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    <title>The Blues Brothers's Recent Activity - Spout</title>
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      <title>The Blues Brothers's Recent Activity - Spout</title>
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      <title>Film:The Blues Brothers</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/films/The_Blues_Brothers/39973/default.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<table width='100%' style='font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><tr><td><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t61631mtbrt.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' /></td>
<td>
<strong>Title:</strong> The Blues Brothers<br/>
<strong>Year:</strong> 1980<br/>
<strong>Director:</strong> John Landis<br/>
<strong>Plot:</strong> Expanding on their <a href=/films/220811/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>Saturday Night Live</a> characters, <a href="/players/P_____5234/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>John Belushi</a> and <a href="/players/P____80282/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Dan Aykroyd</a> star as Jake and Elwood Blues, two white boys with black soul. Sporting cool shades and look-alike suits, Jake and Elwood are dispatched on a "mission from God" by their former teacher, Sister Mary Stigmata (<a href="/players/P____24965/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Kathleen Freeman</a>). Said mission is to raise $5000 to save their old church from demolition. In the course of their zany adventures, the Blues Brothers run afoul of neo-Nazi <a href="/players/P____26769/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Henry Gibson</a>, perform the theme from <a href=/films/28224/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>Rawhide</a> before the most unruly bar crowd in written history, and lay waste to hundreds of cars on the streets and freeways of Chicago. In case you aren't swept up in the infectuous nuttiness of the brothers Blue, you might have fun spotting film's legion of guest stars, including <a href="/players/P____83231/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>James Brown</a>, <a href="/players/P____10087/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Cab Calloway</a>, Aretha Franklin, <a href="/players/P____12423/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Ray Charles</a>, <a href="/players/P____10608/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>John Candy</a>, <a href="/players/P____89886/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Carrie Fisher</a>, <a href="/players/P____40960/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Steve Lawrence</a>, <a href="/players/P____72246/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Twiggy</a>, <a href="/players/P___108024/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Paul Reubens</a> (aka Pee-Wee Herman), <a href="/players/P___105306/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Frank Oz</a>, and <a href="/players/P___112325/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Steven Spielberg</a>. <a href="/players/P_____5234/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>John Belushi</a>'s death put an end to hopes for a true <a href=/films/39973/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>Blues Brothers</a> sequel. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide<br/>
<strong>Times Tagged:</strong> 64<br/>
<strong>Number of Lists:</strong> 62<br/>
<strong>Number of blog posts:</strong> 9<br/>
<strong>Number of discussion threads:</strong> 8<br/>
<strong>SpoutRating:</strong> 3<br/>
</td></tr></table>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:57:59 GMT</pubDate><spout:Title>The Blues Brothers</spout:Title><spout:Year>1980</spout:Year><spout:Director>John Landis</spout:Director><spout:Plot>Expanding on their &lt;a href=/films/220811/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Saturday Night Live&lt;/a&gt; characters, &lt;a href="/players/P_____5234/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;John Belushi&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href="/players/P____80282/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Dan Aykroyd&lt;/a&gt; star as Jake and Elwood Blues, two white boys with black soul. Sporting cool shades and look-alike suits, Jake and Elwood are dispatched on a "mission from God" by their former teacher, Sister Mary Stigmata (&lt;a href="/players/P____24965/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Kathleen Freeman&lt;/a&gt;). Said mission is to raise $5000 to save their old church from demolition. In the course of their zany adventures, the Blues Brothers run afoul of neo-Nazi &lt;a href="/players/P____26769/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Henry Gibson&lt;/a&gt;, perform the theme from &lt;a href=/films/28224/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Rawhide&lt;/a&gt; before the most unruly bar crowd in written history, and lay waste to hundreds of cars on the streets and freeways of Chicago. In case you aren't swept up in the infectuous nuttiness of the brothers Blue, you might have fun spotting film's legion of guest stars, including &lt;a href="/players/P____83231/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;James Brown&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="/players/P____10087/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Cab Calloway&lt;/a&gt;, Aretha Franklin, &lt;a href="/players/P____12423/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Ray Charles&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="/players/P____10608/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;John Candy&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="/players/P____89886/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Carrie Fisher&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="/players/P____40960/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Steve Lawrence&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="/players/P____72246/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Twiggy&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="/players/P___108024/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Paul Reubens&lt;/a&gt; (aka Pee-Wee Herman), &lt;a href="/players/P___105306/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Frank Oz&lt;/a&gt;, and &lt;a href="/players/P___112325/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Steven Spielberg&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;a href="/players/P_____5234/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;John Belushi&lt;/a&gt;'s death put an end to hopes for a true &lt;a href=/films/39973/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Blues Brothers&lt;/a&gt; sequel. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide</spout:Plot><spout:TimesTagged>64</spout:TimesTagged><spout:taglevel>Tag Target (&gt;10)</spout:taglevel><spout:Numberoflists>62</spout:Numberoflists><spout:NumberOfBlogPosts>9</spout:NumberOfBlogPosts><spout:NumberOfDiscussionThreads>8</spout:NumberOfDiscussionThreads><spout:SpoutRating>3</spout:SpoutRating><spout:FilmCoverURL>http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t61631mtbrt.jpg</spout:FilmCoverURL><spout:SpoutFilmDetailURL>http://www.spout.com/films/The_Blues_Brothers/39973/default.aspx</spout:SpoutFilmDetailURL><spout:type>Film</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Great soundtrack with some good laughs</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/blogs/the_mow/archive/2009/7/17/43108.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t61631mtbrt.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/148616/default.aspx'>The_MOW</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/blogs/the_mow/default.aspx'>The_MOW Blog</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 7/17/2009 11:57:59 AM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> "'Joliet' Jake Blues" (the late John Belushi) has been released from prison after a five-year sentence. His brother, "Elwood" (Dan Ackroyd) picks him up in a former black-and-white (police car) which he had bought at auction after trading the Bluesmobile for a microphone. The first thing they do, against "Jake's" wishes, is to visit "Sister Mary Stigmata" (the late Kathleen Freeman), whom they have nicknamed "The Penguin" because of her nun outfit. She informs them that the orphanage she runs, and that they were raised in, is going to be shut down by the state of Illinois unless they raise $5,000 -- and their time limit is almost up. After offering to get the money illegally, they go to a church suggested by "Curtis" (the late music legend "The Hi De Ho Man" Cab Calloway) to hear the "Reverend Cleophus James" (the late "Godfather of Soul" James Brown). During the sermon, "Jake" gets an inspiration as the Reverend is repeating "Can you see the light?" while a strange, blueish light envelops "Jake." "Jake" then informs his brother that they have to put The Blues Brothers Band back together to raise the money "The Penguin" needs to keep the orphanage open. So, the "Blues Brothers" goes around the area to find their former bandmates and try to convince them that their "Mission from God" is not a scam while making some enemies along the way -- including a jilted lover of "Jake's" (Carrie Fisher) who will do anything to kill him. The first thing you have to ask is "is this a musical or is it a comedy?" Some of the audience may see it as a comedy with lots of great music. While others will see it as a musical with some comedy, and a little action thrown in. The soundtrack is absolutely wonderful in this movie. You even get to see and hear some R&amp;B legends like Ray Charles, Brown and "The Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin. What makes the on-screen performances interesting is that not all are playback with the performer lip-syncing. Some, like Brown's and Johnny Lee Hooker's performances, were recorded live as they happened. If you ask me, this helps those scenes a bit. There is a lot of funny stuff in this movie. Many of the jokes are physical bits, while others are some funny lines. Many of the R&amp;B stars take part in the comedy. Some of the most memorable are either said or done by these people who are not known for their acting. Some things that are shot well, and are some of the most memorable moments in this film, are the many car chases. The most memorable that takes place next to the final one at the climax of the movie takes place in a refurbished mall that was found by the person in charge of finding the locations to film at. Not only will your adrenaline surge during this, and other car chases, but you will laugh at much of the situations and lines that happen doing them. There are some real good performances in this movie. Out of the entire cast, I would have to say that Ackroyd and Belushi have the best on-screen chemistry. Some cast members, although the performances may have been intentional, seem to be uncomfortable acting. The R&amp;B stars who have lines seem really comfortable performing as an actor. Two of the music legends who are near perfect as actors are Calloway and Franklin. One of the most memorable is Charles, who performs as if he is not blind. Many of the supporting characters really don't have a lot of development. Some are there to help introduce some of the Blues Brothers Band members, while others are there to advance the story a bit or perform a song. But, there is usually something going on, so you probably will just ignore the character development. Personally, I would have liked to see more storyline for some of the ones chasing the "Blues Brothers" on their trip. A note to parents. There is some strong language in this movie. If you have young kids who you think would like the music in this movie, I would suggest that you have them watch it when it's aired on a television network which edits movies for time allowed and especially content. Out of all the movies I've reviewed lately, this is one I certainly would say you should put on your Top 10 "Must See" List.<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:57:59 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>The_MOW</spout:postby><spout:postto>The_MOW Blog</spout:postto><spout:postdate>7/17/2009 11:57:59 AM</spout:postdate><spout:body>"'Joliet' Jake Blues" (the late John Belushi) has been released from prison after a five-year sentence. His brother, "Elwood" (Dan Ackroyd) picks him up in a former black-and-white (police car) which he had bought at auction after trading the Bluesmobile for a microphone. The first thing they do, against "Jake's" wishes, is to visit "Sister Mary Stigmata" (the late Kathleen Freeman), whom they have nicknamed "The Penguin" because of her nun outfit. She informs them that the orphanage she runs, and that they were raised in, is going to be shut down by the state of Illinois unless they raise $5,000 -- and their time limit is almost up. After offering to get the money illegally, they go to a church suggested by "Curtis" (the late music legend "The Hi De Ho Man" Cab Calloway) to hear the "Reverend Cleophus James" (the late "Godfather of Soul" James Brown). During the sermon, "Jake" gets an inspiration as the Reverend is repeating "Can you see the light?" while a strange, blueish light envelops "Jake." "Jake" then informs his brother that they have to put The Blues Brothers Band back together to raise the money "The Penguin" needs to keep the orphanage open. So, the "Blues Brothers" goes around the area to find their former bandmates and try to convince them that their "Mission from God" is not a scam while making some enemies along the way -- including a jilted lover of "Jake's" (Carrie Fisher) who will do anything to kill him. The first thing you have to ask is "is this a musical or is it a comedy?" Some of the audience may see it as a comedy with lots of great music. While others will see it as a musical with some comedy, and a little action thrown in. The soundtrack is absolutely wonderful in this movie. You even get to see and hear some R&amp;amp;B legends like Ray Charles, Brown and "The Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin. What makes the on-screen performances interesting is that not all are playback with the performer lip-syncing. Some, like Brown's and Johnny Lee Hooker's performances, were recorded live as they happened. If you ask me, this helps those scenes a bit. There is a lot of funny stuff in this movie. Many of the jokes are physical bits, while others are some funny lines. Many of the R&amp;amp;B stars take part in the comedy. Some of the most memorable are either said or done by these people who are not known for their acting. Some things that are shot well, and are some of the most memorable moments in this film, are the many car chases. The most memorable that takes place next to the final one at the climax of the movie takes place in a refurbished mall that was found by the person in charge of finding the locations to film at. Not only will your adrenaline surge during this, and other car chases, but you will laugh at much of the situations and lines that happen doing them. There are some real good performances in this movie. Out of the entire cast, I would have to say that Ackroyd and Belushi have the best on-screen chemistry. Some cast members, although the performances may have been intentional, seem to be uncomfortable acting. The R&amp;amp;B stars who have lines seem really comfortable performing as an actor. Two of the music legends who are near perfect as actors are Calloway and Franklin. One of the most memorable is Charles, who performs as if he is not blind. Many of the supporting characters really don't have a lot of development. Some are there to help introduce some of the Blues Brothers Band members, while others are there to advance the story a bit or perform a song. But, there is usually something going on, so you probably will just ignore the character development. Personally, I would have liked to see more storyline for some of the ones chasing the "Blues Brothers" on their trip. A note to parents. There is some strong language in this movie. If you have young kids who you think would like the music in this movie, I would suggest that you have them watch it when it's aired on a television network which edits movies for time allowed and especially content. Out of all the movies I've reviewed lately, this is one I certainly would say you should put on your Top 10 "Must See" List.</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: 10 Craziest Shopping Scenes</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/archive/2008/11/26/37694.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t61631mtbrt.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/9325/default.aspx'>SpoutBlog</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/default.aspx'>SpoutBlog on spout.com</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 11/26/2008 5:01:30 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> Black Friday is a scary time for shoppers in any given year. The crowds, the lines, the difficulty finding parking — all these and more are common annoyances on the day after Thanksgiving, as millions upon millions of Americans begin the Christmas season by making a run for the shopping malls and department stores in hopes of finding the best bargains. This year, of course, the economic downturn will make the day even worse than usual. The stores may be desperately holding the biggest sales we’ll ever witness, but lowest prices aren’t quite low enough for those who are broke or bankrupt.
So, you may stay home this Friday. Perhaps you’ll at least make some minor online purchases, because you’re a patriotic, consuming American and it’s kind of like an unofficial holiday in our capitalist democracy. But don’t not go out to the mall simply because of the craziness potentially happening on its many floors of fashion and furnishings. You mustn’t be frightened of the crowds. Just recall any or all of the following ten movie scenes and by comparison you’ll think your Black Friday errands are like a stroll in the park.


