With the Schopp and the Bulldog 'Actor Draft' coming up Tuesday, November 10th at 4:25 p.m., I decided to consult with an expert on who might be the #1 overall draft pick. 'Cinema' Bob Stilson was kind enough to offer some input.
'Cinema' Bob is the resident movie expert at 500 Corporate Pkwy. He joins Sandy Beach every Friday from 5-to-6 p.m. on our Sister Station, WBEN. I'm aware of the fact that I just plugged a show that's on opposite of the one I produce. If you time it out right, you can listen to both shows and all commercials at the same time. Just switch back and forth as the hosts are breathing in.
'Cinema' Bob is a walking Google on movies and actors. Every workplace should have a 'Cinema' Bob.
I threw some names of Hollywood's Heavy Hitters at Bob and he gave me a short synopsis of their 'Actor Draft' potential:
- Meryl Streep: A critically acclaimed actress for years, Meryl has now become dependable box office since reaching her sixties. “Devil Wears Prada”, “Mamma Mia”, and “Julie & Julia” already had opening weekends well above 20 million dollars. She puts more asses in seats than “hot” actresses one-third her age (Megan Fox’s “Jennifer’s Body” tanked big time. Guess people only want to see her standing next to a robot). Look for Meryl’s romantic comedy, “It’s Complicated” to be a big hit this Christmas.
- Jack Nicholson: Still a formidable presence at the box office, but working less by his own choosing. 3 out of his last 4 movies made over $125 million, and the 4th made $95 million. His buddies from the 70’s (Warren Beatty, Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, James Caan) sure haven’t had that kind of staying power. He’s also still accepted in all genres, having recent critical and commercial success in dramas (“The Departed”) and comedies (“Something’s Gotta Give”). 2010 should give him another good year and he releases a new film with Writer/Director James L. Brooks who led him to Oscar glory in the past with “Terms of Endearment” and “As Good As It Gets”.
- Robert De Niro: Has completely blown his cred with self-parodying comedies. DeNiro can still make in a decent comedy, but expect low box office returns in drama. Martin Scorsese won’t even work with him anymore (By the way, can somebody talk Leonardo DiCaprio and Scorsese into getting a divorce?). Hasn’t made a classic since his 1995 one-two punch of “Casino” and “Heat”.
- Al Pacino: Why is Pacino still considered a major player? He’s made some great, great films in the past, but his name above the title means nothing anymore. With the exception of his supporting role in “Ocean’s Thirteen”, Pacino’s list of current films consists of ho-hum performers (“Righteous Kill”, “The Recruit”, “Insomnia”) and flat-out flops (“Two For The Money”, “88 Minutes”, “Simone”). After fifteen years of under-performance, you would think people would stop putting this 69 year-old in movies as a leading man.
- Denzel Washington: A solid, solid performer. He has a great sense for knowing what kinds of roles work for him and what people want to see. While he rarely has a big $150 million blockbuster, his movies always perform well. I can’t think of a Denzel Washington movie that has actually lost money. Probably Hollywood’s most reliable actor in terms of box office return and quality work.
- Tom Hanks: After 25 years, Hanks is still a powerhouse with the general public and critics. His films make an astounding average of over $100 million apiece at the box office, and the “Da Vinci Code” films are bringing in blockbuster-sized bucks all around the world. As our generation’s Jimmy Stewart, he remains scandal-free and well-respected. He’s also a great talk show guest.
- Tom Cruise: He’s filled with scandal, he seems like an arrogant jerk, but this hard-working star still delivers. He has had a hugely successful career and was still able to rack up $83 million by playing a one-eyed Nazi in “Valkyrie”. Now that’s testing your audience’s devotion. (Just for the record, I still view “Top Gun” as the most successful gay porn film ever).
- Adam Sandler: As long as he stars in a straight comedy, Sandler remains Hollywood’s most reliable comedian. When the critics hate him (“Bedtime Stories”, “Chuck & Larry”), the audiences show up in droves. When the critics love him (“Punch Drunk Love”, “Spanglish”), everybody stays home. If Sandler did make a deal with the devil for this kind of consistent comedy success, it was a longterm contract. He hasn’t failed with a comedy in fifteen years (even “Little Nicky” eventually turned a profit).
Thanks to Bob for his time and expertise. The 'Actor Draft' is Tuesday, November 10th at 4:25 p.m. Mike Schopp, the Bulldog, Jerry Sullivan, Andrew Fillipponi and I will draft Actors and Actresses. There are no concrete criteria to determine the best team. The idea is to have the best group. We will post the teams on our website and allow our listeners to help judge a winner.
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