Carmen Yáñez Garza

08/02/2025

From Israel Horovitz's eulogy for John Cazale, published in the Village Voice on March 27, 1978: "John Cazale happens once in a lifetime. He was an invention, a small perfection. It is no wonder his friends feel such anger upon waking from their sleep to discover that Cazale sleeps on with kings and counselors, with Booth and Kean, with Jimmy Dean, with Bernhardt, Guitry, and Duse, with Stanislavsky, with Groucho, Benny, and Allen. He will make fast friends in his new place. He is easy to love."
Revisiting (and adding to) a story told in one of this site's most popular posts, told last year...
Meryl Streep’s two-year romance with John Cazale, a talented actor who starred in five Best Picture nominees in just six years, is detailed in Michael Schulman’s upcoming biography "Her Again: Becoming Meryl Streep".
Meeting first during an audition for New York City’s famed Shakespeare in the Park, Streep and Cazale's connection was obvious to their castmates and director Joe Papp. Schulman writes that the pair’s romance was intense – and physical, with Streep’s consistently chapped lips drawing attention from the crew.
It was during their work on 1979's "The Deer Hunter" – his final film – that Cazale got sicker and sicker and Streep morphed from lover to nurse. For five months she accompanied him to chemotherapy treatments at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and barely showing her strained resolve. According to author Andy Dougan, director Michael Cimino "rearranged the shooting schedule with Cazale and Streep's consent, so that he could film all his scenes first". “Meryl stayed by his side every single moment," Cimino said “By her devotion to John, I knew she had great courage.”
During Cazale’s final days, Streep stood by his bedside in their Manhattan apartment constantly, performing comedic routines and reading from the newspaper in faux voices, according to "Her Again".
“She took care of him like there was nobody else on earth,” Joe Papp said of Streep’s commitment to Cazale, Schulman writes. “She never betrayed him in his presence or out of his presence. Never betrayed any notion that he would not survive. He knew he was dying, the way a dying man knows it. She gave him tremendous hope.”
Close friend and frequent Cazale collaborator Al Pacino said, "I've hardly ever seen a person so devoted to someone who is falling away like John was. To see her in that act of love for this man was overwhelming."
According to the Schulman book, when Cazale passed on March 12, 1978, Streep was so overcome with emotion that she collapsed into him and began pounding on his chest, crying for him to wake up. And for a quick second, Cazale opened his eyes and reassured Streep she would be okay before finally closing his eyes for the final time.

08/02/2025

It's amazing how quickly time passes. She's grown into a beautiful women

08/02/2025

True Romance (1993) 🎬
True Romance (1993) – Starring Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer, Gary Oldman, Brad Pitt, and Christopher Walken.
A wild, pulpy love story with a Quentin Tarantino script and Tony Scott’s stylish direction, True Romance is a high-energy ride packed with crime, romance, and unforgettable characters. Clarence (Christian Slater), a lonely comic book store clerk, falls head over heels for Alabama (Patricia Arquette), a call girl with a heart of gold. After a bloody run-in with her pimp (Gary Oldman), they hit the road with a stolen suitcase of co***ne, dreaming of a new life.
But the mob isn’t far behind, and with a cast of eccentric characters—including a stoned Brad Pitt, a menacing Christopher Walken, and a terrifying James Gandolfini—their journey turns into a chaotic, blood-soaked adventure. With sharp dialogue, explosive action, and a killer soundtrack, True Romance is a '90s cult classic that oozes cool from start to finish.

