| September 14 |  |
In 1982, Princess Grace of Monaco was released from the hospital after treatment for minor injuries sustained in a car accident the previous day. | |
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Eric Lipps
© Eric Lipps,2007-.Story Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: Princess Grace, Grace Kelly, Monte Carlo, Monaco, Prince Rainier.January 16
In 1942, a TWA DC-3 passenger plane en route to Los Angeles from Indiana crashed, killing all aboard. | |
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| Carole Lombard |
At the last minute, however, the actress, a believer in numerology who had been spooked by the recurrence of the number 3 in the planned trip (she was 33, there were three in her party and the aircraft was designated Flight No. 3), agreed to let her press agent settle the matter by flipping a coin. As a result of the coin toss, Lombard returned home by train. |
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Eric Lipps
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Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: Carole Lombard, Clark Gable, Premature Death, World War 2, America.August 29
Editor says, what if Quentin Tarantino abandoned the Inglorious Basterds movie. Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s).
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In 2006, speaking at a press conference in Hollywood on this day, writer/director Quentin Tarantino announced the cancellation of the long-awaited movie Inglorious Basterds, placing the blame on acute casting problems. The over-ambitious vision for the film was a spaghetti-western set in Nazi-occupied France, a complex fusion of ideas from The Dirty Dozen, Cross of Iron and Pulp Fiction. A fiendishly complex subtextual plot had emerged from the decade-long development project. And for the characters, it was simply impossible to find actors whose play could satisfy Tarantino's high standards. Nobody was good enough. In an interview with Charlie Rose, Tarantino acknowledged his creative failure, admitting he had been "too precious about the page".
Watch the Youtube Clip 
A Band ApartThe characterisation problem really narrowed down to two key protagonists, SS Colonel Hans Landa (pictured) and his nemesis in the OSS, "Aldo the Apache" (Lieutenant Aldo Raine of the US First Special Air Service)."I knew whatever actor I cast to play this has to be as much of a linguistic genius as Landa is or he would never come off the page" Tarantino said. Landa seduces his prey with his words and speaks fluent German, English, French and Italian. Other actors "could do the poetry in this language, but they couldn't do the poetry in that language. And they had to be able to say the poetry in every language," Tarantino said.
Tarantino never found a suitable actor for Landa, but he did come agonisingly close with Aldo Raine. A night-long meeting with Brad Pitt involved "five bottles of wine and some smoking apparatus". And yet by the end of the discussion, Pitt had determined that the role was little more than a reprise of Lee Marvin' Redneck OSS Major John Reisman from the Dirty Dozen. Pitt subsequently rejected the role as "too lightweight".
Watch the Interview
"Inglourious Basterds, a war movie that may eventually resemble The Dirty Dozen merged with Cross of Iron, has been predicted more often than the second coming of the Lord". ~ The Irish TimesDesperately disappointed, and seeking to clear his head by moving onto to fresh new projects, Tarantino instructed his agents to offer the film rights to The Weinstein Company and Universal Pictures. The studios asset-stripped the project to its very core, releasing A Band Apart on the sixty-fifth anniversary of the Dieppe Raid, the central event for the new movie.
Entry posted by Todayinah Editor Watch the Video
© "Inglorious Basterds", Quentin Tarantino (2009).Story Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: Quentin Tarantino, Christoph Waltz, Brad Pitt, Inglorious Basterds, A Band Apart.
~ Poor Quentin :( I guess he'll have to make Kill Bill Part 3 instead...
July 21
Editor says, what if the Watchmen was just the first in a series of alternative superhero movie from Zach Snyder and Alan Moore? Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s).
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In 2010, on this day director Zach Snyder's alternative superhero movie American Flagg premiered in cinema theatres across North America.
Set in a dystopian future, a series of world-wide crises has forced the U.S. leadership off-world. Reforming at the Hammarskjold Center on the planet Mars, a Tricentennial Recovery Committee is formed to get America "back on track for '76". Yet the lofty plan is betrayed and instead, the TRC plans to pay for self-sufficiency by selling the country to the new superpowers on Earth, the Brazilian Union of the Americas and the Pan-African League.
American FlaggBased on the 1983 comic book series of the same name, creator Howard Chaykin's team of writers included Steven Grant, J.M. DeMatteis and Alan Moore. Chaykin famously described the creative goals of the project with the statement "I couldn't see a reason why a post-Holocaust dystopia could not be funny".
"Somebody's gotta put it all back together ... Reuben Flagg just might be the man".Both Snyder and Moore had of course worked together on The Watchmen, which featured another Jewish superhero, the Nightowl. But it was Moore's suggestion to offer the protagonist role for American Flagg to Jackie Earle Haley and not Patrick Wilson. Assisted by a talking cat named Raul, the superhero is one of the few characters with a conscience. Reprising his uncompromising role as Rorschach Watch the Youtube Clip , Haley would win an Oscar for his brilliant portrayal of Reuben Flagg, an idealist who exposes the TRC's dastardly plot.
Entry posted by Todayinah Editor
© "American Flagg", Howard Chaykin, 1983. Story Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: Dystopia, Watchmen, Alan Moore, Reuben Flagg, American Flagg. Editor says, Toonpedia says ~ according to the series back-story, in 1996 (13 years after the comic originally appeared), everything collapsed. Nukes were flying not just in the Middle East, but also in Western Europe. Black plague in Asia and food riots in Europe. Banking system melts down, just like many nuclear power plants. Islamic uprisings in places where you wouldn't even think there was Islam. So the U.S. government, along with the executive boards of most major corporations, moves to Mars.
~ Not really familiar with _American Flagg,_ so I can't comment.
~ Ditto here, except that considering we caan't manage to get humans to Mars now, how would an America whose economy was in ruins following a nuclear war (and believe it, if the nukes had flown in 1996 in Europe and the middle East the U.S. economy would be in ruins, even if America were physically unharmed) manage to relocaate its government there?
~ thanks for the link. Sounds like an interesting comic!
~ Considering the reviews "Watchmen" got, I think an "American Flagg" movie will need a ton of luck to make it to the silver screen.
November 23
Editor says, what if the Andover train disaster had killed Franklin Pierce? Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s). This story was published in the December 2012 edition of Changing the Times Magazine.
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In 1804, on this day Franklin Pierce (pictured) was born in Hillsborough, New Hampshire.
Birth of Franklin PierceHe was a Democrat and a "doughface" (a Northerner with Southern sympathies)who served in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. Pierce took part in the Mexican-American War and became a brigadier general in the Army. His private law practice in his home state, New Hampshire, was so successful that he was offered several important positions, which he turned down. Later, he was nominated as the party's candidate for president on the 49th ballot at the 1852 Democratic National Convention.
But tragedy struck on the 6th January, 1853 when the President-elect and his family were crushed to death when the train car that they had boarded in Boston was derailed and then rolled down an embankment near Andover, Massachusetts.
In his place, William Rufus King was sworn in as President on March 4th. Problem was, King was dying of tuberculosis and succumbed to the disease just six weeks later, so that the presidency fell to the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, David Rice Atchison.
Just four years before, he had served as President for a single day. Because on Saturday, March 3, 1849, outgoing President James Polk's term had expired, but incoming President Zachary Taylor refused to be sworn in on the Sabbath and put the ceremony off until Monday, March 5 -- which meant nobody was President on Sunday, at least officially.
