Tag: movies

Pee-wee Herman Look-Alike Contest Hits Coney Island This Weekend

If you’ve ever practiced Pee-wee Herman’s laugh in the mirror or thought about rocking that iconic grey suit and red bow tie, this weekend is your moment. Coney Island is hosting a Pee-wee Herman look-alike contest on Sunday, bringing fans together to honor the late Paul Reubens and celebrate the 40th anniversary of “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure”.

The event is more than just a tribute to the beloved character, it’s a full-on costume party for Pee-wee fans of all stripes. Yes, plenty of bow ties and white loafers are expected, but the contest also includes categories for anyone dressing as other characters from “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” or his films. That means we might see Miss Yvonne in all her fabulous glory, Cowboy Curtis with his rhinestone flair, Jambi popping in with a “Mecca lecca hi, mecca hiney ho,” or even a terrifyingly spot-on Large Marge.

The contest organizers say they’re excited to see how creative people get, and let’s be real, New Yorkers never half-step when it comes to costumes.

Expect a mix of nostalgia, camp, and maybe a few deep-cut references only hardcore Pee-wee fans will catch.

This celebration comes at a time when quirky fan events are really having a moment. From Elvis impersonators in Vegas to Shrek raves popping up around the country, dressing up like your favorite character is a playful way of keeping pop culture alive. And Pee-wee Herman, with his unique blend of childlike innocence and surreal humor, feels like the perfect character to celebrate in a big, colorful way.

Whether you’re competing, cheering from the crowd, or just want to people-watch with a Nathan’s hot dog in hand, this is one Coney Island spectacle worth catching. As Pee-wee himself would say, “I know you are, but what am I?”

The contest kicks off this Sunday at Coney Island, and it’s bound to be a mix of laughter, nostalgia, and maybe a few spot-on impressions that would make Paul Reubens proud.

So dust off your bow tie, polish those loafers, and practice that Pee-wee laugh—Coney Island is about to get weird in the best way possible.

Is “The Breakfast Club” the Best High School Movie of All Time?

It’s officially back-to-school season, and what better way to celebrate than by ranking the movies that made us all wish detention was a little more fun? “Entertainment Weekly“ just dropped a ranking of the 50 Best High School Movies of All Time, and topping the honor roll is none other than “The Breakfast Club” (1985).

The iconic John Hughes classic, famous for locking five teens from completely different cliques in a Saturday detention, beat out stiff competition for the top spot.

Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson and Emilio Estevez, on-set of the Film, “The Breakfast Club”, 1984. (Photo by: Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Coming in second was “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” (1982), the film that gave us Spicoli, Phoebe Cates, and endless surf-bro wisdom.

All Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn) wants out of life in the 1982 comedy Fast Times at Ridgemont High is a good buzz, good surf, and a good time. (Photo by John Springer Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

Third place went to Richard Linklater’s cult favorite “Dazed and Confused” (1993), which immortalized the phrase “Alright, alright, alright.”

(Photo by Gramercy Pictures/Getty Images)

Here’s how the rest of the Top 15 shaped up:

  1. “Rebel Without a Cause” (1955)
  2. “Heathers” (1989)
  3. “American Graffiti” (1973)
  4. “Clueless” (1995)
  5. “Sixteen Candles” (1984)
  6. “Election” (1999)
  7. “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986)
  8. “Say Anything” (1989)
  9. “Mean Girls” (2004)
  10. “High School” (1968)
  11. “Easy A” (2010)
  12. “Carrie” (1976)

The list is basically a crash course in teen angst, cafeteria politics, and questionable prom night decisions. What’s interesting is the range: from James Dean’s brooding in the 1950s to Emma Stone’s razor-sharp wit in “Easy A”, the ranking shows just how much the high school experience has been reinterpreted on screen.

For anyone who’s ever argued about whether “Clueless” or “Mean Girls” is the superior queen bee comedy, or debated if Ferris Bueller is actually a hero or just a world-class slacker, this list has plenty of fuel for conversation. And if you’re a completist, you’ve now got a 50-movie marathon ahead of you.

Your Dog Could Be the Next “Air Bud” Star

The search is officially on for the furry lead in “Air Bud Returns”, and yes, it’s just as adorable as it sounds.

A few weeks ago, producers announced the beloved basketball-playing pup would be returning to the big screen in a brand-new movie. Now they’re looking for the next golden retriever to step into those pawprints.

