While it’s nice to learn that so many other people love The Cannonball Runas much as I do, it’s very unfortunate that such a discovery comes only with the death of Dom DeLuise. The actor passed away peacefully last night at the age of 75, and today the Internet is heavy in mourning, as well as in discussion and celebration of underrated DeLuise classics.
For me, after the apparently “classic” Cannonball Run movies and my obvious rememberance of the actor’s appearances in The Muppet Movie and on The Muppet Show, I thought of Don Bluth’s animated features, many of which feature the voice of DeLuise. I recall being so excited upon the release of Bluth’s All Dogs Go to Heaven as a kid, mainly because it reunited DeLuise with his Cannonball costar Burt Reynolds. Plus, as much as it was always a delight seeing DeLuise’s jolly face onscreen, his voice alone always gave me a warm feeling. Even his “Pizza the Hut” from Spaceballs comes off as someone you’d like to hug, as messy as that might be.
Speaking of Spaceballs, many around the web are obviously writing fondly of DeLuise’s work in Mel Brooks‘ movies, and at least one person has acknowledged the late actor’s work in Fatso, directed by Mrs. Brooks, aka Anne Bancroft. That and other remembrances can be found after the jump.
The new trailer for Where the Wild Things Areis such a phenomenon today that I’ve even seen celebrities excitedly Tweeting about it (and by celebrities, I mean specifically Rob Corddry). Actually, I think the majority of people I follow on Twitter have squeezed out a gushing statement in 140 words or less. That is, except me (don’t I technically follow myself?). Sure, I’m looking forward to the movie, as a fan of Maurice Sendak and a fan of Spike Jonze and a fan of Dave Eggers, but I don’t think the trailer looks that incredible. And the parts that do look really great remind me of how amazing the trailer for Benjamin Buttonlooked. Remember what happened with that?
Maybe it’s my usual distaste for computer-generated characters; yes, I’d honesty be happier if the Wild Things were made by the Jim Henson Company and all looked like Sweetums from The Muppet Show. I do believe the film includes “suitmation” and animatronics, in addition to CG, but much of what I noticed in the trailer was the computer stuff, and I’m sad to say that, unlike all the commenters at FirstShowing.net, I can’t yet label this as an “instant classic.”
Let’s see if there are any bloggers who agree with me after the jump:
The reasons I find this sketch funny are probably the reverse of why it’s supposed to be funny. After it was over, I couldn’t help but want to go on Craigslist and seek out my own Muppet roommate. Too bad they don’t really exist. I would love hearing old stories about ’70s celebs like Phyllis Diller and Sandy Duncan. And I’ll always find that ringing gag hilarious, even if I lived with it. That literally was one of my very favorite bits on Sesame Street (watch the original here) when I was a kid. As for the “eating” stuff? I’d probably just eat the cookie crumbs that fall out of my Muppet roommate’s mouth. It’s just felt and fur in there. No germs, right? Speaking of felt and fur, I’d probably give my Muppet roommate lots of hugs.
Sure, the showing up out of nowhere could get annoying. And It’d be pretty creepy if he was ever skinned of his Muppet suit to become just a loose hand (unless he was really helpful, like Thing in The Addams Family). Otherwise, I’m sure most people can agree, there are far worse roommates to be had out there. If anything, I think the Muppet has the bad roommate. That guy seems like a spoiled hipster who probably lives on a trust fund, attempts to sell his paintings or photography on the streets of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is in a couple awful bands and sometimes temp bartends at a place where he also busses tables and occasionally DJs in exchange for free drinks.
I wish the little Muppet dude luck in his audition for Jason Segel and Nick Stoller’s new Muppet movie. Then he can get away from his lame roommate for awhile.
We’ve had a bit of trouble getting this episode to go through the iTunes feed, so we hope this re-post will fix the problem. The original post, with episode description and embedded player, is here.
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While it’s nice to learn that so many other people love The Cannonball Run as much as I do, it’s very unfortunate that such a discovery comes only with the death of 
The new trailer for Where the Wild Things Are is such a phenomenon today that I’ve even seen celebrities excitedly Tweeting about it (and by celebrities, I mean specifically Rob Corddry). Actually, I think the majority of people I follow on Twitter have squeezed out a gushing statement in 140 words or less. That is, except me (don’t I technically follow myself?). Sure, I’m looking forward to the movie, as a fan of Maurice Sendak and a fan of Spike Jonze and a fan of Dave Eggers, but I don’t think the trailer looks that incredible. And the parts that do look really great remind me of how amazing the trailer for Benjamin Button looked. Remember what happened with that?