He did not undertake any presidential duties, but claimed to have taken a nap whilst serving as 12th president of the United States. But unlike that temporary ceremonial fill-in function, the succession after the deaths of Pierce and King was fundamentally different. Because Atchison was a pro-slavery expansionist who was brought to power at a pivotal moment in the nation's history.
Entry posted by Todayinah Editor
© Alternate Historian, 2004-.Story Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: Franklin Pierce, William Rufus King, David Rice Atchison, Premature death, Presidency. Editor says, in reality Wikipedia reports ~ on January 6, 1853, the President-elect's family had boarded a train in Boston, and were trapped in their derailed car when it rolled down an embankment near Andover, Massachusetts. Pierce and his wife survived, merely shaken up, but saw their 11-year-old son Benjamin crushed to death. Jane Pierce viewed the train accident as a divine punishment for her husband's pursuit and acceptance of high office.
Huffington Post concludes ~ King was dying of tuberculosis when he was sworn in as Vice President. If Pierce had succumbed, and King shortly thereafter, then the presidency would have fallen to David Rice Atchison, President Pro Tempore of the Senate. The succession law was different from 1792-1886. Also, the president didn't appoint a new VP to fill out a term until much later. Atchison is famous for the myth of having been "resident for a day" in 1849. He was pro-slavery expansionist and may have looked south in expanding the country. King is notable for being best friend, and possible lover, of bachelor president James Buchanan.
~ This might have been an interesting TL. Could New England have started talking secession?
~ Slight correction needed: it should be "6th January, 1853," not 1863. Also, it should be "fundamentally different." Fixed - thanks, Ed
As to substance, the succession of a strong pro-slavery figure to the presidency under such circumstances at that time would have inspired all sorts of conspiracy theories. And if Atchison as p[resident became the focus for rumors of outright homosexuality, the political ramifications are huge: he might have been iompeached and removed, proof or no proof, leading as president . . . whom?
~ Tonnes of things could happened in that scenerio. Ultimately, it could have brought on a pro-slave state movement toward the west, which could have done a lot to spread the American Civil War that way. Plenty would have happened in Washington DC, too. Interesting to see what Lincoln might have done, facing those challenges, and what he would have faced -- exactly.
~ We could've seen Bloody Kansas everywhere from New Mexico to Nebraska to the Rockies.
October 27
Editor says, what if John Travolta had changed the direction of his career? Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s). This story was published in the September 2012 edition of Changing the Times Magazine.
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In 2011, relaunching his movie career for the fourth time, actor John Travolta turned his back on the violent character roles that he had played for the previous seventeen years.
Change of DirectionHe played the disturbed manic super agent Charlie Wax (pictured) in his final violent movie, "From Paris With Love" filmed just days before the tragic death of his sixteen year old son.
Following a period of grieving he became refocused in the relief activities in Haiti. Using his expertise as a pilot, he flew a jetliner carrying earthquake relief supplies, doctors and ministers into Port-au-Prince. And it was during this period out of the movie business that he reflected upon his unintentional impact as an role model for gun culture. He decided that he had accidentially become a bone-headed anti-hero, like Charlie Wax. Because in a sense, the characterization was an accident caused by Quentin Taratino selecting him for the part of Vincent Vega in the 1994 movie "Pulp Fiction". He mused he might even "go grey", a reference to the post-Fonz characters played by Henry Winkler.
Rumours soon followed of a further revelation involving a possible split with the Church of Scientology.
Entry posted by Todayinah Editor
© Alternate Historian, 2004-.Story Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: Premature Death, John Travolta, Church of Scientology, Religion, Holywood. Editor says, in reality he promoted his new film, "From Paris With Love". The movie was filmed in late 2008, and shooting wrapped just days before Jett Travolta died on Jan. 2, 2009. Thanks to Eric Oppen for his contribution to the development of this post.
~ Another relaunch? How much fuel does the old man have left in his rocket?
~ Maybe redo _Saturday Night Fever_ as _Saturday Night Feeble?_ *grin, duck, run*
~ But there IS a new genre called "geri-action," which attracted aging stars like Helen Mirren and George Clooney. So Travolta might be lured back to action films.
~ All the movie stars, former stars, or near stars who were seventeen years of age or older in 1973 decide to get in touch with their inner hippies and start making anti-war, pro-peace, pro-love and occasionally trippy movies. Within a year younger stars decide to get in on the act, and a year later the "young guns... um... not guns" of today get into the act. You can generally tell which generation is involved, even without looking, by whether the soundtrack features the Beatlea and the Byrds, KC & the Sunshine Band and the Bee Gees, or DEADMAU5 and 1200 Micrograms.
May 25
Editor says, what if the movie bombed? muses Robbie Taylor Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s).
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In 1977, the cult film "A New Hope" opens in US theaters to general critical disappointment.
Cult film "New Hope" premieres Twentieth Century Fox, the studio that finally gave filmmaker Luke Walton the green light to make his space opera is pleased to find out that the public doesn't share the critics' opinions, and the movie makes a reasonable $50 million in its theatrical release.
A few years later, though, it enjoys a second life as it becomes a hugely popular rental at video stores across the English-speaking world. It earns enough, in fact, for Walton to film 2 sequels to the campy original, fleshing out his story of a young man's fight against an evil that turns out to be closer to him than he originally thought. These direct-to-video sequels brought Walton enough money to retire on, although there are persistent rumors that he still plans to do something more with the Darth Vader character someday.
Entry posted by Alternate Historian Robbie Taylor
© Robbie Taylor, 2004-Story Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: Star Wars, Geeks, George Lucas, Hollywood, Cult Film. ~ Comment from Simon Medhurst: It Nearly Did cause no cinema's in america wanted to screen it, it was only because of a small fan base Who did the Rounds at the conventions :)
~ Maybe a different filmmaker could have avoided a lot of the huge plot and story holes in the originals? Naah, never happen!
~ And what happens to George Lucas and his Lucasfilm productions in this timeline?
November 5
Editor says, what if Sergeant Donny Donovitz, and not Lieutnent Aldo "the Appache" Raines had escaped with SS Colonel Hans Landa?. Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s).
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In 2008, on this day the German Board of Film Censors prohibited the distribution of Quentin Tarantino's Jewish revenge movie "Inglorious Basterds", classifying both of the two "Bear Jew Execution Scenes" as gratuitously violent.
Watch Bear Jew Scene on Youtube
Dead LetterThe final reel of the movie depicts "Operation Kino", a successful mission by a team of Jewish American OSS soldiers which barbeques the entire Nazi High Command in a Parisian cinema whilst they are watching the propaganda movie "Nation's Pride".
Recognising an unmissable opportunity to save his own skin, the anti-hero SS Colonel Hans Landa allows the plot to proceed, permitting the "Bear Jew" Sergeant Donny Donovitz (pictured, played by Eli Roth) to escape in exchange for his own amnesty from the Holocaust war-crimes he has committed throughout the movie. However, Donovitz double crosses Landa, and executes him in the forest just before reaching Allied Lines, realising that the deal is a dead letter now that the war is over.
