Latest news with #AnimalHouse
Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Times
This Oscar winner is so much more than a biopic
It may be titled simply Amadeus but this hugely fun 1980s classic didn't win eight Oscars for being a straight-up biopic. What made it an enduring cultural touchstone is the framing. Lavishly shot on location in Prague using candlelit 18th-century architecture and extravagant costumes, Milos Forman's opulent epic retells the life of the musical wunderkind Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce, up until then best known for National Lampoon's Animal House) through the tormented eyes of his older, less-talented rival, Antonio Salieri (F Murray Abraham). Where the religious Salieri is ascetic and disciplined, Amadeus is hedonistic and childish, his genius seemingly a gift from God. After years spent consumed by jealousy, the embittered Salieri becomes obsessed with plotting Mozart's downfall. • Read more film reviews, guides about what to watch and interviews An adaptation of Peter Shaffer's elegantly constructed play, the narrative probes the agony of unfulfilled ambition. That Abraham's on-screen career subsequently eclipsed Hulce's is a pleasing dramatic irony.★★★★★ PG, 153min Times+ members can enjoy two-for-one cinema tickets at Everyman each Wednesday. Visit to find out more. Which films have you enjoyed at the cinema recently? Let us know in the comments and follow @timesculture to read the latest reviews
The Irish Sun
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Rarely seen nepo baby celebrates his birthday with A-list Hollywood parents – but can you guess who he is?
A HOLLYWOOD nepo-baby has marked his birthday with his superstar parents. The 36th milestone comes after a huge family film project featuring the entire high-profile clan. Advertisement 7 A Hollywood nepo-baby has celebrated his 36th birthday Credit: Instagram/@kevinbacon 7 Their famous dad shared a series of images of their son in a sweet birthday message Credit: Instagram/@kevinbacon 7 Travis Bacon is the eldest child of Kevin Bacon and wife Kyra Sedgwick Credit: Instagram/@kevinbacon 7 They have collaborated on a series of joint projects together as a family Credit: Getty Travis Bacon, the rarely-seen son of Hollywood actor Kevin Bacon, 66, and wife Kyra Sedgwick, 59, was seen beaming as he posed by a slice of cake with a candle on top. A chef had written the words 'happy birthday' in icing on the plate and Travis appeared chuffed to be at the heart of the celebrations. He wore a black logo top for his special day, with his black hair styled poker-straight over his shoulders. His famous actor pop Kevin was quick to upload a grid post on Instagram and put: "Happy birthday TSB! Boy I love my Boy." Advertisement read more nepo baby Music composer and artist Kevin added: "Thanks Dad!" The images also showed the family enjoying some quality time together, with a trip to the caravan, before images showed tattooed Travis sleeping on a cuddly toy skeleton and wielding an axe. Meanwhile, Bad Shabbos actress Kyra, 59, also shared a snapshot to Instagram to celebrate her eldest and posted: "Happy birthday to my baby boy @svrtcntraclt." Travis, who is known for Space Oddity and Carry The Darkness, then shared his own celebrations from Texas. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity He posed topless by a car and wrote: "This is 36," before posing by his car with his burlesque performer girlfriend Angelina Sambrotto. FAMILY AFFAIR Travis, who will soon appear alongside little sister Sosie, 33, on horror movie Keep Coming Back, has a history of collaborating with his famous family. What is Kevin Bacon's TikTok footloose challenge? His parents directed and starred in Family Movie - which also starred both Travis and his sibling. The plot captured a family of real-life filmmakers who became embroiled in their own horror flick Advertisement 'There may not be a more compelling Hollywood family than the Bacons,' said Dark Castle co-CEO and fellow producer Norman Golightly at the time. 'We can't wait to bring their unique dynamic to the screen and then wildly turn it on its head for audiences.' Kevin Bacon Films Kevin Bacon has enjoyed a long career as an actor. He rose to fame in the late 70s, and continues to appear in movies to this day. Kevin has appeared in some of the most iconic films to date and is beloved by fans. Here's a look at his filmography. National Lampoon's Animal House Friday the 13th Diner Footloose Quicksilver She's Having a Baby Flatliners Tremors He Said, She Said JFK A Few Good Men The River Wild The Air Up There Murder in the First Apollo 13 Sleepers Wild Things Stir of Echoes Hollow Man My Dog Skip Trapped Mystic River The Woodsman Death Sentence Frost/Nixon X-Men: First Class Crazy, Stupid, Love Black Mass Patriots Day The Darkness MaXXXine They also starred in 2005 flick Loverboy. Talking about his parenting style to Advertisement Meanwhile, Kevin has spoken out about enjoying his high-profile life with his brood. In a 2017 interview with Good Morning America, Kevin shared a time he went incognito, and he said he "hated it." He said: "It's better to be well-known. Everyone complains about it, saying, 'My life is so hard.' "But every day people say 'I love you'. Isn't that a great thing?" Advertisement 7 Travis has followed in the footsteps of his famous movie star parents Credit: Instagram 7 He spent his birthday in Texas with partner Angelina Sambrotto Credit: Instagram/@angiealaska 7 His little sister Sosie has carved out a career as a film star Credit: Getty
Daily Mail
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Playboy vet with an illustrious screen career steps out for rare outing in LA... can you guess who?