10. Arnold Schwarzenegger vs. Sinbad in Jingle All the Way (1996)
Maybe in the past there were physical fights for Cabbage Patch Kids or Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, but in the age of the Internet, there are easier ways of tracking down hot items on your kid’s wish list. So, while this sequence depicting two fathers’ desperate attempts to locate a Turbo Man toy is ridiculously exaggerated and despicably malicious for its time, it’s now even farther from likelihood and even less possible to sympathize with or relate to.

9. Beethoven shops for keyboards, Genghis Khan tries out baseball bats and other historical figures experience 1980s mall culture in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1988)
Obviously you don’t think you’ll be running into such oldies as Abraham Lincoln, Joan of Arc or Billy the Kid, but there could be some relatively ancient folks out and about Friday. And they may not be familiar with such newfangled presents as iPods and Blu-ray. But give the Grannies a break, because they haven’t yet mastered Amazon.com and its not like they’re causing too much ruckus. Unlike Joan and Genghis.

8. Madison learns English at Bloomingdales in Splash (1984)
Maybe it is plausible for a mermaid to pick up the local language by watching a few hours of television. How are we to prove otherwise? But wouldn’t she have some kind of an accent if she were used to communicating with high-pitched shrieks? Whatever, it’s obviously not the movie for such questions regarding believabilty. Here’s the more important thing to consider: of all the yelling and screaming going on at the shops this Friday, nothing will be as bad as Madison’s pronunciation of her real name. Also, I bet modern TV screens aren’t as easily shattered.

7. Neo-Nazi salesman at the Army Surplus store in Falling Down (1993)
It’s true that many salespersons and cashiers are slow, rude, incompetent or all of the above. But thank goodness there aren’t actually a lot of sexist, homophobic neo-Nazis helping you as you buy shoes. As much as you think you’ve experienced the worst employee ever hired by a retail chain, chances are it wasn’t as much of an inconvenience as it was for William Foster (Michael Douglas) to have to deal with this “sick asshole.”

6. Technicolor fashion show in The Women (1939)
This scene is so unnecessary to the film’s plot that it was easily removed for some modern screenings. Mostly it seems just to serve as a showcase for costume designer Adrian, whose fashions are displayed in Technicolor, while the rest of the film is presented in black and white. For the film’s characters to wear any of those outfits, they would have appeared too bold and sexy for their time (it would be like in Pleasantville). Imagine shopping in a store where the clothes aren’t even in the same color spectrum as the world you live in? Okay, in some stores it does seem like that’s the case, but nowhere near as bad as this.

5. Bizarre fashion show in True Stories (1986)
And despite its dismissal of physics, the parade in The Women is nowhere near as bad as the fashion show in this bizarre film from Talking Heads frontman David Byrne. There’s not even anything that can be said for this scene other than that we should all be thankful the kids aren’t wearing anything quite so ridiculous. Even some of the stuff at Hot Topic seems more normal in comparison.

4. After hours shopping spree in Modern Times (1936)
One great fantasy for all good, consumerist Americans is the empty-store scenario. Whether it’s the end of the world (a la Night of the Comet and 28 Days Later) or simply after hours (Mannequin; El Crimen Ferpecto), the dream is somewhat the same: free reign on all the goods in the store, from food to fashion to roller skates. And for a poor little gamin in Modern Times, it’s like a heavenly shopping spree, even if none of the items are to leave the department store when the fun is over. However, as much as you might hope you had the stores all to yourself on Friday, be thankful that you’re obeying the rules and laws and therefore won’t be arrested when the shopping’s done.

3. Mall car chase in The Blues Brothers (1980)
Good thing there’s a quick shot of a Toys “R” Us customer asking a cashier for a Miss Piggy doll or this scene wouldn’t really have anything to do with shopping. It would just simply be a chaotic car chase through a shopping mall. Of course, the destruction could still read as a destroying of the idea of capitalism, just as a similar reading is made about the mall fight in Jackie Chan’s Police Story, as well as any other such mall-set action scene, of which there seemed to be plenty in the materialistic 1980s. As fun as it seems, and as frustrated you might get on Friday, please don’t drive your car into any stores.

2. Zombies go shopping in Dawn of the Dead (1978)
This movie is not just some horror flick about people trapped in a mall, threatened by a terrorizing enemy. That’s Chopping Mall. Or the Dawn of the Dead remake. No, this is a satire of consumerism, and all those zombies are representative of the folks you’ll be encountering on Black Friday. But at least they won’t try and eat you. Probably.

1. Richard Pryor is reduced to property in The Toy (1982)
Kids are really spoiled these days, even more than they were twenty-six years ago, but no matter how hard it is to imagine what to get the boy who has everything, don’t even think of asking an African-American man if you can buy him for your son. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2008 22:01:30 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>SpoutBlog</spout:postby><spout:postto>SpoutBlog on spout.com</spout:postto><spout:postdate>11/26/2008 5:01:30 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>Black Friday is a scary time for shoppers in any given year. The crowds, the lines, the difficulty finding parking — all these and more are common annoyances on the day after Thanksgiving, as millions upon millions of Americans begin the Christmas season by making a run for the shopping malls and department stores in hopes of finding the best bargains. This year, of course, the economic downturn will make the day even worse than usual. The stores may be desperately holding the biggest sales we’ll ever witness, but lowest prices aren’t quite low enough for those who are broke or bankrupt.
So, you may stay home this Friday. Perhaps you’ll at least make some minor online purchases, because you’re a patriotic, consuming American and it’s kind of like an unofficial holiday in our capitalist democracy. But don’t not go out to the mall simply because of the craziness potentially happening on its many floors of fashion and furnishings. You mustn’t be frightened of the crowds. Just recall any or all of the following ten movie scenes and by comparison you’ll think your Black Friday errands are like a stroll in the park.


10. Arnold Schwarzenegger vs. Sinbad in Jingle All the Way (1996)
Maybe in the past there were physical fights for Cabbage Patch Kids or Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, but in the age of the Internet, there are easier ways of tracking down hot items on your kid’s wish list. So, while this sequence depicting two fathers’ desperate attempts to locate a Turbo Man toy is ridiculously exaggerated and despicably malicious for its time, it’s now even farther from likelihood and even less possible to sympathize with or relate to.

9. Beethoven shops for keyboards, Genghis Khan tries out baseball bats and other historical figures experience 1980s mall culture in Bill &amp; Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1988)
Obviously you don’t think you’ll be running into such oldies as Abraham Lincoln, Joan of Arc or Billy the Kid, but there could be some relatively ancient folks out and about Friday. And they may not be familiar with such newfangled presents as iPods and Blu-ray. But give the Grannies a break, because they haven’t yet mastered Amazon.com and its not like they’re causing too much ruckus. Unlike Joan and Genghis.