Entry posted by Todayinah Editor Watch the Video
© "Inglorious Basterds", Quentin Tarantino (2009).Story Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: Quentin Tarantino, Christoph Waltz, Brad Pitt, Inglorious Basterds, Eli Roth. Editor says, In the original cut, we see members of the Jewish Community in Boston signing Donowitz' Nazi killing bat, so we imagine that scene is left in and the plot developes more in that direction than the equally notorious swastika carving in the forehead.
~ Had the joy of seeing one of the Terminator movies on a Frankfort layoff once. To say the Germans sliced the hell out of it is an understatement so none of this rates impossible in my book.
~ In any case, this is not a movie for the faint of heart...
December 25
In 1977, legendary silent-film star Charlie Chaplin died at his home in Hollywood. He was 88.
Death of ChaplinIn 1952, following a visit to his native country, the British-born actor had been barred from re-entering the U.S. due to his left-wing political associations. Popular outcry forced the U.S. government to relent, and Chaplin returned to Hollywood on December 6 of that year. Like other actors whose politics resulted in their blacklisting, he would eventually return to films; he
would make a brief appearance as a mute servant in the movie version of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way To the Forum alongside the former blacklistee Zero Mostel. In his last years, however, he would become increasingly reclusive, avoiding contact even with family members.
Entry posted by
Eric Lipps
© Eric Lipps,2007-.Story Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: Charlie Chaplin, Holywood, America, Communism, Films.September 12
Editor says, what surprises await for the sequel to District 9 which haven't already been heavily preambled? Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s).
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In 2010, on this day Neill Blomkamp's animatrix quality science fiction movie "District 10" premiered in movie theatres across North America.
Watch the Trailer
District 10Set three years later, the sequel concludes the struggle with the cynical multinational organisation charged with operating the alien refugee camp in Johannesburg. Because the real agenda of Multi National United (MNU) is to reverse engineer the alien's advanced biotechnology weapons.
The "poleepkwa" Christopher Johnson returns onboard the mothership, intent on freeing his fellow "prawns" (pictured, bottom right). 
Also to honour a promise to MNU Officer Wikus van der Merwe (pictured, top left) - himself a victim of those same experiments - who transmogrified into a "prawn" after meddling with Johnson's fuel pod in the first movie. "Get your fookin' tentacle out of my face!" ~ Wikus Van De MerweJohnson promised to return with help to reverse the process, requiring medical technology from the poleepkwa home world.
In the final sequence to the movie, we discover the shocking truth when Johnson's new form is revealed. Because all of the poleepkwa on Earth are really humanoids infected by the same transmogrifying disease as van der Merwe.
Entry posted by Todayinah Editor
© "District 9" by Neill Blomkamp (2009)Story Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Popwatch Labels: District 9, District 10, Neill Blomkamp, Sharto Copley, Poleepkwa. Editor says, From Popwatch posting by Irina ~ Mon 08/17/09 4:51 PMI think it is possible that cure for Wikus will be cure for the rest of "aliens". Think about it, they were found in very poor condition on the ship - perhaps their own planet took all infected human species and sent them off to space to die hoping to survive that way. They ended up on Earth, Christopher is going back "to save his people". I think it is possible "prawns" did look similar to Wikus before he contracted the infection.
~ Interesting future history TL, if I do say so, myself...
September 7
Editor says, what if Danny Cannon made a serious sequel to Judge Dredd? Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s).
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In 2005, on this day Danny Cannon's action movie "Judge Dredd II: The Doomsday Scenario" premiered in movie theatres across North America.
Watch the Youtube Clip
Doomsday Scenario by Ed. and Eric OppenLoosely derived from the AD 2000 Comic, progs 1141-1164 and 1167, and Megazine 3.52-3.59 Christian Bale played a more faithful adaptation of the character than Sylvester Stallone, keeping his face covered throughout the movie (as the real Judge Dredd does in the comic). His deadly archenemy Orlok is a former judge of East-Meg One, the city which was destroyed in the Apocalypse War two decades before. In the sequel, a vengeful Orlok attempts to overcome Justice Department by spreading the Block Mania virus across Mega-City One.
The truer depicton of Dredd was heralded as a masterpiece by fans of the comic, although American's lack of familiarity with the milieu limited the movie's commercial success.
Entry posted by Todayinah Editor
© AD2000 created by John Wagner, Carlos Ezquerra & Pat MillsStory Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: Judge Dredd, Mega-City One, Sylvester Stallone, Orlok, AD2000. ~ This would have required the first Judge Dredd movie to do better at the box office, which it couldn't because most Americans are unfamiliar with the character and the milieu. 'Tis a pity---if they could have been a little truer to the character of Dredd himself (IOW, have an unknown play him, instead of Stallone, and keep his face covered like the real Dredd does) it would have been a fairly faithful adaptation.
Thanks, its changed now. Ed.
Comment from Kieren Colfer on Facebook:
This sort of implies that the first film was serious as well tho, rather than laughable to anyone who'd ever read the comics.....
Thanks, its changed now. Ed.
~ Was there ever a plan for a seqel in OTL?
Comment from Richard John Brown on Facebook:
Ron Perlman aka Hellboy should have gotten the gig in the original. He'd have no problem with keeping his helmet on.
March 15
Editor says, how come Rutger Hauer didn't get to play the Terminator? Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s).
This story was published in the November 2011 edition of Changing the Times Magazine.
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In 1983, on this day filming of The Terminator resumed in Toronto with the Dutch actor Rutger Hauer recast in the title role.
Filming of "The Terminator" Resumes in TorontoThe future of the movie had been thrown into jeopardy when producer Dino De Laurentiis applied an option in Arnold Schwarzenegger's contract that would make him unattainable for nine months while he was filming Conan the Destroyer. Director Cameron was then contracted to write the script for Rambo: First Blood Part II and had also initiated a series of intense meetings with producers David Giler and Walter Hill to discuss a sequel to Alien. The Terminator Project was unravelling .. fast.
A tour de force performance in Blade Runner as the replicant Roy Batty made Hauer the natural choice for the role. But a junior executive at Orion Pictures actually made the connection. Because in the "Time to Die" he utters the famous line "I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tanhauser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain. [pause] Time to die".
Entry posted by Todayinah Editor
© Alternate Historian, 2004-.Story Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: Terminator, Rutger Hauer, Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Cameron, Orion. Editor says, in this post we explore an idea that arose from a long discussion about home come Michael Biehn was underecognized for his decisive contribution to the movie.
~ Uh, don't you mean "HOW come"? :D
~ Whether it was Schwarzenegger or Hauer in the lead, the Terminator would still have been a hit...the major difference here is that Hauer would have been less likely to run for governor of California. ;)
~ He'd have made a wonderful Terminator, although he couldn't do "inhuman robot" quite as well as Ah-nuld. And, as I understand it, a lot of that last speech in _Blade Runner_ was ad-libbed.,..might he have done something like that for _Terminator?_
Comment from Tracy Milai on Facebook: Maybe Rutger would have been Gov of Ca-lee-forn-a?
Comment from George Nolan on Facebook: What if Kurt Russel played the Terminator.......
Comment from Alan Abramowitz on Facebook: It would have saved his flundering career
Comment from Arlena Arteaga Kelly on Facebook: I would have watched the movie
~ Kurt Russel would have been better as Kyle Reese.