A former Playboy magazine star stepped out for a rare outing in Los Angeles over the past weekend. The actress has worked alongside a number of celebrities throughout her decades-long career such as Farrah Fawcett, Donald Sutherland, Jaclyn Smith, Kate Jackson and John Belushi. The beauty began making appearances on the screen in the 70s and took on both minor and larger roles in shows such as Fantasy Island and Taxi. The star is also known for her role in a major soap opera series. Along with working in the entertainment industry, she additionally dabbled in the world of real estate beginning in the 90s. Can you guess who it is? It is Martha Smith, 72 - who notably became Playboy magazine's Playmate of the Month back in July 1973. She is also known for making appearances in films such as Animal House (1978) and shows including Charlie's Angels and The Dukes Of Hazzard. The actress was spotted for an outing in L.A. over the past weekend on Sunday, June 8 and was stylishly causal in a pair of black pants as well as a dark green shirt. Smith's blonde locks were parted in the middle and flowed down past her shoulders in light waves, allowing her bangs to fall onto her forehead. Martha accessorized the outfit with an assortment of necklaces and sported a pair of black fashionable shades. The star easily carried a large, black Kate Spade bag in her hand to hold items she needed during the daytime excursion. Smith was born in October 1952 in Cleveland, Ohio and later graduated from Michigan State University. And in July 1973, she became Playmate of the Month at the age of 20 - and her centerfold had been photographed by Pompeo Posar. She is also known for making appearances in films such as Animal House (1978) and shows including Charlie's Angels and The Dukes Of Hazzard At the time, she opened up to Playboy magazine about her dreams of a career in filmmaking. 'I've talked to a lot of people, and they all give me different advice,' she stated at the time. 'My dream is to do it all, write the script, direct, be totally involved with the production of a film. 'That's a very large dream, I know, but I want to do it anyway. For now, I'm writing script outlines and, with a few friends, shooting some small productions around Detroit.' A few years later, Smith took on a minor role in the 1976 project The Winds Of Autumn - which also kicked off her professional acting career, per IMDB. She then made one episode appearances in shows such as Quincy, M.E., Charlie's Angels and How The West Was Won. In 1978, she portrayed the character of Babs Jansen in Nation Lampoon's Animal House alongside John Belushi, Tim Matheson, John Vernon and Verna Bloom. During a past interview with Martha reflected on landing the role in the John Landis-directed movie. She revealed that she had initially auditioned to be cast in the soap opera General Hospital - but had forgotten her lines which left her 'devastated.' However, she then landed a role in Animal House, which also happened to be her first major film. 'I had done only commercials and some small fly-by parts on television shows; the girl in a bikini who was killed after one or two scenes.' Smith continued, 'I was chloroformed, stabbed, shot, strangled, and beaten in the space of a few short years ... My mother grew increasingly concerned that this profession was damaging to my well-being.' Director Landis worked on a variety of projects aside from Animal House such as The Blues Brothers (1980), Trading Places (1983) and Coming To America (1988). When it came to working with Landis, Martha expressed, 'He would send these old classic movies postcards to us in the motel mailboxes that announced "We are making a classic movie!" and the like. 'Very exaggerated, or so it seemed at the time. He turned out to be right. I was impressed with his infectious enthusiasm as a director.' The actress added, 'There was no slacking on a Landis set. It didn't make sense - he kept the energy levels one decibel beneath frenetic all the time. 'The pacing that made the comedy bits bounce off the screen can largely be attributed to John's timing and high energy levels.' And throughout the 80s and 90s, she continued to star in projects including Fantasy Island and Blood Link. In 1982, Smith was cast as Dr. Sandy Horton in Days Of Our Lives - and played the role throughout 38 episodes. From 1983 through 1987, she portrayed the character of Francine Desmond in the CBS show Scarecrow And Mrs. King. Martha's last credit was the 2018 movie A Futile And Stupid Gesture.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