8. Madison learns English at Bloomingdales in Splash (1984)
Maybe it is plausible for a mermaid to pick up the local language by watching a few hours of television. How are we to prove otherwise? But wouldn’t she have some kind of an accent if she were used to communicating with high-pitched shrieks? Whatever, it’s obviously not the movie for such questions regarding believabilty. Here’s the more important thing to consider: of all the yelling and screaming going on at the shops this Friday, nothing will be as bad as Madison’s pronunciation of her real name. Also, I bet modern TV screens aren’t as easily shattered.

7. Neo-Nazi salesman at the Army Surplus store in Falling Down (1993)
It’s true that many salespersons and cashiers are slow, rude, incompetent or all of the above. But thank goodness there aren’t actually a lot of sexist, homophobic neo-Nazis helping you as you buy shoes. As much as you think you’ve experienced the worst employee ever hired by a retail chain, chances are it wasn’t as much of an inconvenience as it was for William Foster (Michael Douglas) to have to deal with this “sick asshole.”

6. Technicolor fashion show in The Women (1939)
This scene is so unnecessary to the film’s plot that it was easily removed for some modern screenings. Mostly it seems just to serve as a showcase for costume designer Adrian, whose fashions are displayed in Technicolor, while the rest of the film is presented in black and white. For the film’s characters to wear any of those outfits, they would have appeared too bold and sexy for their time (it would be like in Pleasantville). Imagine shopping in a store where the clothes aren’t even in the same color spectrum as the world you live in? Okay, in some stores it does seem like that’s the case, but nowhere near as bad as this.

5. Bizarre fashion show in True Stories (1986)
And despite its dismissal of physics, the parade in The Women is nowhere near as bad as the fashion show in this bizarre film from Talking Heads frontman David Byrne. There’s not even anything that can be said for this scene other than that we should all be thankful the kids aren’t wearing anything quite so ridiculous. Even some of the stuff at Hot Topic seems more normal in comparison.

4. After hours shopping spree in Modern Times (1936)
One great fantasy for all good, consumerist Americans is the empty-store scenario. Whether it’s the end of the world (a la Night of the Comet and 28 Days Later) or simply after hours (Mannequin; El Crimen Ferpecto), the dream is somewhat the same: free reign on all the goods in the store, from food to fashion to roller skates. And for a poor little gamin in Modern Times, it’s like a heavenly shopping spree, even if none of the items are to leave the department store when the fun is over. However, as much as you might hope you had the stores all to yourself on Friday, be thankful that you’re obeying the rules and laws and therefore won’t be arrested when the shopping’s done.

3. Mall car chase in The Blues Brothers (1980)
Good thing there’s a quick shot of a Toys “R” Us customer asking a cashier for a Miss Piggy doll or this scene wouldn’t really have anything to do with shopping. It would just simply be a chaotic car chase through a shopping mall. Of course, the destruction could still read as a destroying of the idea of capitalism, just as a similar reading is made about the mall fight in Jackie Chan’s Police Story, as well as any other such mall-set action scene, of which there seemed to be plenty in the materialistic 1980s. As fun as it seems, and as frustrated you might get on Friday, please don’t drive your car into any stores.

2. Zombies go shopping in Dawn of the Dead (1978)
This movie is not just some horror flick about people trapped in a mall, threatened by a terrorizing enemy. That’s Chopping Mall. Or the Dawn of the Dead remake. No, this is a satire of consumerism, and all those zombies are representative of the folks you’ll be encountering on Black Friday. But at least they won’t try and eat you. Probably.