September 2
Editor says, what if the the unfilmed fourth season of Star Trek had been a triumphant reprise? Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s).
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In 1969, fan pressure forces NBC to renew Star Trek for a fourth season, in spite of its low ratings. They move it from the Friday night "death slot" they had placed it in to a more congenial Thursday at 7PM, and, to their great surprise, the series shots up in the ratings.
Fourth Season of Star Trek by Robbie TaylorThe fourth season is greeted by fans as the show's best yet, and it climbs from the cellar of the Nielson's to the #4 spot. Advertising picks up on the show, and NBC gives it a 5th season.
The show hits its stride as critics come aboard, hailing the writing and acting on the series, and Star Trek spends most of season five as the number 1 show on television. Although its creator, Gene Roddenberry, had planned to end the series after 5 years, and even had the show's intro state that the Enterprise was on a "5-year mission," he was easily convinced to extend that to six, seven and then eight. William Shatner's opening lines were changed from a 5-year mission to "continuing mission".
NBC was more than willing to renew the series for ninth season, but stars William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, James Doohan and others were ready to move on to other projects. They did reunite for several feature films later on, and George Takei's character Sulu was given his own spinoff series, "Excelsior", in 1976.
Entry posted by Alternate Historian Robbie Taylor
© Today in Alternate History, 2004-.Story Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: History Channel Editor says, after three seasons, the show was canceled and the last original episode aired on June 3, 1969
~ I loved the series I don't know why it was cancelled.
~ In our timeline, we have to turn to James Cawley for our 4th season...
~ What's really ironic about the cancellation was that the series was winning the male 18-35 demographic - the wet dream of all the advertising types at the network!
~ As I understand it, the network disliked it partly because it was more expensive to produce...all those optics and special effects, even in the primitive state they were in. That said, if this had happened, oh, what wonderful TV we'd have seen!
~ I don't know. The show was losing some of its creative people in the third season, and might have gone sour in a fourth.
~ TV execs on all networks are notorious for killing imaginative shows like the original Star Trek, for example Sliders and Quantum Leap were both killed off by changing writers, altering time slots and changing actors. Even B5 faced cancellations and rebirth as it switched networks as did Buffy the Vampire Slayer. While I wish this ATL had happened how likely is it that even with good ratings the execs would leave it alone and let it live long and prosper?
~ What a dark vision from Mr. McDonnell... but maybe they could have learned lessons and Enterprise would've been awesome.
October 7
Editor says, what if the comedy element of Zombieland had been removed from the artistic concept? Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s).
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In 2009, on this day the super-violent American zombie horror movie For Whom the Bell Tolls premiered in cinemas across the United Kingdom. Starring Woody Harrelson in his most gory role since "Natural Born Killers" the movie shares its name with the signature soundtrack from Metallica.
Click to listen to Metallica on Youtube
From Whom the Bell TollsIn a key scene, the zombie killers stay in lead singer (pictured) James Hetfield's Californian mansion and they club the living dead to death with one of his electric guitars.
To say that the actors got into character would be an understatement, big time. Because on his return from the film-shoot, Woody Harrelson assaulted a photographer at La Guardia Airport in New York, claiming that he mistook the cameraman for a zombie. "I wrapped a movie called "From Whom the Bell Tolled," in which I was constantly under assault by zombies, then flew to New York, still very much in character," Harrelson said in a statement issued by his publicist. "With my daughter at the airport I was startled by a paparazzo, who I quite understandably mistook for a zombie," he said.
Entry posted by Todayinah Editor
© "Zombieland" (2009) written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick and directed by Ruben FleischerStory Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: Zombies, Woody Harrelson, Zombieland, Pacific Playpark, Bill Murray. Editor says, Plot Summary from Douglas Young of the Movie Guy: The entire world is hit with an apocalyptic infection that turns people into zombies once they have been bitten by an infected zombie. Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) is a young geek who has a lot of phobias about almost everything from clowns, to bathrooms, to checking the back seat of cars. Being alone and scared of the outside world has kept him alive. His new fear is being eaten by zombies. To survive, Columbus has begun making a long list of rules to survive. Each time he gives you one of his rules, you see an example of his rule in action. Columbus explains to the audience in a background voice such as wearing your seat-belt, or the double-tap rule after you shoot a zombie make sure he is dead by shooting him in the head again. Trust me; this is not a wasted shot. The number 1 rule is to be sure that you can outrun the zombies, because the overweight and slow people were caught first by the zombies. He decides to go home to Columbus to see if his parents are still alive. Along the highway, he meets Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) a redneck zombie killer who loves Twinkies and misses his puppy Buck. They team up and head for Tallahassee. On the way they meet and join forces with two girls, Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abagail Breslin). They may be the last surviving people on earth, and they must rely on each other to survive.
~ Haven't seen the movie, can't really comment. I do notice that you refer to both vampires and zombies---aren't they very different classes of undead? Fixed. Thanks - Ed.
~ Technically, only vampires are considered "undead." Zombies are "the living dead."
What's the difference? As I understand it, vampires come back fully conscious and are generally (at least in modern lore; some older legends say differently) fully human-looking and preserved, as long as they get a steady supply of blood. By contrast, zombies rise in a rotting condition which is only imperfectly held at bay by their own gross feeding habits (suggesting that unlike vampires, zombies wouldn't be able to stay active for centuries) and typically are, well, "zombie-like" in their mental state. Fixed. Thanks-Ed.
~ Freaky....
September 30
Editor says, what if James Dean had lived? Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s).
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In 1955, actor James Dean was badly injured in an automobile accident, one day after finishing work on the film Giant. After months of convalescence, he returned to work as an actor.
Giant by Eric LippsThroughout the late 1950s and the 1960s, Dean, who had earned fame portraying moody, rebellious young men in such films as Rebel Without a Cause, gradually broadened his range. One of his more notable roles would be as the lovestruck cowboy in Marilyn Monroe's final film, Bus Stop, in 1962.
In the 1970s he would move into directing, specializing in social-commentary films, with an occasional foray into other genres. He would continue to act occasionally, however, last appearing opposite Harrison Ford as the corrupt archaeologist Belloq in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. In 1984 he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He died January 11, 1986.
Entry posted by Todayinah Editor
© Eric Lipps,2007-.Story Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: James Dean, Holywood, Giant, 1955, Hollywood. ~ I have often thought that James Dean was taken too soon.
January 22
Editor says, what if Heath Ledger had lived? muses Gerry Shannon. Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s). This story was published in the February 2013 edition of Changing the Times Magazine.
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In 2008, actor Heath Ledger (pictured) barely manages to survive a dangerous drug overdose at his SoHo-based apartment in Manhattan. Gotham Dawn by Gerry Shannon
That afternoon, Ledger had been found by his housekeeper in bed in a semi-conscious state and with a burning fever, and she then hurriedly dialled 911. The emergency room team who treated the actor found his condition was a result of an abuse of his precription medications that were for treating his headaches and his insomnia. (The actor often talked to his friends of his difficulties with sleeping).
During his recovery, Ledger released a statement warning his fans of not being properly informed as to the dangers of drugs - both legal and otherwise. It was this experience that would have the usually reclusive Ledger become a prominent anti-drugs activist in the intervening decades, often lobbying the US Senate for tougher measures and togrant greater powers to law enforcement agencies.
