For more than three decades, he’s haunted millions of moviegoers, most notably as ‘Jason Voorhees’ in four of the ‘Friday the 13th’ films. Now a softer side of the famed actor/stuntman Kane Hodder is being revealed in the book ‘Unmasked’, in which author Michael Aloisi pulls of the hockey mask and delves deeply into the word’s most prolific cinematic killer.

Their national book tour stops in Dayton on Tuesday, Oct. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bonnett’s Bookstore; 502 E. Fifth St. for a book signing. Fans will have the opportunity to meet Hodder and Aloisi. ‘Unmasked,’ as well as ‘The Killer & I,’ a journal about the making of ‘Unmasked’ will be available.

Though a massive individual with ‘Kill’ tattooed on his bottom lip, Hodder is far from the villainous person he typically portrays. Aloisi admits to being a little intimated by his presence initially but soon learned of his gentle nature. “Kane is a really nice guy, readers will see a different side and grow to feel for him,” said Aloisi.

‘Unmasked’ documents the heart wrenching story of when Hodder was severely burned during a stunt accident which almost turned deadly early in his career. He fought back from the physical and mental damages caused by the accident to have made over 200 movie and television appearances.

The opportunity to form such a partnership with Hodder is like a dream come true for Aloisi, an avid fan of horror movies. While on a break from working at his self started publishing company, Aloisi wastched one of Hodder’s films and began to wonder if the legendary actor had a biography. “I learned he’d been contacted by a lot of publishing companies, but was afraid that he’d be censored and not allowed to tell the stories in his words,” said Aloisi, who Hodder trusted to accurately share his life story.

In addition to the books, the pair is also developing two reality shows. One is a web series for fearnet.com which follows Hodder and Aliosi on the book tour, including riding a segway through Salem, Mass and attending horror conventions. The second series will follow them on investigations of some places reported to be haunted.

To meet an iconic actor, visit Bonnet’s Book Store on Oct. 25 in downtown Dayton from 6 to 8 p.m.

Well, I never claimed to be one of the Two Thumbs Up guys, but Zookeeper definitely deserves both thumbs in the air.

Kevin James portrayal of a soft-spoken zookeeper being aided by his animal friends to find a mate will certainly make the noise as it opens today in theaters nationwide. I admit, I watched the pre-screening with very low expectations. While the star studded cast of voice-overs was impressive, the whole talking-to-animals skit was really played out (and badly) by Eddie Murphy already.

Kevin James was backed up by the lovely Rosario Dawson who unwittingly helps James get the girl, all while falling in love with him.

About The Effects

Careful camera angles and multiple takes allowed producers to gain most of the film necessary for the animal voice overs, however several of the costumed effects such as the gorilla were equally well done. I found it difficult at times to recognize this was a guy in a fur suit. No joke. Really well done.

For the Kids

I took our son Connor (age 6) to the film and he usually gets itchy about 30 minutes into a full feature film like Zookeeper. He stayed animated, laughing and engaged the whole time. The romantic scenes were few and of course peppered with James’ uncanny humor. So, if you want to take the kids to a movie this summer that is not over the top or over-violent… choose Zookeeper. Just a fun time.

BURBANK, Calif. (July 5, 2011)—

In the collaborative spirit of the film’s story, The Help Social Video Player allows fans to share their voices. Users are encouraged to add comments and start a dialogue directly in the video player. The Help Community (facebook.com/TheHelpMovie) kicked off the launch of the player with enthusiastic posts about fashion, decor and key moments from the book, “The Help,” written by Kathryn Stockett, on which the movie is based. The Help Social Video Player is shareable and embeddable, transporting the conversation to multiple destinations online.

To check it out and add your own voice, go to http://www.facebook.com/thehelpmovie.