11 Great Comedy Movies on Amazon Prime Video Right Now (May 2025)
While some streamers shy away from older movies, Amazon Prime Video embraces classic comedies like Animal House, which returned to the streamer this month. Prime Video does have a handful of original comedy movies as well, but the best ones still tend to be older titles like The Big Lebowski. The only downside of Prime Video is that its interface makes it difficult to sort through all of the available selections. That's why the Watch With Us team has already done that for you to present this list of the 11 great comedy movies on Amazon Prime Video right now. Need more recommendations? Then check out the Great New Movies on Netflix, Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and More, the Best Movies on Amazon Prime Video Right Now, the Best Movies on Hulu Right Now and the Best Action Movies on Amazon Prime Video Right and Ethan Coen's The Big Lebowski is a unique comedy that shares the offbeat tone of the directors' previous movies. Jeff Bridges' performance also turned Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski into an iconic figure. The Dude may share his name with Jeffrey "The Big" Lebowski (David Huddleston), but he's just an ordinary guy who has no link to the other Lebowski's wealth. After the Big Lebowski's trophy wife, Bunny (Tara Reid), is kidnapped, the Dude is roped into delivering the ransom money. That sends the Dude into a series of misadventures when all he really wants to do is go bowling with his buddies, Walter Sobchak (John Goodman) and Donny Kerabatsos (Steve Buscemi). The Big Lebowski is streaming on Prime Video. Because Saturday Night Live alum John Belushi died when he was 33, he only had eight film credits to his name. Animal House may be the movie he's best known for, and it's still one of the all-time comedy classics nearly five decades later. Belushi plays John "Bluto" Blutarsky, one of the beloved members of Delta Tau Chi House at Faber College in 1962. If you've ever heard the term "double secret probation," it came from this movie because Bluto and the boys made an enemy out of Dean Vernon Wormer (John Vernon). He wants Delta house shut down at all costs, and the frat's wild antics give him all the ammunition he would ever need. Animal House is streaming on Prime Video. Barbie's Ryan Gosling dives into this adaptation of the '80s TV series The Fall Guy, which doesn't share a lot in common with its predecessor besides its name. Instead, this action comedy goes its own way with Colt Seavers (Gosling), a stuntman who is so burnt out on Hollywood that he leaves the industry and his girlfriend, Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt), a year later, Colt is drawn back into Hollywood's orbit on Jody's first film as a director. She may not be happy to see Colt, but she needs his help. Her star, Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), has gone missing, and if Colt can't find him, then Jody's movie may be dead in the Fall Guy is streaming on Prime Video. On the heels of his comeback in Pulp Fiction, John Travolta headlined Get Shorty as Chili Palmer, a loan shark who works for the mob. When Palmer's rival, Ray "Bones" Barboni (Dennis Farina), takes over the crime family, he sends Chili to collect a debt from Leo Devoe (David Paymer), a man who faked his gets a little sidetracked when collecting a separate debt from director Harry Zimm (Gene Hackman). That encounter inadvertently gives Chili dreams of selling his story to Hollywood. Chili has experience with other criminals, but the movie industry proves to be even more cutthroat. Now Chili has to deal with crooked film investors like Bo Catlett (Delroy Lindo) and clandestine DEA investigations in addition to his obligations to his old life. Get Shorty is streaming on Prime Video. The Batman's Jeffrey Wright takes on a leading role in American Fiction as Dr. Thelonious "Monk" Ellison, an academic scholar and novelist. However, Monk's books don't sell very well, and he's openly jealous of another writer, Sintara Golden (Issa Rae), whose highly successful books perpetuate several Black stereotypes. In response, Monk writes his own Black literature satire, and he's subsequently stunned when publishers can't wait to sell it. Suddenly, Monk has all of the success he's ever dreamed about, but he also has to take on the persona of a fake fugitive author while perpetuating the same stereotypes that Sintara uses in her Fiction is streaming on Prime Video. Five