To stay true to the character, casting is only open to purebred golden retrievers. If you think your dog has the looks, charm, and on-screen presence to carry a movie, you can submit an application online.

Even if your dog isn’t chosen for the role, entering still comes with perks. Prizes include Air Bud jerseys, signed movie merchandise, and even a trip to the Los Angeles premiere.

The original “Air Bud” debuted in 1997 and became a family favorite, spawning multiple sequels and spin-offs. Now, “Air Bud Returns” is set to bring the magic back to theaters next summer — and one lucky golden will be front and center.

So if you’ve got a photogenic pup and a little patience for auditioning, this might be your chance to see your dog’s name up in lights. Just be warned: competition could get “ruff.”

USDA Uses “Marriage Story” Argument and AC/DC to Scare Off Wolves

Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson have an interesting side hustle—fighting off wolves. Sort of.

In one of the strangest but most effective forms of wildlife management you’ll hear about today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is using drones, loud music, and… Hollywood drama to protect cattle from wolf attacks.

Specifically, they’re blasting the infamous fight scene from the 2019 film Marriage Story to send a very loud message to predators: humans are loud, chaotic, and best avoided.

It’s all part of a method called “wolf hazing,” which involves scaring wolves away from livestock using drones equipped with thermal cameras and mounted speakers.

When the drones detect a wolf, they blare unsettling sounds—fireworks, gunshots, and yes, that intense Adam-vs-Scarlett yelling match. If that doesn’t work, the wolves also get a dose of AC/DC’s Thunderstruck at full volume.

And while this might sound like the weirdest Spotify playlist ever, it’s actually working. In one Oregon hotspot where 11 cows were killed in just 20 days, hazing efforts cut the number of wolf kills to only two over the next 85 days.

A USDA official summed it up best: “I need the wolves to respond and know that, hey, humans are bad.”

Hollywood drama, classic rock, and thermal drones: it’s not exactly what you’d expect from the USDA, but it’s oddly effective.

God Help Me, I (Kinda) Liked “The Naked Gun”

I was born in 1969.  That means I was a ’70s kid and an ’80s teen.  As such, the acronym ZAZ is very sacred to me.

David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker are the team of writer-directors who, from 1977 to 1994, produced some of the most uproarious comedies of all time, including “The Kentucky Fried Movie,” “Airplane,” “Top Secret,” and, of course, the “Naked Gun” trilogy.

When I heard there was going to be a “Naked Gun” remake/reboot/sequel, I didn’t freak out.  Remakes can actually be good. 

They can also be brilliant, like John Carpenter’s “The Thing” or Luca Guadagnino’s “Suspira.”

So my first reaction to these kinds of announcements is generally somewhere between “Who cares?” and “Let’s see what happens.”

The casting of Liam Neeson in the lead put this one firmly in the latter category for me.

Remember, before Abrahams and the Zucker boys cast Leslie Nielsen in “Airplane,” he was a serious actor, playing serious characters in serious films.  Their brilliance was to take a serious actor and give him a serious character, but drop it into the most unserious scenarios they could write.

While he was only a supporting character in the “Airplane” movies, giving him the lead role in the original “Naked Gun” made him a comedy god.

Neeson, with his “very particular set of skills,” may have been the best possible bulb to screw into that socket.  So when they announced him as the lead in this one, I was intrigued and, against my better judgment, a little excited.

And then came the marketing campaign, and that excitement left my body faster than all the lesbian celebrities left America after the 2024 election.

Observing the absolutely unavoidable deluge of trailers, TV commercials, and social media ads over the past few months, I think I laughed once… maybe twice.

This movie looked terrible.  I quickly relegated it to the “who cares” bin and went on with my life.

But then, over the past week, something bizarre and totally unexpected happened.  The reviews started coming in, and they were good.  Hell, some were great.

“The Naked Gun” is rated 90% fresh on RottenTomatoes.com, with a 79% audience rating.  It’s got a slightly lower score of 75 at MetaCritic, which still notes that the reviews have been “generally positive.”

More importantly, some friends whose opinions I actually trusted saw it Friday night and liked it.

So now, of course, I had to see it.  And I did.  On Saturday afternoon, with four other people in the theater.  Three of us were there by ourselves.

And we laughed.  Kind of a lot.

I’m not gonna say it’s great, and I’m not gonna say it stands up to the originals.  But I was entertained. 

Liam Neeson was as good in the part of the new Frank Drebin (the son of Nielsen’s character from the originals) as I thought he’d be.