ABOUT THE MOVIE:

Based on one of the most talked about books in years and a #1 New York Times best-selling phenomenon,  “The Help” stars Emma Stone (“Easy A”) as Skeeter, Academy Award®–nominated Viola Davis (“Doubt”) as Aibileen and Octavia Spencer as Minny—three very different, extraordinary women in Mississippi during the 1960s,  who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project that breaks societal rules and puts them all at risk. From their improbable alliance a remarkable sisterhood emerges, instilling all of them with the courage to transcend the lines that define them, and the realization that sometimes those lines are made to be crossed—even if it means bringing everyone in town face-to-face with the changing times. Deeply moving, filled with poignancy, humor and hope, “The Help” is a timeless and universal story about the ability to create change.

From DreamWorks Pictures and Participant Media, “The Help” is directed by Tate Taylor and produced by Brunson Green, Chris Columbus and Michael Barnathan, based on the novel by Kathryn Stockett, with screenplay by Tate Taylor. “The Help” releases in theaters August 10, 2011.

I managed to get into a sneak preview of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 last night. It only meant standing in line with four hundred other Harry Potter fans for four hours–but it was worth it.  I loved the film, loved what they added and changed, and loved where Director David Yates chose to break the epic novel into two films, one out Friday and the last film in the series out in July.  For more information, including LOTS of spoilers, click over to my Entertainment News site, Bacon Tastes Good.  Thanks!

DISNEYNATURE ANNOUNCES COLLABORATION WITH THE AFRICAN WILDLIFE FOUNDATION TO HELP SAVE THE SAVANNA DURING “AFRICAN CATS’” OPENING WEEK APRIL 22-28, 2011

BURBANK, Calif. (Nov. 12, 2010) – Disneynature announced plans to collaborate with the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) on a program to celebrate the release of the new Disneynature feature film “African Cats.” The program, “See ‘African Cats,’ Save the Savanna” was revealed in Nairobi, Kenya, during AWF’s 50^th anniversary celebration last evening.  During the film’s opening week (April 22-28), a portion of the proceeds from that week’s ticket sales will be donated to the organization through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund to ensure the future of lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, giraffes and a host of other animals in the vibrant African savanna. The AWF will be working to protect the Amboseli Wildlife Corridor, a passage between the Amboseli, Tsavo West and Chyulu National Parks, that is frequently used by a variety of wildlife.

“With its honest portrayal of life on the African savanna, ‘African Cats’ reveals the brilliance of the animals who live there,” said Alan Bergman, president, The Walt Disney Studios. “We are committed to helping the African Wildlife Foundation establish this protective corridor, building upon previous enormously successful conservation efforts from the Disneynature label.”

“The African Wildlife Foundation is proud to work so closely with Disneynature on the release of ‘African Cats,’” said Patrick Bergin, CEO, African Wildlife Foundation.  “We are celebrating 50 years of working with the people of Africa to ensure the wildlife and these wild lands endure forever; extending the Amboseli Wildlife Corridor will be a great step forward in these efforts.”

The film, which will be released in theaters worldwide, opens in North America on April 22, 2011.  Tickets for groups of 20 or more are already available in the United States by calling 1-888-DISNEY6.

ABOUT THE MOVIE

An epic true story set against the backdrop of one of the wildest places on Earth, “African Cats” captures the real-life love, humor and determination of the majestic kings of the savanna.  The story features Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother’s strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a once banished lion.  Disneynature brings “The Lion King” to life on the big screen in this True Life Adventure directed by Keith Scholey and Alastair Fothergill (“Earth”).  An awe-inspiring adventure blending family bonds with the power and cunning of the wild, “African Cats” leaps into theatres worldwide beginning on Earth Day 2011.  For more information about the movie and the “See ‘African Cats,’ Save the Savanna” initiative, check out Disney.com/AfricanCats.

ABOUT AWF

Founded in 1961, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is a conservation organization focused solely on the African continent. AWF’s programs and conservation strategies are based on sound science and designed to protect both the wild lands and wildlife of Africa and ensure a more sustainable future for Africa’s people.  Since its inception AWF has protected endangered species and land, promoted partnerships with the private sector for ecotourism to benefit local African communities as a means to improve livelihoods, and trained hundreds of African nationals in conservation—all to ensure the survival of Africa’s unparalleled wildlife heritage. AWF is a non-profit organization currently operating in 14 countries across the continent. AWF is a registered 501(c)(3) in the United States. Visit www.awf.org.

