Tuesday, October 29, 2002

Dick the Bruiser

For some reason, the image of an obviously enraged Dick the Bruiser all dressed up in a suit and bow tie and sporting stitches in his head seems such an odd combination, that every time I see the picture I smile.

Dick the Bruiser, whose real name was Richard Afflis, was a real-life tough guy. He played professional football and developed a reputation as a bar room brawler. Bruiser was 6' 1" and 260 pounds of muscle, so when his football career ended, it was only natural that he turn to professional wrestling.

Bruiser started his wrestling career in the 50's and wrestled into the 80's! Even after he retired, he worked as a talent scout for the WCW. Bruiser died in 1991 at the age of 62. He left behind a legacy as one of the most popular wrestlers to ever step into the ring.

I was fortunate to see the Bruiser wrestle live many times when I was growing up. Those memories bring an even bigger smile to my face than the picture.

Saturday, October 05, 2002

Below Rises to the Top

On October 11th, there are three films coming out that I really want to see. My bet is that you've heard of two of them.

The films are "Below," "Knockaround Guys," and "The Transporter." Had you heard about all three, or was I right?

"The Transporter" has been advertised everywhere and looks to be an, action-packed thrill ride. "Knockaround Guys" has a great cast including Vin Diesel. Despite the fact that it's been sitting on the shelf for quite a while, I think it's going to be enjoyable and will do well at the box office. It's funny, the one I want to see most has had the least press.

What's "Below" then? It's co-written and directed by David Twohy. Twohy did the same duties on "Pitch Black." Remember how that turned out? "Below" is the story of an American submarine facing Nazi war ships on the surface and something worse below. Harry Knowles calls it "a haunted house flick, where there is no door to sneak out of..." that "... combines elements of CAINE MUTINY, Robert Wise’s THE HAUNTING, LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE, DAS BOOT and some stuff that I haven’t seen in any of those movies." Stuff that Harry hasn't seen?!
Whew!

Still not sold? Check out the full review. Want to see more? How about a look at the trailer? Here's the website. I think that despite the terrible publicity, this will be the movie to see on October 11th.

It's been a while since there have been three movies coming out on the same day that I want to see.

Any bets on which one I'm gonna see first?