08/02/2025

In 2018, Molly Ringwald wrote a deeply personal and reflective essay for The New Yorker, reevaluating the films that made her a household name in the 1980s. Her words surprised many fans, as she openly criticized certain problematic elements in the works of John Hughes, the director who had shaped her career. While expressing gratitude for Hughes’ influence and acknowledging his talent, she also confronted the issues of sexism, racism, and troubling portrayals of consent in movies such as "Sixteen Candles", "The Breakfast Club", and "Pretty in Pink".
One of the most widely discussed aspects of her essay was her reassessment of "Sixteen Candles", the 1984 film that helped establish her as the quintessential teen star. In the movie, her character, Samantha Baker, is a high school sophomore whose crush, Jake Ryan, is dating a popular girl named Caroline. Ringwald pointed out that the film’s treatment of Caroline, particularly a scene in which Jake suggests that he could violate her while she is unconscious, was deeply problematic. At the time of the film’s release, these moments were largely overlooked or even played for comedy, but in retrospect, Ringwald noted how they normalized disturbing behavior. She admitted that when she was younger, she had not fully understood the implications of such scenes, but as an adult and especially as a mother, she viewed them in a new light.
She also discussed "The Breakfast Club", particularly the scene in which Judd Nelson’s character, Bender, sexually harasses her character, Claire, throughout the film. The most troubling moment for her was when Hughes framed a shot in a way that heavily implied Bender looking under Claire’s skirt while she is sitting on the floor. Ringwald recalled watching the film with her daughter and feeling a sense of unease, realizing how such moments might influence young viewers. While she acknowledged the film’s cultural significance and its positive impact on many, she could not ignore the ways in which it reinforced harmful gender dynamics.
Another key issue she addressed was the racial stereotyping present in "Sixteen Candles", particularly the character of Long Duk D**g, played by Gedde Watanabe. The character was a broad, exaggerated caricature of an Asian exchange student, complete with an over-the-top accent and slapstick gags. Ringwald noted how audiences at the time laughed at his expense, but in today’s cultural landscape, the character reads as offensive and reductive. She expressed regret that these elements were a part of the films that had defined her youth and wondered how much damage such portrayals had done over the years.
Despite these criticisms, Ringwald was careful not to completely dismiss Hughes or his films. She credited him for capturing the emotional complexity of teenagers in a way few filmmakers had before. His ability to portray adolescent longing, loneliness, and identity crises was groundbreaking, and his movies resonated deeply with audiences. However, she also believed that revisiting these films with a critical eye was necessary, not to cancel them but to understand how cultural attitudes have evolved. She acknowledged that Hughes was a product of his time, and his scripts reflected the social norms of the 1980s, many of which have since been reexamined.
Her essay ignited a widespread conversation about 1980s teen films and their place in modern discourse. Critics, scholars, and fans debated whether these movies should be viewed purely as nostalgic time capsules or whether they needed to be scrutinized for their outdated messages. Some argued that holding past films to present-day standards was unfair, while others believed that discussing their flaws was an important part of cultural progress.
Molly Ringwald’s willingness to challenge her own legacy demonstrated her evolution as both an actress and a person. Rather than clinging to the image of the innocent teen star, she embraced a more complex role, one that allowed her to acknowledge the imperfections of her past work while still recognizing its value. Her reflections prompted audiences to reexamine their favorite films and question how media influences societal perceptions of gender, race, and consent.
Ringwald concluded her essay with an open-ended perspective, neither condemning nor fully defending Hughes' films but instead urging readers to engage in thoughtful discussion. Her words served as a reminder that while beloved films can be cherished, they can also be critiqued.

07/02/2025

"An Unfinished Life" is a 2005 drama film directed by Lasse Hallström. The movie centers on Jean Gilkyson (played by Jennifer Lopez), who, after losing her husband in a tragic accident, moves to Wyoming with her young daughter Griff (Becca Gardner) to live with her estranged father-in-law, Einar Gilkyson (Robert Redford). Einar is an aging rancher who blames Jean for his son's death and has been harboring resentment towards her. Alongside Einar lives Mitch Bradley (Morgan Freeman), a former ranch hand who was left partially paralyzed after a bear attack on Einar's property, adding another layer of complexity to their relationships.
As the story unfolds, the characters confront their grief, anger, and guilt, gradually working towards reconciliation and healing. The film explores themes of forgiveness, family, and the possibility of redemption.

07/02/2025

07/02/2025

Continuing to celebrate Black History Month with horror legend: Tony Todd!
A film, television and broadway presence spanning more than a hundred credits across nearly four decades. Tony Todd’s six-foot-five stature and baritone voice saw him consistently cast in imposing and intimidating roles. However, Todd became a horror movie icon by playing the title role in 1992's “Candyman” and the film’s three sequels. He died in his Los Angeles home on Nov. 6. Those who knew him will remember his warm laugh, generous spirit, and his dedication to his craft. Whether through his films or a broadway performances, Tony brought an unyielding honesty that resonated deeply with his friends, family, and fans.

