Monthly Archives: February 2014

Movie Version Of “Wings” Flying Into Theaters This Fall

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Wings

Wings: The Movie!

Hollywood—Fans of the Franco brothers as well as 1990s television will both have something to be happy about this fall. Universal confirmed yesterday that they are beginning production next month of a film version of “Wings” starring James and the other Franco brother as Joe and Brian Hackett, the proprietors of Sandpiper Air immortalized on NBC from 1990 through 1997.

Also announced to round out the cast of the “Cheers” spinoff set at the fictional Tom Nevers Field in Nantucket, Katherine Heigl as the former obese cellist-turned snack counter owner Helen Chappel, Helen Mirren as counter clerk Fay Cochran, Horatio Sanz as competitor airline owner Roy Biggins, Jason Siegel as airplane mechanic Lowell Mather and Denzel Washington as down-on-his-luck immigrant cabbie Antonio Scarpacci.

Tony Kushner, who wrote the screenplay for 2012’s “Lincoln,” wrote the script. No director has been attached yet, but Franco said he wasn’t too concerned. “No, not really. We could probably go out and do the blocking and direction ourselves, really, this cast is so strong. It literally is a dream come true to work with everybody in this film. I can’t wait to get started. Seriously.”
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Harold Ramis Dies At 69

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Harold Ramis

Harold Ramis, left, on the set with RECOiL writer/director Brian DiMaio. Ramis taught DiMaio crucial lessons about filmmaking including how to load tapes and which end of the camera to look into.

Chicago—Writer, actor, director and ghostbuster Harold Ramis has died from complications arising from his battle with vasculitis. He was 69.

A prolific comedy writer, Ramis both wrote and directed the comedy classics “Caddyshack,” “Groundhog Day,” “National Lampoon’s Animal House” and “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” influencing a generation of comedy writers like Judd Apatow and Seth Rogen.

Besides appearing in both “Ghostbusters” films, he was also featured in “As Good As it Gets,” “Knocked Up,” “RECOiL” and “Stripes.”

Bill Murray, who starred in Ramis’ most famous films, and had been estranged from his old friend and collaborator since they finished “Groundhog Day,” issued this statement: “He earned his keep on this planet. God bless him.”

He is survived by his wife, Erica Mann Ramis; his daughter, Violet Stiel; sons Julian and Daniel Ramis and two grandchildren.
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The Good Ship Lollipop Has Sailed; Shirley Temple Black Dies At 85

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Shirley Temple

Shirley Temple, left, with RECOiL writer/director Brian DiMaio, right. Temple played the role of a lady mob boss in the film. Ultimately her scenes were deemed too violent by the censors and removed from the final cut.

Woodside, CA—Singer, dancer, actress and, later in life, politician, Shirley Temple Black died last Monday from natural causes. She was 85.

At one point during her career, she was the biggest box office draw in Hollywood from 1935-1938. She made dozens of films during her career, retiring in 1950 from acting, but appearing occasionally in TV roles and other films.

Her most famous film roles were in “The Littlest Rebel,” “The Little Colonel,” RECOiL” and “Heidi.”

In 1969, she was appointed U.S. Representative to the United Nations General Assembly, and later was appointed Ambassador to Ghana. In 1989, she was appointed Ambassador to Czechoslovakia.

She is survived by her three children, Linda, Charles and Lori, and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
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“My Motto Is To Stay Odd, And Run Your Own Race:” A TDQ Q&A With Entertainer Josh Levi

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Josh Levi

Josh Levi

This week’s TDQ Q&A is with actor, singer and songwriter Josh Levi. The “X Factor” alum spoke to us about his gospel roots, what he learned from appearing on “Friday Night Lights” and the music scene in Houston. Here is this week’s TDQ Q&A with Josh Levi:

The Daily Quarterly: What made you want to be in show business?

Josh Levi: I am really inspired by so many things in the entertainment business. But I when I really think about it…it was the escape that made me fall in love with it. Whether you are watching a feature film or Justin Timberlake for that moment…your mind is released from whatever is going on in your day to day life. I love giving that “fun moment” to my audiences.

TDQ: Who was your favorite musical artist when you were younger?

JL: It’s kinda funny because up until the age of 10, I only listened to gospel music. It wasn’t until I started training in dance that I discovered other genres of music. Growing up, I would always listen to Smokie Norful…his vocals are CRAZY. Outside of gospel…I would definitely have to say Brandy Norwood.

TDQ: Who was your favorite actor growing up?

JL: My siblings and I would watch “That’s So Raven” every Saturday morning with a bowl of cereal because it had our favorite actress, Raven Symone. I also LOVE Martin Lawrence.

TDQ: What was your favorite album when you were growing up?

JL: My favorite album growing up was probably one of Hillsong’s projects.  They are amazing, I still listen to them today.

TDQ: Who are your influences in life?

JL: Both my mom and grandma have gone over and beyond for me and have made many sacrifices for my sister and I. Therefore, I couldn’t be anymore influenced by them, their courage and wisdom.
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Three Unforgettable Years Of Interweb Domination Is Merely The Beginning

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3 Years of The Daily Quarterly

Celebrating three years of The Daily Quarterly. (There was a slight misunderstanding at the cake shop.)

We don’t remember if it was Voltaire or Floyd the Barber who said, “If you can make it to your third anniversary as a satirical news website, that’s really quite an achievement,” but which ever wise man it was, we humbly agree.

And to reach this milestone in an environment of ridiculously short attention spans, Snapchat and Honey Boo-boo, well, we’re even more proud. And despite being on The Illuminati’s watch list, at that!

But as long as there are idiot athletes out there lying and cheating (and there always are), or films to be made with Denzel Washington in roles of varying sizes, or just jerks acting like the jerks they are, then we’ll be here to inform you about them. Has A-Rod sued anybody else lately? Just give us a minute, we’ll let you know!

There is never a shortage of idiocy in the world (look for that on a mug coming soon), and we pledge to unmask the idiots and say they’re naked, just like the emperor, as long as he isn’t shooting Force Lightning at us. Or whatever.

And like Tony Romo remaining the starter for the Dallas Cowboys of Dallas despite having only one playoff win in eight season’s (look it up), we have no intention of quitting anytime soon, regardless of the results or numbers. He should run for congress when he’s done. One accomplishment in eight years is par for the course.

Oh. Enter shameless plug for “Harnessing the Power of Spite To Achieve Your Goals” here. Take notes, kids. That right there was a classic segue. Not to be confused with a Segway Classic.

So here’s to three great years of bringing you all the information on the web you can choke down, and to dozens more.

You are now informed. Go and do likewise.