And Pamela Anderson, who already proved she can act in 2024’s “The Last Showgirl,” shows off some legit comedy chops.  Her “performance” in the jazz club is one of the highlights of the movie.

Their chemistry is great, which is probably why they’re kickin’ it in real life, too.

The one complaint I have is the ending, which takes place at a WWFC mixed martial arts event.

There are no zany sight gags involving the fighters, no jokes about the sport or its audience; you know, the way they parodied Major League Baseball in the original, or the Oscars in Part 3.  It was just an MMA event going on in the background.

Even when the entire audience starts brawling, there are no heads being punched off, no obvious dummies being tossed around… not even a random tiger attack.  Mostly it’s just extras throwing punches in the background.

Zucker, Abrahams, and Zucker would have never let that happen.  And although they weren’t involved in this movie and didn’t seem to support it, the new guys should never had made this mistake.

Still, I did feel enough of the ZAZ spirit in this new “Naked Gun” to believe that if they should decide to see this movie, they might, against their better judgment, actually like it.

Just like I did.

Marvel Just Set a World Record… with a Popcorn Bucket?!

Move over, designer handbags and limited-edition sneakers—there’s a new must-have collectible in town, and it’s full of popcorn. Marvel fans, meet the Fantastic Four Galactus popcorn bucket, a snack accessory so extra, it just broke a Guinness World Record.

That’s right: Marvel Studios’ new popcorn bucket is officially the largest commercially available popcorn container on the planet. It’s even recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. Shaped like the head of the towering cosmic villain Galactus, this thing measures 20 inches wide, 17.5 inches high, and holds a mind-blowing 341 ounces of popcorn. That’s roughly the same as filling up four and a half standard movie theater buckets.

Naturally, it’s not just about size.

The bucket also lights up, because why wouldn’t Galactus’s glowing eyes stare into your soul while you eat your extra-buttered snack?

The bucket dropped at AMC theaters for $80, and despite the steep price tag, it sold out instantly in theaters across the U.S.

But don’t panic just yet, Marvel collectors: the Galactus bucket is still available for pre-order through the AMC Theatre Shop online, with shipments expected in early December.

The popcorn bucket hype has become a bizarre but beloved part of movie culture in recent years. From Barbie’s glittery accessories to Dune’s sandworm-themed tubs, film studios are turning snack holders into collector’s items and viral marketing gold. But this Galactus release just took things to a new level—literally.

You’ll Never Hear These Songs the Same Again—Thanks, Hollywood

Some songs just hit different when they’re tied to a movie moment. Whether it’s an unexpected burst of violence, a slow-motion walk, or a heartfelt goodbye, a great “needle drop” can elevate a film—and forever change how we hear that song. Now, “The Hollywood Reporter” has dropped a definitive (and very nostalgia-triggering) list of the greatest movie music moments of all time.

Let’s be real: we’ve all belted out “Bohemian Rhapsody” in a car thanks to “Wayne’s World”, and anyone who hears “Stuck in the Middle with You” immediately thinks of ear-related trauma in “Reservoir Dogs”. That’s the power of a great soundtrack cue.

Here are a few standout picks from their top 20 needle drops:

  • “Bohemian Rhapsody” – “Wayne’s World“
    Arguably the needle drop of the ’90s. It revived Queen’s popularity and gave us the most epic head-banging scene in cinematic history.
  • “Stuck in the Middle with You” – “Reservoir Dogs“
    Tarantino turned a soft rock jam into something unforgettable—and deeply unsettling.
  • “Layla” – “Goodfellas“
    The mournful piano coda soundtracks the aftermath of a mob massacre. Beautifully brutal.
  • “Mad World” – “Donnie Darko”
    This haunting Gary Jules cover hits harder than you remember. Existential crisis, anyone?
  • “Wake Up” – “The Matrix”
    Rage Against the Machine’s anthem slams in just as Neo becomes the One. Still chills.

Also featured: “Napoleon Dynamite” opening credits to The White Stripes, “Fight Club” ending with Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind”, and “Do the Right Thing” turning “Fight the Power” into a call to action.

Notably absent? Some fans online have pointed out the lack of newer contenders like “Guardians of the Galaxy”‘s mixtape moments or “Baby Driver”‘s perfectly timed choreography. But this list skews classic—and there’s nothing wrong with that.

You can check out the full list and relive some musical movie magic over at “The Hollywood Reporter“.