decades ago, the Monty Python comedy group unleashed one of the all-time great comedy movies: Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin all play multiple roles in this hilarious take on Arthurian even King Arthur (Chapman) is immune to ridicule in this retelling. Arthur and his men are on a quest to find the Holy Grail, and they do some very silly things along the way. Arthur's duel with the Black Knight (Cleese) is particularly quotable even after 50 years. This is a comedic masterpiece that few films have ever matched. Monty Python and the Holy Grail is streaming on Prime Video. Monty Python strikes again with Life of Brian, a spoof of Biblical proportions that centers on Brian Cohen (Graham Chapman), a man who had the misfortune of being born on the same day as Jesus (Kenneth Colley). At birth, Brian is mistaken for the messiah, and it's a recurring theme throughout his infatuation with Judith Iscariot (Sue Jones-Davies) leads him into the revolutionary factions who want to break Judaea free from Roman rule. From there, Brian's story becomes increasingly absurd, including his face-to-face meeting with Rome's governor of Judaea, Pontius Pilate (Michael Palin). This movie is hysterically funny for reasons you'll just have to see for of Brian is streaming on Prime Video. There are currently only two movies by comedy legend Mel Brooks that are available to Prime Video subscribers: Spaceballs and Life Stinks. The former isn't always regarded as a comedy classic, but it's beloved by Star Wars fans for its very funny take on the plays Skroob, the leader of the evil Spaceballs who want to steal the atmosphere of Planet Druidia. When the safety of Druidia's Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga) is threatened by Skroob's nerdy enforcer, Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis), Bill Pullman does his best Han Solo impression while trying to save her as Lone Starr alongside his human/canine companion Barf (John Candy).Spaceballs is streaming on Prime Video. Joel and Ethan Coen made movies before Fargo, but this crime comedy was their critical and commercial breakthrough. Frances McDormand leads the cast as Marge Gunderson, a pregnant police chief who is investigating the kidnapping of Jean Lundegaard (Kristin Rudrüd).The Coen brothers reveal right away that Jean's husband, Jerry (William H. Macy), orchestrated the kidnapping to extort his wealthy father-in-law, Wade Gustafson (Harve Presnell). Jerry also vastly underestimated the stupidity of Carl Showalter (Steve Buscemi) and Gaear Grimsrud (Peter Stormare), the two losers he hired to kidnap his wife. Carl and Gaear may be idiots, but their violent nature also leaves a string of dead bodies in their is streaming on Prime Video. Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short play silent movie stars in Three Amigos, a film Martin co-wrote with Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels and Randy Newman. When the stars of the fictitious Three Amigos films ask for a raise, Lucky Day (Martin), Dusty Bottoms (Chase) and Ned Nederlander (Short) suddenly find themselves out of Mexico, a young woman named Carmen (Patrice Martinez) sees the Three Amigos movies and assumes that the actors are real heroes. She summons them to take on the bandit El Guapo (Alfonso Arau) and his men. Unfortunately for the trio, they don't realize they're really in danger until after they're staring down the bandits' guns. Three Amigos is streaming on Prime Video. Writer and director Richard Linklater clearly has an eye for talent, as several of his Dazed and Confused actors went on to become big stars. This is one of the earliest movies to feature Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck, Renée Zellweger, Milla Jovovich, Parker Posey and more. The story takes place in 1976 on the last day of high school as the incoming male and female freshmen are brutally hazed by their senior counterparts. Star football player Randall "Pink" Floyd (Jason London) considers himself above it all, and he won't even sign the same loyalty promise as his teammates. Pink and several of his classmates experience different sides of student life, some of which are very funny to watch. But it's also a coming-of-age story for these kids, which is why it still resonates. Dazed and Confused is streaming on Prime Video.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lake Norman estate owners rile neighbors with proposed waterfront event venue
