Christopher Walken clears 100 films

So I was checking out some of the proposed movie deals for what will be coming to a theater in the next year or two. I ran across a bit of information that got me excited. Because one of my all-time favorite actors will be in another motion picture.

And I was a fan of Walken long before the Fat Boy Slim video



and even before Pulp Fiction



Yes, Christopher Walken will be gracing the silver screen once again. The film is called The Irishman, it a conversion from a regular book (which is a change from the current trend) about an Irish-American mobster who took on the Mafia. This is a true story of Danny Greene.

In an overview the films sounds something like the Denzel Washington led film American Gangster. The time frame is the same, 1970’s. It has 3 main characters that are very well known. It involved the Mafia. And to an extent it glorifies these crime syndicates.

But I’m willing to over look these things. Hell the movie also stars Val Kilmer and Ray Stevenson (from the 2008 Punisher movie). It just sounds like a great combination of actors and storyline. A dark subject, brutal violence, actors known for their brooding performances. It sounds like a sure hit.

Too bad the director is Jonathan Hensleigh. If his name is not familiar it may well be because he is responsible for the Punisher (2004) film. Not the best film, nor the best use of decent actors. Still the law of averages says that even bad directors will get it right eventually. Though if Hensleigh was the writer the movie would be an almost assured hit. He wrote Die Hard with a Vengence, Jumanji, The Rock (along with others), Armeggedon, Gone in 60 Seconds and Con Air. His writing is impressive, but not directing.

I believe that this will be the 100th film for Walken. (He has already done 100 plays) So as a centennial film I hope it is deservingly good. I can’t wait for the trailer.

The Expendables: Cast growing with action movie icons

In a bit of a quick update there is the news that the 2010 film, The Expendables, has increased the large and famous cast. The latest addition to the film will include yet another major icon of the 1980’s action movies.

Yes the Guvernator himself will be taking a role in Sylvester Stallone’s latest film. But this will not be a major part, just a cameo. And he will be playing a role that will involve little acting – he will play the Governor of California. How embarrassing might it be if his role is done poorly?

Still the Expendables movie is continuing to look like a must see film. The cast of Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren (an old nemesis of Stallone and Schwarzenegger) , Mickey Rourke, and Forest Whitaker is compelling. The addition of the Governator just adds a bit of flair.

By the way, here are some of the match-ups from the past with this cast.

Stallone has been in films with:
Mickey Rourke – Get Carter (remake)
Dolph Lundgren – Rocky 4

Jason Statham has been in films with:
Jet Li – War and The One
Mickey Rourke – 13 (filming now - remake)

Mickey Rourke has been in films with:
Eric Roberts – Pope of Greenwich Village

Forest Whitaker has been in films with:
Ben Kingsley – Species

And oddly enough, Christopher Walken (who is not in the film) has been in movies with:
Mickey Rourke – Dominoe, Man on Fire
Arnold Schwarzenegger - The Rundown (the Governator had an uncredited role, did you notice?)
Sylvester Stallone – Antz
Eric Roberts – Prophesy 2
Dolph Lundgren – A View To A Kill

Just thought I’d add that.