ABOUT DISNEYNATURE

Disneynature, the first new Disney-branded film label from The Walt Disney Studios in more than 60 years, was launched in April 2008 to bring the world’s top nature filmmakers together to share a wide variety of wildlife subjects and stories with theatrical audiences. “Earth” (opening Earth Day 2009) was the first film to premiere domestically under the new label, and garnered a record-breaking opening weekend for a nature documentary. Its “Buy a Ticket, Plant a Tree” initiative led to the planting of 2.7 million trees in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest.  Hitting theaters on April 22, 2010, “Oceans” was the third highest grossing feature-length nature film in history. Its “See ‘Oceans,’ Save Oceans” initiative helped establish 40,000 acres of marine protected area in The Bahamas, preserving essential coral reefs.  Walt Disney was a pioneer in wildlife documentary filmmaking, producing 13 True-Life Adventure motion pictures between 1949 and 1960, which earned eight Academy Awards®. For more information about Disneynature, check out disneynature.com like us on Facebook: facebook.com/Disneynature, and follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/Disneynature. For more information about the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, please visit Disney.com/conservation.

For all of those old enough to remember, I have uncovered some Exclusive footage of TRON: Legacy with their new trailer.

In this trailer, you will find TRON’s Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund), the tech-savvy 27-year-old son of Kevin Flynn, looks into his father’s disappearance and finds himself pulled into the same world of fierce programs and gladiatorial games where his father has been living for 25 years. Along with Kevin’s loyal and VERY attractive confidant Quorra (Olivia Wilde), the father and son embark on a life-and-death journey across a visually-stunning cyber universe that has become far more advanced and exceedingly dangerous. In the clip check out the new vehicle the LightRunner, a two-door speedster that can handle just as much as the LightBike.

TRON: Legacy is released by Walt Disney Pictures and can be seen in theaters: 12/17/2010

Enjoy…

Well, it took long enough, but it sounds like the producers of “The Hobbit” and New Zealand labor unions has finally been worked out after the New Zealand government stepped in and assisted in negotiations to bring the $500-million project to the kiwi nation. The two-film project will constitute two prequels to the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, a worldwide box-office smash.

Actors in New Zealand had called upon their unions to boycott the production to press for a new contract, but it appears the govenment of New Zealand stepped in and negotiated an agreement to keep the lucrative production from moving to Eastern Europe.

Anyway, “Red” was a blast — sure, there were massive plot holes and a few cringe-inducing scenes of terrible acting, but where else are you going to see Helen Mirren manning a GIGANTIC 50-caliber mounted machine gun? She plays a sniper in the film. A SNIPER! This is the queen of England, for God’s sake!  Bruce Willis plays Frank Mason, a retired James Bond-type who wakes up every morning at 6 a.m., works out, and then spend the whole day regretting his retirement.  He’s carrying on a pathetic phone-flirtation with an operator at the faceless bureau that cuts his retirement checks, tearing them up so that he has an excuse to call in and talk to a woman he’s never seen.

But after a “wet team” of professional assassins attacks his home in the middle of the night, Frank is on the run for his life. John Malkovich is a crazy, ex-CIA agent who was dosed with way too much LSD in the seventies, and Morgan Freeman plays Willis’ best friend from his operative days.  Now, someone is trying to kill them all, and it’s up to this group of retirees to find out who — and stop them.

Synopsis:

Based on the cult D.C. Comics graphic novel by Warren Ellis and Cully Hammer, RED is an explosive action-comedy starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren. Frank (Bruce Willis), Joe (Morgan Freeman), Marvin (John Malkovich) and Victoria (Helen Mirren) used to be the CIA’s top agents – but the secrets they know just made them the Agency’s top targets. Now framed for assassination, they must use all of their collective cunning, experience and teamwork to stay one step ahead of their deadly pursuers and stay alive. To stop the operation, the team embarks on an impossible, cross-country mission to break into the top-secret CIA headquarters, where they will uncover one of the biggest conspiracies and cover-ups in government history.