1. Richard Pryor is reduced to property in The Toy (1982)
Kids are really spoiled these days, even more than they were twenty-six years ago, but no matter how hard it is to imagine what to get the boy who has everything, don’t even think of asking an African-American man if you can buy him for your son. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Re:FRIDAY Eagle Eye Challenge</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Filmgaming/Re_FRIDAY_Eagle_Eye_Challenge/563/35668/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t61631mtbrt.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/139051/default.aspx'>redohot</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Filmgaming/563/discussions.aspx'>Filmgaming</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 9/29/2008 8:01:39 AM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong>       O Brother, Where Art Thou (2000)(1) George ClooneyThree Kings (1999)(2) Mark WahlbergBoogie Nights (1997)(3) John C. ReillyChicago (2002)(4) Set in ChicagoBlues Brothers (1980)(5) Carrie FisherReturn of the Jedi (1983)(6) Harrison FordIndiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)(7) Set in IndiaMonsoon Wedding (2001)(8) WeddingsMy Best Friend's Wedding (1997)(9) Cameron DiazThe Mask (1994)(10) In each of the films, characters _SING_ and _DANCE_. Hint: watch the trailers if you get stuck.        Thanks!!<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:01:39 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>redohot</spout:postby><spout:postto>Filmgaming</spout:postto><spout:postdate>9/29/2008 8:01:39 AM</spout:postdate><spout:body>      O Brother, Where Art Thou (2000)(1) George ClooneyThree Kings (1999)(2) Mark WahlbergBoogie Nights (1997)(3) John C. ReillyChicago (2002)(4) Set in ChicagoBlues Brothers (1980)(5) Carrie FisherReturn of the Jedi (1983)(6) Harrison FordIndiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)(7) Set in IndiaMonsoon Wedding (2001)(8) WeddingsMy Best Friend's Wedding (1997)(9) Cameron DiazThe Mask (1994)(10) In each of the films, characters _SING_ and _DANCE_. Hint: watch the trailers if you get stuck.        Thanks!!</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Re:FRIDAY Eagle Eye Challenge</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Filmgaming/Re_FRIDAY_Eagle_Eye_Challenge/563/35664/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t61631mtbrt.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/138736/default.aspx'>evemel81</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Filmgaming/563/discussions.aspx'>Filmgaming</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 9/28/2008 10:50:22 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> [quote user="csprague"] Friday Eagle Eye ChallengeWe'll announce the winner at 10:00 am this coming Monday. You have until 9:00 am EST to submit your answers. Good luck, and have fun!O Brother, Where Art Thou (2000)(1) Three Kings (1999)(2)Boogie Nights (1997)(3)Chicago (2002)(4)Blues Brothers (1980)(5)Return of the Jedi (1983)(6) We're looking for an actor.Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)(7) Monsoon Wedding (2001)(8)My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)(9)The Mask (1994)(10) In each of the films, characters ________ and _________. Hint: watch the trailers if you get stuck. [/quote]   1.  George Clooney 2.  Mark Wahlberg 3.  John C. Reilly 4.  set in Chicago 5.  Carrie Fischer 6.  Harrison Ford 7.  India 8.  Wedding in title and theme 9.  Cameron Diaz 10.  In each of the films, characters sing and dance.<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2008 02:50:22 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>evemel81</spout:postby><spout:postto>Filmgaming</spout:postto><spout:postdate>9/28/2008 10:50:22 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>[quote user="csprague"] Friday Eagle Eye ChallengeWe'll announce the winner at 10:00 am this coming Monday. You have until 9:00 am EST to submit your answers. Good luck, and have fun!O Brother, Where Art Thou (2000)(1) Three Kings (1999)(2)Boogie Nights (1997)(3)Chicago (2002)(4)Blues Brothers (1980)(5)Return of the Jedi (1983)(6) We're looking for an actor.Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)(7) Monsoon Wedding (2001)(8)My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)(9)The Mask (1994)(10) In each of the films, characters ________ and _________. Hint: watch the trailers if you get stuck. [/quote]   1.  George Clooney 2.  Mark Wahlberg 3.  John C. Reilly 4.  set in Chicago 5.  Carrie Fischer 6.  Harrison Ford 7.  India 8.  Wedding in title and theme 9.  Cameron Diaz 10.  In each of the films, characters sing and dance.</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Re:FRIDAY Eagle Eye Challenge</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Filmgaming/Re_FRIDAY_Eagle_Eye_Challenge/563/35617/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t61631mtbrt.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/49792/default.aspx'>Tenenbaums</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Filmgaming/563/discussions.aspx'>Filmgaming</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 9/26/2008 5:42:38 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> Last chance... O Brother, Where Art Thou (2000)(1) George ClooneyThree Kings (1999)(2) Mark WahlbergBoogie Nights (1997)(3) John C. ReillyChicago (2002)(4) Chicago settingBlues Brothers (1980)(5) Carrie FisherReturn of the Jedi (1983)(6) Harrison Ford Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)(7) Set in IndiaMonsoon Wedding (2001)(8) Revolve around weddingsMy Best Friend's Wedding (1997)(9) Cameron DiazThe Mask (1994)(10) In each of the films, characters sing and dance. <br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Sep 2008 21:42:38 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>Tenenbaums</spout:postby><spout:postto>Filmgaming</spout:postto><spout:postdate>9/26/2008 5:42:38 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>Last chance... O Brother, Where Art Thou (2000)(1) George ClooneyThree Kings (1999)(2) Mark WahlbergBoogie Nights (1997)(3) John C. ReillyChicago (2002)(4) Chicago settingBlues Brothers (1980)(5) Carrie FisherReturn of the Jedi (1983)(6) Harrison Ford Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)(7) Set in IndiaMonsoon Wedding (2001)(8) Revolve around weddingsMy Best Friend's Wedding (1997)(9) Cameron DiazThe Mask (1994)(10) In each of the films, characters sing and dance. </spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Re:FRIDAY Eagle Eye Challenge</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Filmgaming/Re_FRIDAY_Eagle_Eye_Challenge/563/35597/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t61631mtbrt.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/138706/default.aspx'>RaeRae84</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Filmgaming/563/discussions.aspx'>Filmgaming</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 9/26/2008 1:45:47 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> [quote user="csprague"] Friday Eagle Eye ChallengeWe'll announce the winner at 10:00 am this coming Monday. You have until 9:00 am EST to submit your answers. Good luck, and have fun!O Brother, Where Art Thou (2000)(1) george clooney Three Kings (1999)(2) mark wahlberg Boogie Nights (1997)(3) john c. reilly Chicago (2002)(4) chicago Blues Brothers (1980)(5) carrie fischer .Return of the Jedi (1983)(6) harrison ford Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)(7)  india Monsoon Wedding (2001)(8) wedding in title My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)(9) cameron diaz The Mask (1994)(10) In each of the films, characters sing and dance. Hint: watch the trailers if you get stuck. wasn't sure my first attempt got posted...computer froze in the process of posting.<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:45:47 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>RaeRae84</spout:postby><spout:postto>Filmgaming</spout:postto><spout:postdate>9/26/2008 1:45:47 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>[quote user="csprague"] Friday Eagle Eye ChallengeWe'll announce the winner at 10:00 am this coming Monday. You have until 9:00 am EST to submit your answers. Good luck, and have fun!O Brother, Where Art Thou (2000)(1) george clooney Three Kings (1999)(2) mark wahlberg Boogie Nights (1997)(3) john c. reilly Chicago (2002)(4) chicago Blues Brothers (1980)(5) carrie fischer .Return of the Jedi (1983)(6) harrison ford Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)(7)  india Monsoon Wedding (2001)(8) wedding in title My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)(9) cameron diaz The Mask (1994)(10) In each of the films, characters sing and dance. Hint: watch the trailers if you get stuck. wasn't sure my first attempt got posted...computer froze in the process of posting.</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Re:FRIDAY Eagle Eye Challenge</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Filmgaming/Re_FRIDAY_Eagle_Eye_Challenge/563/35592/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t61631mtbrt.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/138706/default.aspx'>RaeRae84</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Filmgaming/563/discussions.aspx'>Filmgaming</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 9/26/2008 1:19:15 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> [quote user="csprague"] Friday Eagle Eye ChallengeWe'll announce the winner at 10:00 am this coming Monday. You have until 9:00 am EST to submit your answers. Good luck, and have fun!O Brother, Where Art Thou (2000)(1) george clooneyThree Kings (1999)(2) mark wahlbergBoogie Nights (1997)(3) john c. reillyChicago (2002)(4)chicagoBlues Brothers (1980)(5) carrie fischerReturn of the Jedi (1983)(6) We're looking for an actor.Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)(7) harison fordMonsoon Wedding (2001)(8 )indiaMy Best Friend's Wedding (1997)(9) wedding in titleThe Mask (1994)cameron diaz(10) In each of the films, characters sing and dance. Hint: watch the trailers if you get stuck. [/quote]<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:19:15 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>RaeRae84</spout:postby><spout:postto>Filmgaming</spout:postto><spout:postdate>9/26/2008 1:19:15 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>[quote user="csprague"] Friday Eagle Eye ChallengeWe'll announce the winner at 10:00 am this coming Monday. You have until 9:00 am EST to submit your answers. Good luck, and have fun!O Brother, Where Art Thou (2000)(1) george clooneyThree Kings (1999)(2) mark wahlbergBoogie Nights (1997)(3) john c. reillyChicago (2002)(4)chicagoBlues Brothers (1980)(5) carrie fischerReturn of the Jedi (1983)(6) We're looking for an actor.Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)(7) harison fordMonsoon Wedding (2001)(8 )indiaMy Best Friend's Wedding (1997)(9) wedding in titleThe Mask (1994)cameron diaz(10) In each of the films, characters sing and dance. Hint: watch the trailers if you get stuck. [/quote]</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: FRIDAY Eagle Eye Challenge</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Filmgaming/FRIDAY_Eagle_Eye_Challenge/563/35569/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t61631mtbrt.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/5582/default.aspx'>csprague</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Filmgaming/563/discussions.aspx'>Filmgaming</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 9/26/2008 8:12:17 AM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> Friday Eagle Eye ChallengeWe'll announce the winner at 10:00 am this coming Monday. You have until 9:00 am EST to submit your answers. Good luck, and have fun!O Brother, Where Art Thou (2000)(1) Three Kings (1999)(2)Boogie Nights (1997)(3)Chicago (2002)(4)Blues Brothers (1980)(5)Return of the Jedi (1983)(6) We're looking for an actor.Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)(7) Monsoon Wedding (2001)(8)My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)(9)The Mask (1994)(10) In each of the films, characters ________ and _________. Hint: watch the trailers if you get stuck.<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:12:17 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>csprague</spout:postby><spout:postto>Filmgaming</spout:postto><spout:postdate>9/26/2008 8:12:17 AM</spout:postdate><spout:body>Friday Eagle Eye ChallengeWe'll announce the winner at 10:00 am this coming Monday. You have until 9:00 am EST to submit your answers. Good luck, and have fun!O Brother, Where Art Thou (2000)(1) Three Kings (1999)(2)Boogie Nights (1997)(3)Chicago (2002)(4)Blues Brothers (1980)(5)Return of the Jedi (1983)(6) We're looking for an actor.Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)(7) Monsoon Wedding (2001)(8)My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)(9)The Mask (1994)(10) In each of the films, characters ________ and _________. Hint: watch the trailers if you get stuck.</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: 10 Great Movies About Brothers</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/archive/2008/7/22/32892.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t61631mtbrt.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/9325/default.aspx'>SpoutBlog</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/default.aspx'>SpoutBlog on spout.com</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 7/22/2008 12:00:34 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> 
If there’s one thing I relate to on the big screen, it’s the depiction of fraternal relationships. I’m the middle of three brothers (excluding the half-brother I only knew as a toddler and the former stepbrother I only knew briefly as an adult), and at different points in my life I’ve either hated them or considered them my best friends. So, yeah, I can’t wait to see Step Brothers, starring Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly as new siblings who go from being enemies to BFFs when forced to live together.
Choosing a handful of favorite movies about brotherhood is really tough. After all, tales of brothers go all the way back to almost the beginning, with the story of Cain and Abel. And a number of favorites can’t exactly be discussed, because the revelation of brothers, especially twin brothers, is often the surprise twist in films. So, before you start naming a thousand other films about brothers that I’ve forgotten (such as The Brothers McMullen and Legends of the Fall), keep in mind that I’ve actually left out a whole pile of brother films, and this is more of a personal favorites list.