Lake Norman neighbors are protesting a Cornelius family's plan to add an event facility to their two-mansion waterfront property. Sunset Cove would host weddings and small corporate gatherings and feature a 6,000-square-foot permanent event center between the mansions, Cornelius senior planner Aaron Turk told the Cornelius Board of Commissioners on April 21. 'We'll cater to a higher-end clientele,' Mike Griffin, whose family members live in the mansions, told the board, according to a recording of the meeting posted by the town on social media. 'No 'Animal House'-type events.' 'Plus, we're the closest neighbors,' brother Larry Griffin Jr. said, meaning his family wouldn't tolerate a rowdy venue. The homes overlook the lake on 8.6 acres at 18311 and 18323 Nantz Road. Larry Griffin Jr. and his wife, Virginia, own one of the homes. His father, Larry Griffin Sr., and mother, Sheree, own the other mansion, Mecklenburg County public tax records show. On April 21, Cornelius commissioners heard a zoning change request for the properties from Mike Griffin and Larry Griffin Jr. The request includes 103 parking spaces. The Town Board also heard from five neighbors concerned about the proposal in their residential community, but commissioners didn't vote on the zoning request. First, the Cornelius Planning Board must make a recommendation at a meeting to be announced. The Board of Commissioners, which has final say, will then vote on the request at another of its regular meetings, also still to be scheduled. The proposed events venue 'really is just to preserve this land for generations of our families,' Mike Griffin said. 'It's our homestead preservation plan.' Nantz Road dead-ends at the lake. The road is off West Catawba Avenue, which leads from Interstate 77 Cornelius-Lake Norman exit 28. The Griffin properties border the forested southern end of county-owned Ramsey Creek Park and lie across a cove from the peninsula that includes the park's public swimming beach. A mansion owned and torn down by NBA great Michael Jordan, presumably to build a bigger home, also is across the cove from the Griffin mansions. 'We've had people spin around on our lawn,' Nantz Road resident Ken Miller said, referring to beach goers. 'The police have done a helluva job keeping things straight, but they can't keep up with it.' Neighbors worry the events venue would mean more congestion and wrecks and lower property values. Mike Griffin said the idea sprung from a family wedding on the properties. As the family becomes empty nesters and downsizes, 'we realized it's a wonderful place to share on a limited use with others that could have the same opportunity,' Mike Griffin said. Sunset Cove would host about 12 events a year and smaller corporate events, according to the family's zoning change request. 'It's a really unique property in that the sound buffering from the 43-acre park that's heavily forested is just a perfect site for this,' Mike Griffin told the commissioners. The venue would be similar to the one at Pine Island Country Club in Charlotte, which the Griffins own and manage, Mike Griffin said. The families would still live on the properties, he said. The family agreed with Cornelius planners to allow no more than 250 people and 125 cars at an event, according to Cornelius Planning Board documents. Built in 2008, Larry and Virginia Griffin's two-story, 9,362-square-foot home at 18311 Nantz Road has a 2025 assessed value of $4.1 million, according to county tax records. The home has six bedrooms, six bathrooms, stucco and hardcoat exterior walls, a $40,000 terrace, a $3,700 covered pier, $8,800 boat slip, $31,400 pool and $8,000 spa-tub, its tax listing shows. Built in 2001, Larry Sr. and Sheree Griffin's home at 18323 Nantz Road is valued at $4.3 million. The two-story, 9,619-square-foot home has five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a $19,100 pool, $15,800 deck and $10,200 spa-tub, tax records show. The home also has stucco-hardcoat exterior walls. The family's Charlotte-based Griffin Brothers Cos. started in 1961 when Larry Griffin Sr. opened the first Griffin Brothers Tire Sales store, according to the company website. The company later expanded into commercial and residential real estate development. Griffin Bros. developed such properties as the Harris-Teeter-anchored Waterside Crossing mixed-use community at N.C. 16 and N.C. 73 in eastern Lincoln County near Lake Norman and Mosaic Village in Charlotte, which includes housing for students at Johnson C. Smith University. Griffin Bros. also acquired and developed landfills in the Carolinas.
