The documentary "Route 66: Ten Years After" was meant as a travelogue. But, unexpectedly, this flawed but fascinating 52-minute film winds up also as an emotional journey. In 1999, veteran writer Tim Steil and young photographer Jim Luning traveled together from Chicago to Santa Monica to gather material for a new Motorbooks International publication. The … Continue reading DVD review: “Route 66: Ten Years After”
Category: Movies
An advance review of “Cars 2” — sort of
Nanna Torhild of CC2K claims she saw a "super secret" advance screening of the Disney-Pixar animated film "Cars 2," which won't hit theaters until summer 2011. Torhild said "Cars 2" was "good, but never feels Pixar good." But before you set your expectations lower, this caveat sticks out like a proverbial sore thumb: Since it’s … Continue reading An advance review of “Cars 2” — sort of
More details emerge of Billy Connolly’s Route 66 trip
A few weeks ago, it was reported that well-known Scottish actor, musician and comedian Billy Connolly would host another television travel series, this time on Route 66. Today, more details came to the surface in The Guardian newspaper of London and other British media. Connolly's trip will start in May. It will be a four-part … Continue reading More details emerge of Billy Connolly’s Route 66 trip
Bottletree Ranch creator is subject of documentary
Elmer Long, creator of the Bottletree Ranch along Route 66 near Oro Grande, Calif., has been filmed for a documentary, "Elmer's Factory," by Christopher Lee of Onward Films. Here's the trailer: Here's the summary of the film: Elmer's Factory (2010) is a portrait of bottle tree artist Elmer Long, whose colorful Bottle Tree Ranch along … Continue reading Bottletree Ranch creator is subject of documentary
Teaser clip of Route 66 documentary
Chris Tres of France traveled the Mother Road a few months ago to film a documentary about America's culture and music. Here's a teaser clip from the footage; you might see a favorite roadie or three: Here's the description of the video, translated from French by Google Translate: Teaser of the film "In the Footsteps … Continue reading Teaser clip of Route 66 documentary
Barstow museum featured in Japanese documentary
Barstow Station and other stretches of Route 66 in Arizona and California will be featured in a documentary currently being shot by the Tokyo Broadcasting System, according to the Desert Dispatch in Barstow, Calif. Barstow Station serves as home to the Barstow Route 66 Mother Road Museum. Yoko Honda, the location and production manager for the … Continue reading Barstow museum featured in Japanese documentary
More details released for “Cars 2”
More details about the Disney-Pixar movie "Cars 2" were released today by Disney and picked up by a variety of media outlets. First, here at left is the official poster for the 2011 film. FirstShowing.net also posted an official photo from the movie. And, according to Collider.com, here is the official synopsis of the movie: … Continue reading More details released for “Cars 2”
Promotional trailer for Coliseum documentary
Jim Marcacci and Bruce Logsdon of Sound & Image Videography are producing a documentary about the history of the colorful Coliseum music venue in Benld, Ill., which is on an older alignment of Route 66. Sound & Image has just released a 9-minute promotional video. You'll see a lot of good memorabilia and information. The breadth … Continue reading Promotional trailer for Coliseum documentary
Good tribute, sloppy publicity
Today, I found this news release about a parade and tribute to the late actor Steve McQueen today in Los Angeles: The Jules Verne Festival and the City of Los Angeles are proud to announce the Kick-Off to the Steve McQueen 30th Anniversary Celebration. On Sunday November 7th, four days before the Official Tribute event, … Continue reading Good tribute, sloppy publicity
Another thriller is filmed at Roy’s
Roy's, the venerable old motel and cafe in the middle of the Mojave Desert in Amboy, Calif., has been used as a setting for many horror and thriller movies. The latest is "Beneath the Dark," directed by Chad Freehan and starring Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Josh Stewart. The film is receiving limited release this weekend. Here's … Continue reading Another thriller is filmed at Roy’s