Is Adam Sandler Still Funny? The Internet Has Spoken

With “Happy Gilmore 2” dropping on Netflix tomorrow, Adam Sandler is back in the spotlight— but does he still got jokes? According to a new YouGov poll of over 2,200 Americans, 71% of the country thinks the Sandman is at least somewhat funny.

Specifically, 44% of people say he’s “somewhat funny,” while another 27% gave him full comedy credit with a “very funny” rating. Only 13% think he’s not very funny, and 9% said he’s not funny at all. That leaves 8% who are still on the fence—or maybe just haven’t seen “Billy Madison”.

This mini national referendum comes just ahead of Sandler’s return to one of his most iconic roles in “Happy Gilmore 2”, the long-awaited sequel to his 1996 golf comedy.

While Sandler has had some career ups and downs (and a few Razzie nominations to his name), his diehard fanbase clearly still finds him funny enough to click “play.”

The numbers show that his brand of goofy, lovable weirdness still resonates—at least more than it doesn’t. And when you stack up decades of hits (“The Wedding Singer”, “The Waterboy”, “Big Daddy”, and yes, even “Uncut Gems”) alongside his infamous flops, it kind of makes sense that “somewhat funny” took the top spot. He’s got a little something for everyone.

Are These the 50 Best Superhero Movies of All Time?

Are you planning on seeing Fantastic Four: First Steps? Because it opens TODAY! Which got us thinking, what are the best superhero movies of all time?

The new Superman movie, which came out on July 8th, is already flying high — at least when it comes to superhero rankings.

It has already landed on a fresh list of the 50 Best Superhero Movies of All Time, securing the #26 spot. Not bad for a movie that audiences are just starting to see. Whether it climbs higher in the years to come (or plummets faster than a speeding bullet) remains to be seen, but for now, it’s rubbing capes with some all-time greats.

So what did make the top of the list? Here’s a look at the Top 20 Superhero Movies according to the new ranking — and yes, nostalgia plays a big role:

  1. Superman: The Movie (1978)
  2. The Dark Knight (2008)
  3. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
  4. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
  5. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
  6. Batman (1989)
  7. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
  8. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
  9. The Avengers (2012)
  10. Black Panther (2018)
  11. The Incredibles (2004)
  12. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
  13. Logan (2017)
  14. Unbreakable (2000)
  15. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
  16. The Rocketeer (1991)
  17. The Batman (2022)
  18. X-Men (2000)
  19. Batman Begins (2005)
  20. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

It’s a list that leans heavily on Marvel and DC icons, with multiple appearances by Batman, Spider-Man, and the Avengers. But there’s also room for wild cards like The Rocketeer and Unbreakable — cult classics that helped shape the genre in subtler ways.

Of course, lists like these always stir up debate. (No love for “Iron Man”? Really?) But with the new Superman movie already earning a spot among the caped elite, it’s safe to say the hype is real.

And, do we think Fantastic Four: First Steps will land on this list? Pedro Pascal has to count for something.

Pee-wee’s Bike Is Finally at the Alamo—And No, Not in the Basement (We Think)

After nearly 40 years of fans quoting the line “There’s no basement at the Alamo,” Pee-wee Herman’s iconic red bicycle has finally made its way there—for real this time.

The original bike from “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” has officially been acquired by the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, just in time for the movie’s 40th anniversary.

It’s set to become a permanent part of the site’s upcoming Visitor Center and Museum, opening in Fall 2027. But you won’t have to wait two years to see it.

The Alamo announced that the legendary cruiser will be on display for a limited time at the Ralston Family Collection Center later this year. That’s also in San Antonio, but the specific dates haven’t been shared yet. You can bet fans are already dusting off their grey suits and red bow ties in anticipation.

And yes, there will be a free movie screening to go along with the exhibit, but details are still to come.

In the meantime, the Alamo’s official Instagram account had some fun with the announcement, posting: “Until then, don’t worry… the bike will be stored for safekeeping. Maybe in the basement!”

“Pee-wee’s Big Adventure”, released in 1985, marked the directorial debut of Tim Burton and helped launch Paul Reubens’ quirky character into pop culture history. The film’s plot—centered around Pee-wee’s desperate quest to retrieve his stolen bike—turns the Alamo into a hilarious (and completely false) detour, cementing it in fan memory.

Now, nearly four decades later, the Alamo is embracing its Hollywood cameo and giving the bike the spotlight it deserves.

Exit mobile version