramount Pictures have just released the full Super Bowl spot for Marc Forster’s World War Z, the post-apocalyptic zombie film based Max Brooks novel, starring Brad Pitt. Check it out below.

 

 

The story revolves around United Nations employee Gerry Lane (Pitt), who traverses the world in a race against time to stop the Zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments and threatening to decimate humanity itself.

 

World War Z hits theaters June 21, 2013.

Geekscape Movie Reviews: Killing Them Softly

by MCDave

In 2007, writer and director Andrew Dominik teamed up with leading star Brad Pitt to offer the Oscar nominated western The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. The feature’s critical praise helped solidify Dominik’s status all throughout Hollywood. A handful of years later, the director and Pitt return with Killing Them Softly, a satirical look at capitalism’s greedy impression on the current mob underworld. After receiving massive amounts of acclaim since its Cannes Film Festival premier in May, perhaps Killing Them Softly could be another Oscar-worthy effort from Dominik and Pitt? Not so fast.

When three unintelligent lowlifes decide to rob a protected Mob card game, the local criminal economy feels the repercussions. Through sheer stupidity on the part of one of the robbers, hitman Jackie Coogan (played by Brad Pitt) is brought in to take care of the culprits and restore proper order to the Mob.

To be perfectly honest, Killing Them Softly was one of my most anticipated releases of the year. Back in the Spring, early buzz out of Cannes managed to peak my interest and, knowing the Weinstein Company, I braced myself for a Fall release. After finally viewing the film, it’s clear that Killing Them Softly is a tunnel-visioned examination of economic greed and its divisive consequences. But rather than quietly using executioner Jackie Coogan’s story as an effective metaphor, Andrew Dominik wastes almost no time shoving his film’s purpose directly into your face. As a result, Killing Them Softly feels more like a force fed political satire than a subtle piece of artistic beauty. By selling its soul and taking a satirical approach, Dominik attempts to deliver an off-beat and stylish dark comedy. Instead, the movie comes off as a cheap Coen brothers imitation with much weaker writing and far worse cinematography. As for any stylistic comparisons between Killing Them Softly and last year’s surprise hit Drive, they are completely off base and offensively inaccurate.  For as promising as the movie appears at a chopped up and edited glance via its trailer, Killing Them Softly is a mightily flawed viewing experience.

Despite my harsh criticisms and to be perfectly fair to Andrew Dominik, Killing Them Softly is a well intended and immensely thought out piece of work. Dominik’s characters have depth and purpose to the story, which is always easier said than done. Brad Pitt is the true highlight of the film and he delivers another knockout performance. As someone who wasn’t always an outspoken fan of Pitt, he has clearly won me over and his work here is just another fine example of why he’s one of the best in the business. In addition to Pitt, James Gandolfini gives a valiant effort in his small supporting role. The former Soprano‘s star continues to struggle breaking out of his “Tony Soprano” label, but his work here is both heartfelt and genuine. Gandolfini’s character oozes with emotion and instability and hopefully we get to see plenty more of the same from him in the future. As imperfect as it is, Killing Them Softly conjures up enough redeeming qualities to see you through the finish line.

In the end, disappointment reigns supreme in Andrew Dominik’s long awaited return to the director’s chair. With Killing Them Softly, top notch acting fails to salvage a mediocre script and a blatant in-your-face message. Unlike Dominik’s The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Killing Them Softly is far from the preconceived Oscar contender may of us believed it could be. Lacking in substance and memorable scenes, the film is a rather dull 97 minute experience. Unless you “have to” see it, I recommend taking a pass with Killing Them Softly. It’s not what you’d expect … in a bad way.

GRADE: 2/5

MCDave can also be found at Movie Reviews By Dave

Watch The First Full Length Trailer For ‘World War Z’ Starring Brad Pitt!

by Shawn Madden

Paramount Pictures has released the first official trailer for the post-apocalyptic zombie film World War Z, directed by Marc Forster and starring Brad Pitt. The film is based on the novel written by Max Brooks.

The story revolves around United Nations employee Gerry Lane (Pitt), who traverses the world in a race against time to stop the Zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments and threatening to decimate humanity itself.