Nearly a year later to the day, he would be nominated by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the category of Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of the super-villain, the Joker, in the Batman sequel, The Dark Knight. Ledger's subsequent win was unique for a starring role in a big-budget genre production. He would reprise his role in the 2011 sequel, Gotham Dawn, which would briefly reunite him with his Brokeback Mountain co-star, Jake Gyllenhaal as the Riddler during the film's climax that sees a mass breakout from Arkham Asylum.
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Gerry Shannon Watch the Video
© Gerry Shannon, 2008-Story Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: Heath Ledger, Drugs, Batman, Joker, Riddler.June 11
Editor says, what if Steven Spielberg had chosen a radically different cast list for Jurassic Park? muses Steven Fisher. Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s). This story was published in the December 2011 edition of Changing the Times Magazine.
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In 1993, on this day Universal Pictures' block-buster science fiction adventure film Jurassic Park premiered in cinemas across North America.
Jurassic Park
The Kickass VersionA star studded case featured Sean Connery in the critical role of John Hammond, the eccentric billionaire CEO of InGen and creator of Jurassic Park. Hammond's over exuberance was beautifully counterpoised by the calmness of Harrison Ford playing the leading paleontologist and main protagonist, Dr. Alan Grant, and the maverick nature of Erik Bogosian who was cast in the role of mathematician and chaos theorist, Ian Malcolm.
This triangular set of pressure points had given Connery the compelling reason he had needed to take the role despite his initial reluctance. However, Spielberg was very fortunate to secure his services on the project, because Harrison Ford had originally sought the roles of either Fugitive Dr Richard Kimble or Jack Ryan in Patriot Role (which was taken by Alec Baldwin who eventually reached a compromise on his fee structure). On set Ford met his future wife Calista Flockhart who played Dr. Ellie Sattler, a paleobotanist and graduate student of Grant's.
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Steven Fisher
© Steven Fisher, 2011-.Story Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: Sean Connery, Harrison Ford, Alec Baldwin, Hammond, Steven Spielberg. ~ How could this possibly make a difference? Chris b.t.w, Jeff Goldblum was in the Jurrasic Park OTL, you want someone weird and quirky as a chaos theory expert, cast Erik Bogosian. Genius! I agree, I will make that change immediately with many thanks :-)
~ If only there had been this cast and only ONE movie...instead of three (or four? I forget).
~ Brings back memories. I was in a band back in 1993, my Drummer refered to the Movie as Urassitch park :)
~ The movie would have been different, but how, I'm not sure. I'm not up enough on actors to be able to figure that out, and it's been years since I saw JP.
~ Perhaps we would have heard the line, "Gentlemen, my name is Hammond, John Hammond." (Alas, this comment ages me a little too much.)
~ Hey, I'm old enough to remember when computer discs were five inches wide. :D
~ Is Laura Dern still in this version? Changed to Calista Flockhart as agreed :-)
~ Might turn into a "Seven Days, Six Nights" nightmare.
~ On the other hand, it could've turned into an Indiana and Dr. Henry Jones, Sr, fight dinosaurs movie. Now there's an Indiana Jones 4 worth watching!
October 6
Editor says, what if James Dean had survived his 1955 car crash? Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s).
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In 2009, the movie Legend premiered in theatres across North America. Directed by Allen Gray, the film was a video diary of the extraordinary life and career of James Dean.
Click to watch the Youtube
LegendThe critical scene in the movie is the 1955 car accident that almost ended Dean's life aged just twenty-four. Because on September 30, 1955, Dean and his mechanic Rolf Wutherich set off from Competition Motors, where they had prepared his Porsche 550 Spyder that morning for a sports car race at Salinas, California. Dean originally intended to trailer the Porsche to the meeting point at Salinas, behind his new Ford Country Squire station wagon, crewed by Hickman and photographer Sanford Roth, who was planning a photo story of Dean at the races. At the last minute, Dean drove the Spyder, having decided he needed more time to familiarize himself with the car. At 3:30 p.m., Dean was ticketed in Mettler Station, Kern County, for driving 65 mph (105 km/h) in a 55 mph (89 km/h) zone. The driver of the Ford was ticketed for driving 20 mph (32 km/h) over the limit, as the speed limit for all vehicles towing a trailer was 45 mph (72 km/h). Later, having left the Ford far behind, they stopped at Blackwells Corner in Lost Hills for fuel and met up with fellow racer Lance Reventlow.
Dean was driving west on U.S. Route 466 (later State Route 46) near Cholame, California when a black-and-white 1950 Ford Custom Tudor coupe, driven from the opposite direction by 23-year-old Cal Poly student Donald Turnupseed, attempted to take the fork onto State Route 41 and crossed into Dean's lane without seeing him. Right before impact, Wutherich recalled Dean saying "That guy's gotta stop... He'll see us". The two cars hit almost head on. According to a story in the October 1, 2005 edition of the Los Angeles Times,[14] California Highway Patrol officer Ron Nelson and his partner had been finishing a coffee break in Paso Robles when they were called to the scene of the accident, where they saw a heavily breathing Dean being placed into an ambulance. Wutherich had been thrown from the car, but survived with a broken jaw and other injuries. Dean was taken to Paso Robles War Memorial Hospital, where he made a slow recovery from his critical condition.
Entry posted by Todayinah Editor
© Allen Gray, 2009.Story Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: James Dean, 1955, Hollywood, America, Actors. ~ Donald Turnupseed's life wouldn't be worth a plugged nickel. I've heard people make serious threats against the guy who ran down Stephen King.
~ Turnipseed would have been lucky to survive the day.
~ Hmm. Sounds similar to the one i did, but with LOTS more detail regarding the accident.
September 10
Editor says, what if Quentin Tarantino's movie was banned in Germany? Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s).
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In 2009, on this day the German board of censors banned the screening of Quentin Tarantino's Jewish revenge movie "Once upon a Time in Nazi-Occupied Europe".
Watch the Youtube Clip
Once upon a TimeThe censor's decision was just one of a series of obstructive measures taken by German authorities who sought to prevent the making of the movie. In fact, they nearly succeeded.During casting, Tarantino had been prevented from hiring German actors.
"What a tremendously hostile world that a rat must endure. Yet not only does he survive, he thrives. Because our little foe has an instinct for survival and preservation second to none... And that Monsieur is what a Jew shares with a rat".As a result, the film featured Daniel Cesar Martin Bruhl Gonzalez Domingo, Christoph Waltz and Michael Fassbender, respectively a Spanish-born German, an Austrian and an Anglo-Irish born in Heidleberg.
Because a decade after the Fall of the Third Reich, the true extent of the Jewish Holocaust is still a matter of bitter controversy in Germany.
Entry posted by Todayinah Editor
© "Inglorious Basterds", Quentin Tarantino (2009).Story Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: Quentin Tarantino, Christoph Waltz, Brad Pitt, Inglorious Basterds, A Band Apart. Editor says, Universal Pictures's German publicity site was censored as the display of Nazi iconography is illegal in Germany. The title has the German Swastika removed and the Stahlhelm helmet has a bullet hole instead of the Nazi symbol. The download section of the German site was also revised to exclude wallpaper downloads that feature the Swastika openly.