Coupe de Ville – If there’s one movie that seemed to define my brothers and I growing up, it’s this underrated road movie about three estranged siblings (played by Patrick Dempsey, Arye Gross and Daniel Stern) delivering the titular automobile to their father (Alan Arkin). As kids, my brothers and I couldn’t have been any more different, just like the guys in the movie. For at least half a decade, until he seemed to disappear after he left the sitcom Ellen, Gross was like my cinematic alter ego, just because I felt a kinship with his middle-brother character in Coupe de Ville so much.

Twins – While I’m on the subject of identification, here’s another movie I was able to relate to, as my older brother was (in my young, confused mind) like Schwarzenegger and I was a fat kid. Now that we’re in our 30s, we’re fortunately more physically balanced (or is it just that my perception has matured?).
The Godfather Part II – At one time or another, to one degree or another, most of us with brothers have unfortunately had fratricidal thoughts. Again, murdering one’s brother is a plot that goes back to The Book of Genesis, and the theme shows up in some of the greatest of stories, from Shakespeare’s Richard III to the Shakespearean animated film The Lion King. But as I never wanted to murder either of my brothers for gain of power, I’m including this film instead. Oh, wait, I guess I never actually struggled with the idea of whether or not to kill my brother because he’s a liability and an embarrassment, either.
The Public Enemy – In fraternal stories, if brothers aren’t trying to kill each other, they’re at least following separate paths, morally and occupationally. Typically, one is a criminal and the other is a cop, politician or priest. This particular gangster film doesn’t portray the divergence as clearly as subsequent films, such as Johnny Dangerously, We Own the Night or any number of Bollywood films, including the classics Deewaar. But it’s the scene in which the brothers argue about their differences and, ultimately, their similarities, that makes the film that much more interesting.
Amar Akbar Anthony – Like Deewaar, this film stars Indian superstar Amitabh Bachchan and is also about brothers. This time, though, there’s three of them, and each one allegorically represents a different prominent religious group of post-colonial India. Bachchan plays the Catholic one, and the film is worth checking out just for his musical number involving a giant Easter egg.
The Best of Youth – Another film about brothers that also represents its nation’s history, this six-hour saga is even longer than the mere three hour Amar Akbar Anthony. If you’re ever in a fraternal mood, you can fill up a whole day of loosely learning about India and Italy via these movies. Or you can simply enjoy two great movies about brothers.
American History X – After fratricide and divergence, another common plot involving brothers is the one found here: elder brother tries to keep younger from following in his footsteps. Interestingly enough, Edward Furlong plays the younger in both this film and in Little Odessa.
Adaptation – My younger brother and I are differently creative, and in the past we’ve been mistaken for being twins (unlike me and my older brother being like Twins). So, of course, I had to be a sad sack and identify with the protagonist of the story, while viewing the character’s more popular, more successful brother as my own brother. I guess that would put the third act into a sort of wish fulfillment of fratricide. Maybe I need to stop this list before it upsets my currently great relationships with both my brothers.
Big Night – Though differently creative, my younger brother and I have at times worked really well together. As many brothers in history have. Though we never attempted to operate a business together, we were in a band together. I guess for that reason I could have used The Blues Brothers here instead, but I like Big Night a whole hell of a lot more.
The Darjeeling Limited – Return of the brotherly trio on a trip. Only this time the father has died (good ol’ Oedipal patricide is almost as popular as fratricide – not that any of the brothers killed Dad; I’m merely talking about wish fulfillment for the audience again) and the brothers are even more different (who would ever believe Jason Schwartzman, Owen Wilson and Adrien Brody as actual siblings?). I wonder if Wes Anderson ever saw Coupe de Ville. Or Amar Akbar Anthony.