World War Z hits theaters June 21, 2013.

World War Z Website Launched And Teaser Poster Unveiled!

by Shawn Madden

The trailer for Marc Forster’s (Quantum of Solace) World War Z is  set to debut on Thursday. Can’t wait? Well, you’re going to have to. But following the trailer preview on Entertainment Tonight yesterday, they have unveiled a teaser poster for the film as well as launching the official website which you can visit here.

The story revolves around United Nations employee Gerry Lane, who traverses the world in a race against time to stop the Zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments and threatening to decimate humanity itself. Enos plays Gerry’s wife Karen Lane; Kertesz is his comrade in arms, Segen.

World War Z hits theaters June 21st, 2013.

Brad Pitt Producing ‘IBM And The Holocaust’ Picture And May Star In The Project

by Shane O'Hare

You read that right. Brad Pitt is shopping around the film adaptation of the 2001 Novel “IBM and The Holocaust”. One of history’s greatest “SORRY EVERYONE! MY BAD” moments, IBM had made a deal with 1933 Nazi Germany helping them sort and analyze their census data. Which ultimately led them to know who and where the Jews were.

Sources over at Vulture say that the film has been in the works since last January and was originally going to be released on HBO. It has recently just left HBO and Brad Pitts Plan B Productions have been shopping it around with various TV networks but a feature film is most likely the final destination of this project. During the new shopping it has been reported that Pitt has recently put himself on as the star.

The first script written was by Marcus Hinchey who wrote and co produced All Good Things.

No other info has been released yet, but it will be very interesting to see where this project ends up.

Check Out The Trailer For ‘Killing Them Softly’

by Scott Alminiana

Brad Pitt’s got a new movie coming out soon and it looks pretty damn good. We’ve got the first trailer for Killing Them Softly. Check it out and let us know what you think of it.

Jackie Cogan is a professional enforcer who investigates a heist that went down during a mob-protected poker game.

Killing Them Softly stars Brad Pitt, Richard Jenkins, James Gandolfini, Ray Liotta and Sam Shepard. It’s directed by Andrew Dominik and opens October 12th.

Drew Goddard Talks ‘World War Z’ And His Involvement

by Shawn Madden

Collider recently spoke with Drew Goddard (Cabin In The Woods) and one of the subjects that came up was his involvement in the troubled  Marc Forster helmed World War Z. It was reported earlier that Damon Lindelof (Prometheus) had been brought in to sort out some issues with the ending before they went back for re-shoots. Then later reports indicated that he had passed this on to Goddard due to him having other commitments. Well, from the looks of it the reports of him re-writing the entire third act may have been blown a bit out of proportion.

“I think a lot of that got blown out of proportion. It really was like, they asked me to come look at the movie and give ideas on how to help, and that’s what happened. That happens all the time, I don’t know why this got blown up with World War Z and it suddenly became a big thing. It’s the sort of thing that happens with screenwriters all the time where you give your ideas on what could help, you write some scenes for people. I feel bad for the sort of magnifying glass that that movie’s under because this is just a normal part of the process, this is just what happens. My involvement was just watch the movie, give some ideas, write some scenes that might help, ADR, just sort of fill in stuff, which is what I did.”

In regard to what he thinks of World War Z, while he can’t give too much away:

“Out of respect for the filmmakers, I don’t want to say too much about World War Z, just because I owe it to them to let it come out as the they want. What I will say is that some of the stuff I saw was mind-blowing.”

Damon Lindelof Hired To Rewrite ‘World War Z’

by Scott Alminiana

Well it’s a pretty good day to be Damon Lindelof. Today not only sees the release of Prometheus, which he co-wrote, but THR is reporting that Lindelof has been hired to rewrite Paramount’s World War Z. He was brought in to polish up the films troubled third act.

World War Z, staring and produced by Brad Pitt, has been in trouble for awhile now. The zombie film from director Marc Forster was originally set for release in December but was then moved to June 21, 2013. Reshoots are set to begin in September and October. The film was shot last year in Europe and also stars Mireille Enos, James Badge Dale and Anthony Mackie.