~ If the Reich had only fallen in 1999 or thenabouts, evidence of the Holocaust would be difficult to find.
~ Kind of like in Fatherland...
~ TL needs to be fleshed out. How did it fall? How big was it? The game the Nazis played from Barbarossa onwards was rule or ruin. Kind of hard to see a detente. So the POD has to be earlier which gets to how much earlier and which POD.
~ A flippant answer to Scott's question would be the PODs explored by Harry Turtledove and Robert Harris (see Davids point above) however, I did note that Heinrich Himmler was not present at the premiere, so perhaps the war doesnt end, Himmler seizes the leadership. Obviously this would assume no Barbarossa as Scott says, which is tricky since Nations Pride shows fighting in Italy i.e. after the Invasion of Sicily. Consequently, the POD I have in mind is Nations Pride takes place during the Fall of France, and the movie is made before the summer of 1941.
May 4
Editor says, what if Johnny Depp played Iron Man? muses Andrew Beane. Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s). This story was published in the June 2012 edition of Changing the Times Magazine.
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In 2012, on this day the blockbuster movie Marvel's The Avengers premiered worldwide with Johnny Depp the surprise casting choice for the role of Tony Stark, genius, billionaire, playboy, and philanthropist with a mechanical suit of armor.
Premiere of Marvel's The Avengers
by Ed & Andrew BeaneInsurance issues had forced Robert Downey, Jr. to forced to withdraw and an opportunity was created for Depp to reportray Stark in a more eccentric caricature.
But the negative consequence of this choice was that he was unavailable for the shooting of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Film makers Rob Marshall and Jerry Bruckheimer turned to British actor Russell Brand who redefined the role of Captain Jack Sparrow.
Entry posted by Todayinah Editor
© Alternate Historian, 2004-.Story Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: Johnny Depp, Robert Downey, Jr., Iron Man, Tony Stark, Avengers. ~ Your choice of Russell Brand is the icing on the cake
~ WHAT? Someone else playing Jack Sparrow, other than Johnny Depp? Now that IS beyond belief! I mean, we could put up with George Washington siding with George III...or Bonnie Prince Charlie conquering England...or Franz Ferdinand surviving Sarajevo...BUT NOT THIS!
~ Not being familiar with Russell Brand, or fond of superhero movies, I can't really comment.
~ Was thinking yesterday, what if Ed Norton was the new Thin Man?
May 6
Editor says, what if Spider-man producer Sam Raimi and Sony Pictures had resolved their differences? muses Eric Lipps. Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s).
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In 2011, the fourth movie in the popular Spider-Man series was released, with actor Toby McGuire repeating his dual role as Peter Parker and Spider-Man, Kirsten Dunst returning as Mary Jane Watson. Dylan Baker costarred as Dr. Curtis Connors (whose CGI-aided transformation into the monstrous Lizard and then back to human form would win an Oscar in the special effects category), John Malkovich as the Vulture and Anne Hathaway as Mary Jane's romantic rival Gwen Stacy.
Release of fourth Spider-Man movieCreative differences between producer Sam Raimi and Sony Pictures nearly threatened to derail the film, as producer Sam Raimi feared he could not meet the release deadline without compromising the film. Ultimately, however, the disputes were resolved, with Raimi scaling back the script by eliminating, among other things, a planned appearance of the villain Venom. That character, along with another longtime Spider-Man foe, the Sandman, was instead slated to appear in a fifth, as yet unproduced film, although actors McGuire and Dunst have hinted that they are not interested in appearing in another Spider-Man movie, suggesting that their roles may need to be recast.
Entry posted by
Eric Lipps
© Eric Lipps,2007-.Story Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: Spiderman, Toby McGuire, Peter Parker, Kirsten Dunst, Mary Jane Watson. Editor says, in our history, Raimi could not resolve his differences with Sony and this movie was scrapped. The fourth Spider-Man movie actually released was substantially different, essentially a reboot of the franchise with a new cast.
~ Never saw any of the Spiderman movies, so I can't really comment.
~ John Malkovich would've made a very cool Vulture.
January 5
Editor says, what if Herman Cain was an even more fake cowboy? Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s). This story was published in the December 2011 edition of Changing the Times Magazine.
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In 2011, on this day sixty-five year old Herman Cain was cast in the lead role for the retro cowboy blaxploitation sequel movie "The Doc II".
The Doc IIThe first blockbuster movie had starred Barry Obama and his dumb sidekick Joe Biden. Unfortunately the spinoff (a four-year HBO series) had met with high initial praise, but then suddenly ended without resolving any of the plot threads. Despite their pleading requests to get a second chance to restart or reset the concept (socialized quack medicine for the "have-nots"), the under-performing pair were firmly told that it was time for a change that the audience could believe in - before the network itself run out of funds.
With the tired old cast of supporting actors stuck in a rut, Dodge City desperately needed to freshen up with some star quality. To re-energize the second movie installment, a "rough diamond" actor was sought who could cut to the chase (under his 9-9-9 plan he promised to clean-up the Town). And encouraging first reactions to his sensational, gritty acting style followed, a positive indication that the casting decision would be broadly welcomed by fans. But sadly, his ratings would drop sharply after a series of tawdry allegations emerged about his even more racey personal life.
Entry posted by Todayinah Editor
© Alternate Historian, 2004-.Story Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: Herman Cain, Blaxploitation, Cowboy, Hollywood, America. Editor says, in this article we revisit some wisecracks from the part 1 story.
October 12
Editor says, what if the fortieth anniversary of the Godfather Part 1 had been celebrated with a remake? Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s). This story was published in the October 2012 edition of Changing the Times Magazine.
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In 2010, the agent of James Gandolfini confirmed the widespread rumours that the Soprano's star had indeed been offered the lead role of Don Vito Corleone in the upcoming remake of The Godfather. Joe Pesci, the supporting actor from Goodfellas, was expected to star as his youngest son Michael.
The Godfather, ReduxThe filming schedule was set for premiére on the fortieth anniversary of the original movie which was released on March 15, 1972.
In agreeing to re-make the groundbreaking movie, Director Francis Ford Coppola was confronted with the daunting challenge of introducing innovation into a mature genre. Rather than re-interpreting Mario Puzo's book, he decided to celebrate the fabric of Italian-American cinema. And the startling result was for Gandolfini, Pesci et al to revisit forty years of film-making by positioning the Godfather in a rich, modern setting - Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani's post 9/11 New York.
Coppola had in fact been offered the opportunity to shoot Godfather, Part IV [1] but the project had been scrapped over a decade before because of the untimely death of author Mario Puzo.
Entry posted by Todayinah Editor
© Alternate Historian, 2004-.Story Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: The Godfather, James Gandolfini, Don Vito Corleone, Mafia, Mafioso. Editor says, in writing this article with Tony Rocca, we invite reader's opinions on which is the better product, Sopranos, the Godfather, or Goodfellas. [1] This idea was proposed by guest historian Gerry Shannon and has become the best read article on the blog.
~ He'd be awesome as Don Vito
~ Well, I have heard that The Godfather kept the Mafia going, because it showed them in such a heroic, romantic light. So it was certainly the most influential gangster film. My own favorite, though, was the original black-and-white version of Scarface.