And here’s 10 more favorite brother films: Simple Men; Rain Man; La Bamba; Undertow; The Brothers Grimm; The City of Lost Children; The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford; Thirteen Days; The Funeral; The Wind that Shakes the Barley. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:00:34 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>SpoutBlog</spout:postby><spout:postto>SpoutBlog on spout.com</spout:postto><spout:postdate>7/22/2008 12:00:34 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>
If there’s one thing I relate to on the big screen, it’s the depiction of fraternal relationships. I’m the middle of three brothers (excluding the half-brother I only knew as a toddler and the former stepbrother I only knew briefly as an adult), and at different points in my life I’ve either hated them or considered them my best friends. So, yeah, I can’t wait to see Step Brothers, starring Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly as new siblings who go from being enemies to BFFs when forced to live together.
Choosing a handful of favorite movies about brotherhood is really tough. After all, tales of brothers go all the way back to almost the beginning, with the story of Cain and Abel. And a number of favorites can’t exactly be discussed, because the revelation of brothers, especially twin brothers, is often the surprise twist in films. So, before you start naming a thousand other films about brothers that I’ve forgotten (such as The Brothers McMullen and Legends of the Fall), keep in mind that I’ve actually left out a whole pile of brother films, and this is more of a personal favorites list.

Coupe de Ville – If there’s one movie that seemed to define my brothers and I growing up, it’s this underrated road movie about three estranged siblings (played by Patrick Dempsey, Arye Gross and Daniel Stern) delivering the titular automobile to their father (Alan Arkin). As kids, my brothers and I couldn’t have been any more different, just like the guys in the movie. For at least half a decade, until he seemed to disappear after he left the sitcom Ellen, Gross was like my cinematic alter ego, just because I felt a kinship with his middle-brother character in Coupe de Ville so much.

Twins – While I’m on the subject of identification, here’s another movie I was able to relate to, as my older brother was (in my young, confused mind) like Schwarzenegger and I was a fat kid. Now that we’re in our 30s, we’re fortunately more physically balanced (or is it just that my perception has matured?).
The Godfather Part II – At one time or another, to one degree or another, most of us with brothers have unfortunately had fratricidal thoughts. Again, murdering one’s brother is a plot that goes back to The Book of Genesis, and the theme shows up in some of the greatest of stories, from Shakespeare’s Richard III to the Shakespearean animated film The Lion King. But as I never wanted to murder either of my brothers for gain of power, I’m including this film instead. Oh, wait, I guess I never actually struggled with the idea of whether or not to kill my brother because he’s a liability and an embarrassment, either.
The Public Enemy – In fraternal stories, if brothers aren’t trying to kill each other, they’re at least following separate paths, morally and occupationally. Typically, one is a criminal and the other is a cop, politician or priest. This particular gangster film doesn’t portray the divergence as clearly as subsequent films, such as Johnny Dangerously, We Own the Night or any number of Bollywood films, including the classics Deewaar. But it’s the scene in which the brothers argue about their differences and, ultimately, their similarities, that makes the film that much more interesting.
Amar Akbar Anthony – Like Deewaar, this film stars Indian superstar Amitabh Bachchan and is also about brothers. This time, though, there’s three of them, and each one allegorically represents a different prominent religious group of post-colonial India. Bachchan plays the Catholic one, and the film is worth checking out just for his musical number involving a giant Easter egg.
The Best of Youth – Another film about brothers that also represents its nation’s history, this six-hour saga is even longer than the mere three hour Amar Akbar Anthony. If you’re ever in a fraternal mood, you can fill up a whole day of loosely learning about India and Italy via these movies. Or you can simply enjoy two great movies about brothers.
American History X – After fratricide and divergence, another common plot involving brothers is the one found here: elder brother tries to keep younger from following in his footsteps. Interestingly enough, Edward Furlong plays the younger in both this film and in Little Odessa.
Adaptation – My younger brother and I are differently creative, and in the past we’ve been mistaken for being twins (unlike me and my older brother being like Twins). So, of course, I had to be a sad sack and identify with the protagonist of the story, while viewing the character’s more popular, more successful brother as my own brother. I guess that would put the third act into a sort of wish fulfillment of fratricide. Maybe I need to stop this list before it upsets my currently great relationships with both my brothers.
Big Night – Though differently creative, my younger brother and I have at times worked really well together. As many brothers in history have. Though we never attempted to operate a business together, we were in a band together. I guess for that reason I could have used The Blues Brothers here instead, but I like Big Night a whole hell of a lot more.
The Darjeeling Limited – Return of the brotherly trio on a trip. Only this time the father has died (good ol’ Oedipal patricide is almost as popular as fratricide – not that any of the brothers killed Dad; I’m merely talking about wish fulfillment for the audience again) and the brothers are even more different (who would ever believe Jason Schwartzman, Owen Wilson and Adrien Brody as actual siblings?). I wonder if Wes Anderson ever saw Coupe de Ville. Or Amar Akbar Anthony.