The film is based on based on the 2006 book by Max Brooks, which tells the story of the decade-long zombie war (World War Z), from the individual accounts of various survivors around the world.

Only time will tell if wonder boy Lindelof can work some magic on the script and save the day. Stay tuned and find out!

Geekscape Roundtable: Cinematic Uppers for the Nerdy and Depressed!

by Joe Starr

Sometimes, the world kicks you in the ass and you can’t deal with putting on real clothes or moving from your couch for a few days.

Depression hits everyone sooner or later, and most geeks have a movie or three that substitute for medication. And until we all plug into an Avengers IV at the end of this week, here are Geekscape’s 24 FPS surefire depression treatments!

Jae Renfrow: Pristiq River

When I get depressed I usually don’t want to feel better, so I watch movies that’ll wallow with me. Like Million Dollar Baby. Oh, it’s all well and good early on. You’re sitting pretty learning gaelic and reveling in the witty banter between Morgan Freeman and grump Clint Eastwood. You get to see a trailer trash girl kick some butt and rise above her fried twinkie family. Next thing you know you’re biting your own tongue off hoping you drown in the blood. That’s life folks.

And Clint Eastwood has another sad bastard movie sitting on my shelf for those moody Mondays: Mystic River. You ever wonder what happened to all your friends? I do. And when it starts getting me down, I just pop in Mystic River so I can watch one child hood friend make another confess to the murder of his daughter so he can sleep at night. I remember doing this to my brother two years ago when I visited him in Kentucky. I kept saying. “Did you kill her? Just tell me you killed her. C’mon, you killed her didn’t you? Just tell me, it’s cool. You killed her. Say it.” And you know what? It works. He was a blubbering mess after five hours of it and I disposed of him in the woods out behind our house. Rest in peace, bro.

But on the rare occasion that I do want to feel better I just curl up with plate of brownies and watch Bring It On. Hot chicks having PG-13 fun, while trying to protect their cheerocracy from cheererrorism. I’m smiling just writing about it.

Time to get the sad spirit fingered right out of you!

Joe Starr: The Last Adapinbender

My primary depression movie is Transformers: The Movie, but sometimes I’ve got more sadness than Hot Rod’s got photon charges.

When that’s the case, I let Tom Cruise in The Last Samurai ease the pain. Cruise’s character Nathan Algren and I have a lot in common: he can’t find peace in his life and neither can I. One time he was ordered to slaughter a village of Native American women and children and sometimes I have tough sets on stage where people don’t laugh as much as I want them to. And Ken Watanabe has a way of delivering lines that make you mourn for the loss of Japan that Was like it’s something you experienced in person and not via Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3 when you were in fifth grade.

If I need a little more pick me up, I’ll burn through Book 3: Fire of Avatar: The Last Airbender like it was a bottle full of happy pills. “I don’t think boomerang is coming back, Toph.” Damn it, Sokka, it’s like you know me.

When that isn’t enough, I watch old Royal Rumbles on YouTube. And that’s when you need to start worrying me.

Steven Kunz: Cymbalted Away

Spirited Away has a real heart behind it and to see the amazing animation and the fantastic settings and characters makes it my ‘go to’ if I want to be inspired or become motivated to change things. It’s really enjoyable to see Chihiro initially learning how to be a servant in the bathhouse and watch her grow stronger throughout the film. This movie is also something I go to when I’m depressed because of, once again, childhood memories. I received a Japanese copy of this movie from an art teacher back in high school for the entire summer, a year before the movie came out. It was just a really nice gesture and I showed Spirited Away to friends and family for the entire summer.

Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back is so ridiculous and over the top in that it is impossible not to feel good about it. It’s a movie you can enjoy simply because of that absurdity. Great example of this would have to be Jay and Silent Bob fighting Cock-Knocker, played by Mark Hamill. How can anyone not laugh at Hamill playing a wacky character parodying the lightsaber fights from Star Wars?