• Genre: Action and Adventure, Comedy
• Official Site: http://www.Red-TheMovie.com
• Director: Robert Schwentke
• Cast: Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, Karl Urban, Mary-Louise Parker
• Run Time: 111 minute

Directed by Anton Corbijn with an artsy, deliberate pace, the film explores Clooney’s assassin character as he hides in a quiet town in Italy following a shocking shooting that takes place before the opening credits.  The assassin settles into town and befriends a priest and a prostitute while waiting to hear from his boss. Overall, a well-told story, but be ready to wait around an extra half-hour longer than necessary to find out who live–and who dies.

Synopsis

Academy Award winner George Clooney stars in the title role of this suspense thriller. As an assassin, Jack (played by Mr. Clooney) is constantly on the move and always alone. After a job in Sweden ends more harshly than expected for this American abroad, Jack retreats to the Italian countryside. He relishes being away from death for a spell as he holes up in a small medieval town. While there, Jack takes an assignment to construct a weapon for a mysterious contact, Mathilde (Thekla Reuten). Savoring the peaceful quietude he finds in the mountains of Abruzzo, Jack accepts the friendship of local priest Father Benedetto (Paolo Bonacelli) and pursues a torrid liaison with a beautiful woman, Clara (Violante Placido). Jack and Clara’s time together evolves into a romance, one seemingly free of danger. But by stepping out of the shadows, Jack may be tempting fate.

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Official Site: http://theamericanthemovie.com

Director: Anton Corbijn

Cast: George Clooney, Violante Placido, Thekla Reuten, Paolo Bonacelli

Writers: Rowan Joffe

Yes, I know that ‘Twilight’ is an epic story of forbidden love, and that ‘Titanic,’ ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Ben Hur’ have won more Oscar’s than any other movie; but neither of those fulfill my standards of a U.S Citizenship. My apologies to all you on Team Edward, Jacob, or the Count.

However, those on Team Ralphie can rejoice as they are safe from the risk of deportation due to having seen, ‘A Christmas Story.’ The 1983 film didn’t win any major, or even minor awards, but simply because of its reputation and 24 hour marathon on Christmas Eve, there is no excuse for a breathing soul to have always missed it throughout their life. To have done so, is simply un-American.

I triple dog dare you to find a patriot who never dreamed of having an ‘official Red Ryder, carbine action, two hundred shot range model air rifle, with a compass in the stock and this thing which tells time.’ Whom was also endlessly warned about shooting their eye out.

Lessons are learned from many different films; ‘Spiderman’ teaches to beware of spider bites, and ‘The Hangover’ is a sign of the dangers of drinking, but ‘A Christmas Story,’ tops them all in value. I have been spared the humiliation of having my tongue stuck to a flag pole, or any frozen metal object, because I watched Flick do it in the movie.

While Rudolph, Frosty, and the Charlie Brown Special are all holiday classics, they don’t make up for not having seen, ‘A Christmas Story.’ If you don’t know what female body part makes up the ‘Old man’s,’ lamp, what animal Ralphie must dress up as on Christmas morning or what word he utters when helping to change a tire? You may still be a redneck, but not a true American.

Make it a double feature, as another rite of passage to be a real product of the U.S.A is having seen, ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ It’s a timeless classic for all ages, and watching it is a part of growing up. No matter your feelings about musicals, black & white films (just wait), or flying monkeys; it’s a must see.

If for no other reason, nowhere else will you see a larger collection of midg- errr…little people, as in Munchkin Land. Out of the entire history of cinema, minus Sharon Stone’s leg cross in ‘Basic Instinct,’ there is no more enjoyable of a scene. After all these years, I still have yet to figure out why a Munchkin Land has never tried to be duplicated. Rob Schneider has said, ‘You can do it,’ in several movies, but in only one is the voice and appearance of the Lollipop Guild on film.

‘The Wizard of Oz’ is the story of a search for brains, a heart, and courage. Ironically all traits of a real American. Rarely does anyone have a full supply of either, but everyone has some, including the President…well, there are exceptions to every rule.

To be an American is the greatest privilege in the entire world, make the most of it by watching ‘A Christmas Story’ and ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ Best do it now because….movies are subtitled in other countries.