And here’s 10 more favorite brother films: Simple Men; Rain Man; La Bamba; Undertow; The Brothers Grimm; The City of Lost Children; The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford; Thirteen Days; The Funeral; The Wind that Shakes the Barley. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: The Blues Brothers (1980, USA, John Landis) **1/2</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/blogs/cinemarian/archive/2008/5/12/28703.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t61631mtbrt.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/131080/default.aspx'>CinemaRian</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/blogs/cinemarian/default.aspx'>CinemaRian Blog</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 5/12/2008 9:39:46 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> Few classic films are as unlikely as The Blues Brothers. I doubt that anyone in 1980 would have predicted at the time that two and a half hour musical adaptation of a Saturday Night Live skit would so endure itself to so many people. And frankly, I have heard time understanding why this movie is so popular- there are some laughs, yes, but the movie is not as hilarious as its reputation would suggest, and there is some okay music, but nothing earth shattering. The funniest thing about The Blues Brothers are The Blues Brothers themselves, or rather, the idea of them. There is something that about these two odd looking white guys, one tall and skinny, the other short and stocky, who wear sunglasses at all times and never smile, but sure play the blues and dance well. But the jokes they tell and the occurrences they find themselves are in never as funny as the characters personalities- they don't belong in such a complicated world, only wanting to do one thing- play the blues. Their names are Jake (John Belushi) and Elwood (Dan Ackroyd, who wrote the script along with director Landis). The movie opens as Jake is being released from prison for robbing a 7-11, and Elwood is there to pick him up- in an old police car he bought at an auction (it's later revealed that he traded his good car for a microphone). It's revealed that they only had two protectors growing up, a local blues master (Cab Calloway) and a nun known only as The Penguin (Kathleen Freeman). The Penguin tells the brothers that the orphanage she runs is in serious trouble, owning $5000 in back taxes, and that her organization will be shut down in a few days if the city of Chicago isn't paid the money. Jake is at first indifferent to her plight, but then has a vision at church- he'll get the money by getting his old band together. The Brothers efforts are thwarted by the police, who are looking for them after a high speed chase through a shopping mall, some neo-Nazi's they drove off a bridge, and a mysterious woman (Carrie Fisher) who tries to assassinate them, with no apparent cause. There's really not much of a plot to the movie, just collection of scenes, many of which involve either car chasses or guest appearances by real blues musicians, who each contribute a song. In addition to Calloway, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, John Lee Hooker, and Ray Charles also appear. Unfortunately, none of them turns in a particularly inspired performance. There's a lot energy of course, but none of the new versions matches the original recording (I was reminded of Paul McCartney inexplicably remaking "Yesterday" in Give My Regards to Broad Street). The car chases are impressive in their Keatonian scope (this must have been one of the most expensive comedies ever at the time of its release), but aren't really funny. There's the "wow" factor that comes from seeing a million zillion police cars in a chase, but nothing really witty there. The movie is also WAY too long. Two and a half hours sounds too long for ANY comedy, and certainly for this. I can't think of a single great comedy that lasts longer than two hours (suggestions, anyone?) and I wonder what Landis was thinking when it came to this. Which makes me wonder if I am missing something, but because a lot people don't just like this movie, they love it (it is the favorite film of both my 7th grade history and Edwin's mother). To me the movie didn't seem funny enough, or moving enough for it classify for that status to anyone, although I must admit I am in the minority. The Blues Brothers (1980)<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 13 May 2008 01:39:46 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>CinemaRian</spout:postby><spout:postto>CinemaRian Blog</spout:postto><spout:postdate>5/12/2008 9:39:46 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>Few classic films are as unlikely as The Blues Brothers. I doubt that anyone in 1980 would have predicted at the time that two and a half hour musical adaptation of a Saturday Night Live skit would so endure itself to so many people. And frankly, I have heard time understanding why this movie is so popular- there are some laughs, yes, but the movie is not as hilarious as its reputation would suggest, and there is some okay music, but nothing earth shattering. The funniest thing about The Blues Brothers are The Blues Brothers themselves, or rather, the idea of them. There is something that about these two odd looking white guys, one tall and skinny, the other short and stocky, who wear sunglasses at all times and never smile, but sure play the blues and dance well. But the jokes they tell and the occurrences they find themselves are in never as funny as the characters personalities- they don't belong in such a complicated world, only wanting to do one thing- play the blues. Their names are Jake (John Belushi) and Elwood (Dan Ackroyd, who wrote the script along with director Landis). The movie opens as Jake is being released from prison for robbing a 7-11, and Elwood is there to pick him up- in an old police car he bought at an auction (it's later revealed that he traded his good car for a microphone). It's revealed that they only had two protectors growing up, a local blues master (Cab Calloway) and a nun known only as The Penguin (Kathleen Freeman). The Penguin tells the brothers that the orphanage she runs is in serious trouble, owning $5000 in back taxes, and that her organization will be shut down in a few days if the city of Chicago isn't paid the money. Jake is at first indifferent to her plight, but then has a vision at church- he'll get the money by getting his old band together. The Brothers efforts are thwarted by the police, who are looking for them after a high speed chase through a shopping mall, some neo-Nazi's they drove off a bridge, and a mysterious woman (Carrie Fisher) who tries to assassinate them, with no apparent cause. There's really not much of a plot to the movie, just collection of scenes, many of which involve either car chasses or guest appearances by real blues musicians, who each contribute a song. In addition to Calloway, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, John Lee Hooker, and Ray Charles also appear. Unfortunately, none of them turns in a particularly inspired performance. There's a lot energy of course, but none of the new versions matches the original recording (I was reminded of Paul McCartney inexplicably remaking "Yesterday" in Give My Regards to Broad Street). The car chases are impressive in their Keatonian scope (this must have been one of the most expensive comedies ever at the time of its release), but aren't really funny. There's the "wow" factor that comes from seeing a million zillion police cars in a chase, but nothing really witty there. The movie is also WAY too long. Two and a half hours sounds too long for ANY comedy, and certainly for this. I can't think of a single great comedy that lasts longer than two hours (suggestions, anyone?) and I wonder what Landis was thinking when it came to this. Which makes me wonder if I am missing something, but because a lot people don't just like this movie, they love it (it is the favorite film of both my 7th grade history and Edwin's mother). To me the movie didn't seem funny enough, or moving enough for it classify for that status to anyone, although I must admit I am in the minority. The Blues Brothers (1980)</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:funny</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/funny/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/funny/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>funny</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 609</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 317</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 942</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:10:58 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>609</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>317</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>942</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:Classic</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/Classic/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/Classic/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>Classic</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 816</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 312</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 1453</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2009 22:54:36 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>816</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>312</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>1453</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:Loved-It</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/Loved-It/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/Loved-It/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>Loved-It</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 509</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 179</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 921</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:56:35 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>509</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>179</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>921</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:musical</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/musical/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/musical/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>musical</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 174</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 109</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 356</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:03:25 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>174</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>109</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>356</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:personal-classic</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/personal-classic/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/personal-classic/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>personal-classic</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 180</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 64</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 274</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:21:00 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>180</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>64</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>274</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:chase</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/chase/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/chase/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>chase</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 880</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 44</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 109</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:13:34 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>880</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>44</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>109</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:chicago</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/chicago/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/chicago/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>chicago</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 32</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 30</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 47</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:04:36 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>32</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>30</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>47</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
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      <title>Spout Tag:church</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/church/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/church/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>church</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 469</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 26</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 51</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:20:56 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>469</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>26</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>51</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:orphan</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/orphan/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/orphan/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>orphan</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 1157</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 25</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 53</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:02:59 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>1157</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>25</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>53</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
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      <title>Spout Tag:concert</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/concert/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/concert/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>concert</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 3615</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 22</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 96</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:01:54 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>3615</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>22</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>96</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
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      <title>Spout Tag:Nazis</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/Nazis/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/Nazis/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>Nazis</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 24</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 19</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 27</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:50:17 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>24</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>19</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>27</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
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      <title>Spout Tag:nun</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/nun/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/nun/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>nun</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 278</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 15</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 20</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:28:02 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>278</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>15</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>20</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:SNLAlum</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/SNLAlum/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/SNLAlum/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>SNLAlum</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 71</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 15</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 107</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2007 07:57:40 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>71</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>15</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>107</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:great-music</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/great-music/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/great-music/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>great-music</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 13</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 14</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 20</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:18:15 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>13</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>14</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>20</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:mall</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/mall/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/mall/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>mall</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 62</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 14</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 21</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2009 13:02:12 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>62</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>14</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>21</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
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