07/02/2025

" We should probably turn around "

07/02/2025

Iconic Female Duos in Horror Movies 🎥

07/02/2025

Everyone is picking Back To The Future.

07/02/2025

The Goonies, reunited 40 years later! Josh Brolin (Brand), Jeff Cohen (Chunk), Kerri Green (Andy), Corey Feldman (Mouth), and writer Chris Columbus came together this week to celebrate Ke Huy Quan (Data) at his hand and footprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood!

07/02/2025

Tim Burton’s cast of Sleepy Hollow
Michael Gough, Jeffrey Jones, Ian McDiarmid, Richard Griffiths, Michael Gambon
"Sleepy Hollow" is a 1999 film directed by Tim Burton, inspired by Washington Irving's classic short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." Set in the early 19th century, the film follows Ichabod Crane, played by Johnny Depp, a timid and unconventional constable sent from New York City to investigate a series of mysterious murders in the eerie town of Sleepy Hollow.
The story unfolds as Ichabod discovers that the murders are linked to the legendary Headless Horseman, a vengeful spirit that haunts the area. As he delves deeper into the mystery, Ichabod encounters the town's superstitious residents and forms a bond with Katrina Van Tassel, played by Christina Ricci, the beautiful daughter of a wealthy landowner. The film beautifully combines elements of horror, romance, and dark humor, showcasing Burton's signature visual style with its haunting landscapes and elaborate set designs.
With a stellar supporting cast, including Christopher Walken as the Headless Horseman and Miranda Richardson as Lady Van Tassel, "Sleepy Hollow" captivates viewers with its atmospheric storytelling and striking cinematography. The film is both a thrilling tale and a meditation on fear and the unknown, cementing its place as a modern classic in the horror genre. Its unique blend of gothic elements and whimsical charm makes it a quintessential Tim Burton film.

07/02/2025

🎬𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐩 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 (𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟎)

Leap Year (2010) is a romantic comedy about Anna Brady (played by Amy Adams), a woman who plans to propose to her boyfriend Jeremy on leap day in Dublin, Ireland, as per an Irish tradition where women can propose to men on this day. When her plans go awry, Anna finds herself traveling to Ireland with the help of Declan (played by Matthew Goode), a surly innkeeper. As they journey together, the two develop an unexpected connection, leading Anna to reconsider her relationship with Jeremy and her feelings for Declan. The film explores themes of love, destiny, and taking risks in relationships.

06/02/2025

Besides 'The Incredible Mr. Limpet' This was always my favorite Don Knotts film 👻

06/02/2025

Controversial Movies and the Drama Around Them

Deep Throat (1972) – Brought Adult Movies To The Mainstream

Never before was the world of adult entertainment bigger than the original release of Deep Throat. The Linda Lovelace-led film was a massive success, known as one of the first adult films with a plot and production value. It crossed over into the mainstream and put a spotlight on the industry like never before. Everyone from Martin Scorsese to Spiro Agnew admitted to seeing it during its original run, making it one of the most popular films on the list. Sadly, the film gained extra controversy afterwards, as the film’s star went on to say she was sexually assaulted while making the movie.

06/02/2025

First picture is Cher playing the role of Tullis, and Eric Stoltz playing the role of Rocky Dennis in the biographical drama film "Mask". The second picture, is actually the real Florence Tullis and Rocky Dennis, in which the movie was based on!

06/02/2025

Billy Dee Williams holding Mark Hamill’s son Nathan on the set of ‘Return Of The Jedi’

06/02/2025

Mckenna Grace is joining the cast of Scream 7, set to release on February 27, 2026. She'll be starring alongside Neve Campbell, who's reprising her role as Sidney Prescott, as well as Isabel May, Celeste O'Connor, and Asa Germann.
Mckenna Grace is known for her impressive resume, including roles in Ghostbusters: Afterlife, The Haunting of Hill House, and Annabelle Comes Home. Her addition to the Scream franchise is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the series.
Interestingly, Scream 7 is gathering a younger cast, with most of the new members being around the same age as Isabel May, who's playing Sidney Prescott's daughter. This shift in casting might indicate a new direction for the franchise.
Kevin Williamson, the original creator of the Scream franchise, is directing Scream 7 from a screenplay by Guy Busick. With Mckenna Grace on board, fans are eagerly anticipating the next installment in the beloved horror series.