R.I.P. Harold Ramis (1944-2014)

Famed director, writer, and actor Harold Ramis passed away at the age of 69 today. He was surrounded by family at the time of his passing. He was battling a rare illness called autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis, which is swelling of blood vessels.

 This man was a pioneer of modern age comedy starting with his roots as a writer on the classic Animal House and on. He gained entrance to all the nerds hearts on camera with his character Dr. Egon Spengler in Ghostbusters. Ramis had one hell of a funny mind and taste for humor on screen with classic many didn't know he directed including National Lampoon's Vacation, Caddyshack, and Groundhog Day. All great comedy classics in my book as well as all comedy fans. Not just fans that enjoy to watch them but to make them. He was big influences on current big comedians Jay Roach, Judd Apatow, and Seth Rogan, just to name a few. He will always be a pioneer and remembered for the work he has done to make us laugh and enjoy life.

R.I.P. 

Harold Ramis

(1944-2014)

R.I.P. Phillip Seymour Hoffman (1967-2014)

Reports are coming in that Oscar-winning director/actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman was found dead in his Greenwhich Village apartment earlier today. He was only 46 years old...

Although, the full story of what happened to him has not been officially released yet, multiple sources are reporting he was found dead with a needle still in his arm. The New York Times cited law enforcement stated " “Investigators found a syringe in his arm and an envelope containing what is believed to be heroin.” 

He was found by close friend, screenwriter David Kraz, who was worried when he couldn't get in touch with Hoffman. Substance abuse is known with Hoffman, who had previously checked into rehab last summer to battle it. 

He will be remembered as one of the greatest actors of this generation with roles other than Oscar-winning Capote. He has a screen presents that will shock and awe anyone who watches this man perform. He made characters, that were forgettable, memorable for all. Reports are saying he only had 7 days left of filming of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 and 2. They will be released on set dates. 

He will be greatly missed. 

R.I.P. 

Phillip Seymour Hoffman 

(1967-2014)

R.I.P. Paul Walker Dead at 40

This happened yesterday but we felt we should give our condolences here at TLS to actor Paul Walker, who passed away on November 30th at the age of 40. 

Paul Walker has been a staple of action films since starring in the racing movie The Fast and the Furious with Vin Diesel. The film has garnered 5 sequels with one to come next year. Although, he has been known to audiences for other roles before that including Varsity Blues, The Skulls, and She's All That and many more. 

The production of Fast 7 has taken an extended break in the wake of the tragedy. They will evaluate what to do in the story that will give the film a respectful send off for Walker. No news on what will be changed or how much of his scenes were filmed so far. More news to come on the subject. 

You can soon see Paul Walker in the drama film Hours hitting theaters later this month. 

R.I.P. Paul Walker 

Sad News: Math Smith to Exit Doctor Who After Christmas Special

It is that time again, a brand-new doctor is coming. BBC announced yesterday that current doctor, Matt Smith, is leaving the very role that made him a geek icon. He will be doing the 50th Anniversary Special and end his era with the Christmas Special later this year. This is a bit of odd news to just happen, but many have been wondering when he would opt to leave due to his recent increase in venturing out into silver-screen territory with more movies getting made. BBC released a rather very long statement about the matter (below) from Smith himself and then another by Showrunner Steven Moffat.

“Doctor Who has been the most brilliant experience for me as an actor and a bloke, and that largely is down to the cast, crew and fans of the show. I’m incredibly grateful to all the cast and crew who work tirelessly every day, to realise all the elements of the show and deliver Doctor Who to the audience. Many of them have become good friends and I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the last four years.

Having Steven Moffat as show runner write such varied, funny, mind bending and brilliant scripts has been one of the greatest and most rewarding challenges of my career. It’s been a privilege and a treat to work with Steven, he’s a good friend and will continue to shape a brilliant world for the Doctor.

The fans of Doctor Who around the world are unlike any other; they dress up, shout louder, know more about the history of the show (and speculate more about the future of the show) in a way that I’ve never seen before, your dedication is truly remarkable. Thank you so very much for supporting my incarnation of the Time Lord, number Eleven, who I might add is not done yet, I’m back for the 50th anniversary and the Christmas special!

It’s been an honour to play this part, to follow the legacy of brilliant actors, and helm the TARDIS for a spell with ‘the ginger, the nose and the impossible one’. But when ya gotta go, ya gotta go and Trenzalore calls. Thank you guys. Matt.”

Here is showrunner Steven Moffat statement:

“Every day, on every episode, in every set of rushes, Matt Smith surprised me: the way he’d turn a line, or spin on his heels, or make something funny, or out of nowhere make me cry, I just never knew what was coming next. The Doctor can be clown and hero, often at the same time, and Matt rose to both challenges magnificently. And even better than that, given the pressures of this extraordinary show, he is one of the nicest and hardest-working people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Whatever we threw at him – sometimes literally – his behaviour was always worthy of the Doctor.

But great actors always know when it’s time for the curtain call, so this Christmas prepare for your hearts to break, as we say goodbye to number Eleven. Thank you Matt – bow ties were never cooler.

Of course, this isn’t the end of the story, because now the search begins. Somewhere out there right now – all unknowing, just going about their business – is someone who’s about to become the Doctor. A life is going to change, and Doctor Who will be born all over again! After 50 years, that’s still so exciting!”

 More news on the search to come! 

Darren Afronofsky Exits The Wolverine

Director Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan, The Wrestler) has announced today that he will have to exit as director of The Wolverine. This comes as a bit of a shock for me because it must be really hard for him to just leave. He has had so much input of the film.

Here is the official press release:

Afronofsky:  "As I talked more about the film with my collaborators at Fox, it became clear that the production of ‘The Wolverine’ would keep me out of the country for almost a year.  I was not comfortable being away from my family for that length of time.  I am sad that I won't be able to see the project through, as it is a terrific script and I was very much looking forward to working with my friend, Hugh Jackman, again."

Twieneth Century Fox stated: "While we are of course disappointed that Darren can’t do ‘The Wolverine’, we also understand and respect his reasons.  Having done both ‘The Wrestler’ and ‘Black Swan’ with Darren, we know he is an extraordinary talent and we look forward to working with him on other projects in the future. Hugh Jackman and Fox both remain fully committed to making ‘The Wolverine’.  We will regroup and move forward aggressively."

So hopefully they can find a perfect replacement, but I was really looking forward to see his vision.

Benjamin Myers
PSN ID: fusionman15
Email: BenMyers92@gmail.com

Will Forte Leaves Saturday Night Live

The New York Times is reporting that long time cast member Will Forte will not come back for the 36th season of Saturday Night Live this fall. 

"The departure was confirmed by two people with direct knowledge of the show's planning but who were not allowed to speak on the record because 'Saturday Night Live' has not officially announced details of its coming season. Representatives for Mr. Forte and for NBC's late-night entertainment division did not immediately comment, but one of the sources said the parting was amicable and at the choosing of Mr. Forte, who plans to pursue other projects."


I personally hate this news. I am a huge fan of Forte and I even liked Macgruber. He has been on SNL since the 02-03 season and is leaving to pursue other interest.

Benjamin Myers
PSN ID and Gamertag: fusionman15
Email: BenMyers92@gmail.com