~ Joe Pesci could steal the show, and Gandolfini accepting the role says he had pretty much accepted mafioso acting career typecasting. This movie could have been a good comedy, but not sure it could have worked as a serious flick. But, I could be wrong.
~ At first I thought "HERESY!" But then, I thought that it could just work. Of course, a lot of the original story would have to be changed around. Maybe make Michael an Iraqi or Desert Shield/Storm veteran?
~ Why try to improve on the original in its original setting?
Comment from Anthony Risola on Google Plus - Gandolfini is I believe 50 or so. Pesci pushing 70. Having the former play the father of the later would be quite a stretch,unless i read it wrong. Besides Gandolfini is a one trick pony. He's always Tony Soprano no matter what he does, he wouldn't be believable as a variation on Brando's character.? I guess they could use the different time sequences as in the second movie to obscure the age differences and have multiple actors, but its a good point sir, I will add that detail to the blog article if I might?
January 31
Editor says, what if James Cameron's sequel addressed all of the subcontextual shortcomings of the first movie by filling in all the blanks in the plot? Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s).
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In 2012, on this day James Cameron's long anticipated, blockbuster movie Avatar 2 premiered in cinemas across North America.
The premiere of Avatar 2Set in 2175, twenty five years have passed, and whilst many things have changed, some have not. Because stocks of the rare mineral unobtanium (valued at $20m per kilo) are running low back on Earth, an ultra republican US President (played by Will Ferrell) orders a re-establishment of the RDA Mining Operation on Pandora. The surprising application of unobtanium is also revealed at this time. However, on the return voyage, unobtanium is also discovered on the moons of Polyphemus and the Alpha Centauri A solar system. This peaceful outcome is of course a huge disappointment to Colonel Miles Quarich (reprised by Stephen Lang) who is out for revenge having been reanimated from DNA ("Its not over whilst I'm breathing!") after his untimely death from two poisoned Na'vi arrows to the chest.
Ironically, the Na'vi are now desirous of a such re-engagement because lacking advanced medical technology they are unable to defeat a slow-acting virus introduced during mankind's first visit. In desperation, Jake Sculley (pictured) travels to the interior of the planet to seek a cure. To add depth to the drama, flashbacks are shown - including the related events that led to Sculley's disabling injury, and the death of his brother Tommy (and by exploring the President's complicity we discover that Jake's arrival on Pandora was no accident at all).
In a dramatic final scene, Jake appeals to the mother goddess Eywa to re-animate his human body and find a cure for the Na'vi. The stage is thus set for the third movie expected before 2015.
Entry posted by Todayinah Editor
© "Avatar" by James Cameron (2009)Story Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: James Cameron, Avatar, Sam Worthington, Jake Sculley, Will Ferrell. ~ Haven't seen Avatar, so I can't really comment.
~ I have to agree with Mr. Collins.
~ I haven't seen it either (I sense a trend developing here). And with the key to the film being "unobtainium, "I'm not likely to. Please, folks, that's a bad genre joke, and if the writer(s) can't treat their subject any more seriously than that, why should I?
In any event, I don't see what makes this "alternate" history rather than (near) future history.
~ The first one was too predictable, for my liking, & far too formulamatic. It was really all about showcasing the 3D technology. I'd dare say, than worrying about plot & storyline. If Avatar 2 goes the same way, it's techological wow factor won't be enough to see it be anywher near as popular as the first. Needless to say all the critics will rip it to shreads for the poor plotline etc, it will be a blockblaster dud, & it will likely send Cameron & the studio bankrupt.
~ Unfortunately, I have missed the major cultural milestone of our time as well...
~ Three words: orbital nuclear bombardment.
October 2
Editor says, what if Zombieland featured the bad ending you suspect ten minutes from the climax of the movie? Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s).
In 2009, on this day the American zombie comedy horror, Zombieland premiered in cinemas across North America. The film was written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick and directed by Ruben Fleischer.
Click to watch the Movie Trailer on Youtube
Time to Nut Up or Shut UpThe film takes place within a post-apocalyptic context, featuring characters that have adopted names from their home towns to reduce emotional involvement. Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) is a college student from Austin, Texas, who is on his way to Columbus to see if his parents are alright, who explains a few of his "rules" for surviving the zombie apocalypse.
After surviving a few zombie attacks, he encounters Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), whose life goal is to find the last Twinkie on Earth. As they are searching a grocery store for Twinkies, they meet two girls, Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) who, seeking escapism, are headed for the Pacific Playpark.
In the final scene, this oddball movie takes a decidely morbid turn when it becomes clear that none of the characters will survive the zombie attack at the Pacific Playpark. This fatalistic ending was to some extent foreshadowed by the accidental death of the actor Bill Murray who cameos in the movie, playing himself, disguised as Zombie; when Murray tries to scare Columbus and Little Rock, Columbus kills him and Murray explains he wasn't much good at practical jokes.
Entry posted by Todayinah Editor
© "Zombieland" (2009) written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick and directed by Ruben FleischerStory Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: Zombies, Woody Harrelson, Zombieland, Pacific Playpark, Bill Murray. Editor says, Plot Summary from Douglas Young of the Movie Guy: The entire world is hit with an apocalyptic infection that turns people into zombies once they have been bitten by an infected zombie. Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) is a young geek who has a lot of phobias about almost everything from clowns, to bathrooms, to checking the back seat of cars. Being alone and scared of the outside world has kept him alive. His new fear is being eaten by zombies. To survive, Columbus has begun making a long list of rules to survive. Each time he gives you one of his rules, you see an example of his rule in action. Columbus explains to the audience in a background voice such as wearing your seat-belt, or the double-tap rule after you shoot a zombie make sure he is dead by shooting him in the head again. Trust me; this is not a wasted shot. The number 1 rule is to be sure that you can outrun the zombies, because the overweight and slow people were caught first by the zombies. He decides to go home to Columbus to see if his parents are still alive. Along the highway, he meets Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) a redneck zombie killer who loves Twinkies and misses his puppy Buck. They team up and head for Tallahassee. On the way they meet and join forces with two girls, Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abagail Breslin). They may be the last surviving people on earth, and they must rely on each other to survive.
~ You can't beat Shaun of the Dead IMHO ;)
~ Phooey on that..."Night of the Living Dead" is still the numero uno zombie flick.
~ Haven't seen it, can't comment. Not much into zombie stuff anyway.
March 22
Editor says, what if George Lucas had brought Japanese influences to the foreground of the movie "Star Wars"? Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s).
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In 1976, on this day the filming of the planet Tatooine scenes for the cult movie "A New Hope" began in the Tunisian desert. Seeking to replicate the plot and characters of the jidai-geki film "the Hidden Fortress", Director George Lucas had cast an Asian actor, Toshiro Mifune for the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Click to view Sources of Star Wars on Youtube
Toshiro Mifune plays Obi-Wan KenobiFinancial backers had strongly urged Lucas to cast a caucasian actor for the principal roles. But greatly impressed by his masterful portrayal of the "roving warrior" archetype General Rokurota, Lucas had disregarded that advice, choosing instead to focus on the artistic depiction of a Jedi Knight. In any case, he had already offered the role of Han Solo to the African American actor Billy Dee Williams who was also considered for the secondary role of Lando Calrissian.