Aliens is not only a classic and entertaining movie, but it also brings back childhood memories for me. This was a movie I first watched when I was in the 4th grade, and ever since I can pop in at any time and easily recall great childhood moments. The whole movie itself brings back a younger, happier time.

No matter how bad things are, you’re not Newt.

Matt Blackwood: Arthouse Abilify

This may sound odd, but my go-to movie when I’m feeling awful is a new one. I love getting lost in a story, and it’s tougher to do that when I already know what happens. I especially like to see a new movie in the theatre. I go all by myself and sit in the front and disappear into cinema for two hours. Being overwhelmed by someone else’s imagination takes my mind off my own problems.

Tim Powers: Thomas the Triavil Engine

My ‘go to’ depression TV show is Trains and Locomotives.

This hour-long show explores the trains and locomotives that aided the growth of travel, further settlement and the development of certain American industries and agricultural ventures.

Archival film footage shows many famous trains that operated dome cars, impressive private rail cars and illustrious sightseeing cars through the years.  You’ll see one-of-a-kind, world class trains that were once the very top for speed, style and service. Trains and Locomotives also features interviews with the people who rode, operated and managed the great trains of America’s vast railroads.

Climb aboard the Super Chief, the showcase train of the world famous Santa Fe Railway, which set the standard for all western passenger trains, or visit The California Zephyr, known as the “Silver Thread Through the West.”   Witness the documentation of a travel mode that provided scenery, comfort and high-class service across the United States – from President Lincoln’s private car to the latest most modern cars that are plying the world’s rails today. The unique and timeless footage captures the excitement of streamlined, steam locomotive hauled trains that will go down in history as a monument to the rail industry, as well as the growth of a the American nation.

Visit the machines of iron and rails that stretched from the first Eastern states along the Atlantic, across the expanse of North America to the new states along the Pacific.  If you like to view the world at eye level, or at the speed of steam and coal, then we welcome all aboard Trains and Locomotives on RFD-TV.

Mark Wensel: River Phoenix Remeron

Not only is Stand By Me my favorite movie, but I have a weird connection to coming of age stories that take place in the 60s. What? I like to watch movies about memories that I’ll never have. Is that so weird?

Anyway, there’s something about the story of four kids in their last summer of innocence. Happiness, leeches, guns and taking care of bullies! Then the end happens and you just kind of become a blubbering mess. Not only that, but the fact that the most talented of the four actors overdosed in the street at the top of his game. A more depressing movie that’s not about mass death there is not.

Matt Kelly: Harold and Marplan

There’s few films that are more hopeful, uplifting and well shot as Harold & Maude. Hal Ashby’s direction and Ruth Gordon’s delivery of Colin Higgins is enough to make you chuckle, smile and L-I-V-E LIVE LIVE LIVE.

The film is filled with beautiful motivational speeches that give you a desire to get up and make a change in the world. It’s been my favorite movie since I saw it over 9 years ago and will probably always be my favorite movie.

How can you still be sad after a wonderfully uplifting speech like this?

‘Mayhem’ Molly Mahan: Lexapro of the Fall

I used to say Legends of the Fall was my favorite movie (after all it is a pretty awesome flick), but then I realized I watch it so much because it was the only thing that made me feel better when I was down. When I broke up with my first serious boyfriend, I seriously watched it every day at least once for two weeks. I was a mess, but the awesome trio of Aidan, Anthony, and Brad made life bearable. It was a reason to get up in the morning (if only to find the remote to turn on the TV and crawl back into bed).

I think the reason it helps so much is because there is no way my life will ever be as bad as theirs. My wife isn’t going to be shot by Irish bootleggers, nor is she going to shear her head before blowing her brains out…possibly because I’m a heterosexual female and therefore will never have a wife, but I digress!

Though I don’t watch it as much anymore (perhaps I am more emotionally stable? Hah, yeah right!), whenever I am down on myself I still recall poignant scenes from the film and imagine myself as the characters. For example, today I was down on myself for whatever reason, so I thought of Samuel in his final scene: Blinded by mustard gas, hearing the voice of my savior and I smile, only to be shot down by the Kaiser’s men. Bastards.

That’s right. Brad’s gonna make everything better.