Fortunately, Lucas sustained the financial support of the backers by persuading Christopher Lee to play the part of Grand Moff Tarkin. Having examine the script, Lee had been initially dismissive, instead recommending that Lucas approach another English actor, his friend Peter Cushing. However the inclusion of Mifune changed his mind, having seen a fresh and compelling opportunity to participate in a neo-classic movie rather than the American space opera film that the plotline had initially suggested to him.
Entry posted by Todayinah Editor
© Alternate Historian, 2006-.Story Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: Star Wars, Geeks, George Lucas, Hollywood, Cult Film. ~ This would be cool, but I'd hope Grand Moff Tarkin would get away in the end like Vader did. Wasting him in just one of those movies would be criminal.
~ Interesting, but maybe a bit too much "Kung Fu."
Comment on from Jon Roz on Facebook: I like the Obi-Wan Kenobis but Toshiro Mifune playing Kenobi is just legendary.
Comment from Margo Barotta on Facebook: the action will be change :they will be more action in the scene ,and acces to martial art ,it will be like the movie is alive .the japanese are faster.
~ Wasn't Mifune already filming "Midway" when 'Star Wars' began shooting?
~ Good call Raymond, perhaps a suitably caped Grand Moff Tarkin could have taken the leaders of the rebel alliance out with a vampire bite thus playing a fuller role in the movie as Mr Oppen suggested :-)
~ I'd definitely watch it. Wonder who would play young Obi-Wan in the prequels (if they were).
~ I like the idea - especially in the light that the Samurai has greatly influence the mythics of the Jedi so much
January 6
Editor says, what if the Andover train disaster had killed Franklin Pierce? Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s). This story was published in the February 2012 edition of Changing the Times Magazine.
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In 1853, on this day the President-elect of the United States Franklin Pierce (pictured) and his family were crushed to death when the train car that they had boarded in Boston was derailed and then rolled down an embankment near Andover, Massachusetts.
Tragic Death of Franklin PierceIn his place, William Rufus King was sworn in as President on March 4th. Problem was, King was dying of tuberculosis and succumbed to the disease just six weeks later, so that the presidency fell to the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, David Rice Atchison.
Just four years before, he had served as President for a single day. Because on Saturday, March 3, 1849, outgoing President James Polk's term had expired, but incoming President Zachary Taylor refused to be sworn in on the Sabbath and put the ceremony off until Monday, March 5 -- which meant nobody was President on Sunday, at least officially.
He did not undertake any presidential duties, but claimed to have taken a nap whilst serving as 12th president of the United States. But unlike that temporary ceremonial fill-in function, the succession after the deaths of Pierce and King was fundamentally differently. Because Atchison was a pro-slavery expansionist who was brought to power at a pivotal moment in the nation's history.
Entry posted by Todayinah Editor
© Alternate Historian, 2004-.Story Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: Franklin Pierce, William Rufus King, David Rice Atchison, Premature death, Presidency. Editor says, in reality Wikipedia reports ~ on January 6, 1853, the President-elect's family had boarded a train in Boston, and were trapped in their derailed car when it rolled down an embankment near Andover, Massachusetts. Pierce and his wife survived, merely shaken up, but saw their 11-year-old son Benjamin crushed to death. Jane Pierce viewed the train accident as a divine punishment for her husband's pursuit and acceptance of high office.
Huffington Post concludes ~ King was dying of tuberculosis when he was sworn in as Vice President. If Pierce had succumbed, and King shortly thereafter, then the presidency would have fallen to David Rice Atchison, President Pro Tempore of the Senate. The succession law was different from 1792-1886. Also, the president didn't appoint a new VP to fill out a term until much later. Atchison is famous for the myth of having been "resident for a day" in 1849. He was pro-slavery expansionist and may have looked south in expanding the country. King is notable for being best friend, and possible lover, of bachelor president James Buchanan.
~ Wow. Just in time for "bleeding Kansas" we get a fervently pro-slavery president. The era's conspiracy theorists would have had a field day.
~ Well, the civil war starts four years earlier. Buchanan was a pro-slavery president.
~ The abolitionists go absolutely nuts, and people like John Brown get a lot more freedom of action from them.
~ Despite what some others have said I don't believe the Civil War could start that much earlier, people were irritable but not incensed and the territories gained from Mexico during the recent war were just starting to attract settlers. With an Atchison Presidency you might see swarms of pro slaver settlers arriving in New Mexico and Arizona to nail down the territory for the South. Getting more balance in the Senate was a top priority for the pro-slavery movement of the time. As for the abolitionists, many if not most of them were horrified by John Brown and his methods and the courts were firmly against those methods. It takes more than a few rabble rousers to get things going towards war, it takes years and many incidents.
~ If Atchison is as overt about pro-slavery rather than Buchanan's somewhat passivity, maybe John Brown would go after him, being the earlier John Wilkes Booth.
December 3
Editor says, what if the clues to the identify of Patient Zero in the movie Zombieland actually led somewhere? Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s).
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In 2009, Hollywood Director Ruben Fleischer announced a $1m dollar award for the first movie-goer who correctly guessed the identity of "Patient Zero" in the comedy thriller "Zombieland" which was released on this day in Australia.
Click to watch the Movie Trailer on Youtube
Who was Patient Zero in the Zombie Apocalypse?An early connection is the odd reappearance of "Victim in Bathroom" (played by Mike White) who later in the movie is scammed by Wichita and Little Rock at the "Gas and Gulp". These events are mirrored by Columbus who narrates the origin of the Zombie Apocalypse by explaining that some months before, patient zero took a bite of an infected burger at a Gas Gulp, also the location of the opening scene in Garland, TX.
When Columbus checks the washroom door, and the zombie (picture) chases him across the car lot, it becomes apparent that the Gas and Gulp at Garland is the epicentre of the Zombie Apocalypse and the mystery is solved.
Entry posted by Todayinah Editor
© "Zombieland" (2009) written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick and directed by Ruben FleischerStory Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Movies Source: Wikipedia Labels: Zombies, Woody Harrelson, Zombieland, Pacific Playpark, Bill Murray. Editor says, Plot Summary from Douglas Young of the Movie Guy: The entire world is hit with an apocalyptic infection that turns people into zombies once they have been bitten by an infected zombie. Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) is a young geek who has a lot of phobias about almost everything from clowns, to bathrooms, to checking the back seat of cars. Being alone and scared of the outside world has kept him alive. His new fear is being eaten by zombies. To survive, Columbus has begun making a long list of rules to survive. Each time he gives you one of his rules, you see an example of his rule in action. Columbus explains to the audience in a background voice such as wearing your seat-belt, or the double-tap rule after you shoot a zombie make sure he is dead by shooting him in the head again. Trust me; this is not a wasted shot. The number 1 rule is to be sure that you can outrun the zombies, because the overweight and slow people were caught first by the zombies. He decides to go home to Columbus to see if his parents are still alive. Along the highway, he meets Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) a redneck zombie killer who loves Twinkies and misses his puppy Buck. They team up and head for Tallahassee. On the way they meet and join forces with two girls, Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abagail Breslin). They may be the last surviving people on earth, and they must rely on each other to survive.
~ So what did the winner do with the prize money? :D
~ Haven't seen the movie, can't comment. I'm not a big zombie fan, honestly---I can't see the appeal they seem to have.
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