tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post286733755599009283..comments2024-03-19T04:21:45.943-05:00Comments on F This Movie!: Riske Business: The Hall of Kick-Ass Vol. 2Patrick Bromleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771837625286775607noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post-27276841066941298862013-04-24T07:57:04.718-05:002013-04-24T07:57:04.718-05:00Fair enough - I guess I should've said relativ...Fair enough - I guess I should've said <i>relatively</i> mediocre - she obviously had to be above-average amongst the general community of actors to make it as far as she has - but yeah, you could be right, just hasn't been given the opportunities to shine for whatever reason. But OMGSOPRETTYSol O.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post-47314292399111649922013-04-23T22:32:02.114-05:002013-04-23T22:32:02.114-05:00I'm not so sure Kelly Preston is mediocre. Sh...I'm not so sure Kelly Preston is mediocre. She's never really given a chance to do anything. Like Anne Archer. Adam Riskehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01165600746796326821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post-41328105346720433542013-04-23T22:28:30.485-05:002013-04-23T22:28:30.485-05:00Awesome story Tim! Thanks for sharing. Awesome story Tim! Thanks for sharing. Adam Riskehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01165600746796326821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post-17522462924301399172013-04-23T20:02:06.141-05:002013-04-23T20:02:06.141-05:00"...will definitely EMPLOY that tactic...&quo..."...will definitely EMPLOY that tactic..."Sol O.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post-40437200760216216232013-04-23T20:00:53.292-05:002013-04-23T20:00:53.292-05:00Nicely done with John Carpenter conversation - if ...Nicely done with John Carpenter conversation - if I ever have another celeb encounter I will definitely that tactic. So glad to hear he wasn't a dick too - from documentaries/interviews I've seen, I figured he was a pretty cool dude.<br /><br />I get the intended vibe of the Spiner encounter - he had some legitimate beefs (they asked!) but wasn't blowing them out of proportion - sounds like a funny guy!<br /><br />I'm a little jealous of you Major American Metropolis folks and your opportunities for interesting celebrity encounters - I'm not a big celeb-worshiper or anything, but there's always something cool about seeing them. Sol O.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post-41253043520394585742013-04-23T17:15:59.085-05:002013-04-23T17:15:59.085-05:00@Everyone - The Hall of Kick Ass is dick free. You...@Everyone - The Hall of Kick Ass is dick free. You may have to re-read Vol.1. KIRSTEN DUNST IS CRYING RIGHT NOW!Adam Riskehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01165600746796326821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post-1947533543932247932013-04-23T16:57:31.694-05:002013-04-23T16:57:31.694-05:00Speaking of righteous dicks.Speaking of righteous dicks.Patrick Bromleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00771837625286775607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post-2358024995981634582013-04-23T16:55:08.840-05:002013-04-23T16:55:08.840-05:00OK, then, he was a righteous dick (on behalf of th...OK, then, he was a <b>righteous</b> dick (on behalf of the con fans that had to wait). We good? :-)J.M. Vargashttp://www.dvdverdict.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post-39384412576474037662013-04-23T16:52:15.940-05:002013-04-23T16:52:15.940-05:00It's my poor writing skills, JM, more than any...It's my poor writing skills, JM, more than anything. While Spiner could've/should've spoke with the guy in private, he was out of sorts because he had just shown up late. He was mad that the con caused him to be late and he felt bad for making people wait. I debated even telling this story because I feared he'd come off worse than he actually was. My fears have been realized. Oh well. Michael Pomarohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04209918617642114880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post-25458657861707033732013-04-23T16:37:21.895-05:002013-04-23T16:37:21.895-05:00From the those I've met so far, it seems like ...From the those I've met so far, it seems like you find two types of celebrities: those who regard meeting fans a genuine pleasure and those who see it as an obligation or a business transaction.<br /><br />The coolest celebrity I've met so far was easily William Katt. I got to meet him at Rock n' Shock a few years back and since he didn't have much of a line, he took time to chat with anyone who came up. He was incredibly personable, telling fun anecdotes about the filming of House and when his very short stint on Heroes came up, he emphasized how nice Ali Larter was to him, which I thought was pretty classy. He also seemed (or made a great effort to seem) very interested in everyone, asking them where they were from and what they did. <br /><br />The only downside is that since he was also one of the first I've met, I thought all my celebrity encounters would be like that. If only.Cinemaspectionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03677204852599391459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post-86324936419988788702013-04-23T16:17:26.462-05:002013-04-23T16:17:26.462-05:00@Mike and J.M. - Dick or no dick, the story reads ...@Mike and J.M. - Dick or no dick, the story reads like he's all balls.Adam Riskehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01165600746796326821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post-33377372235469883172013-04-23T16:01:30.140-05:002013-04-23T16:01:30.140-05:00He was a dick (not raging egomaniac dick, but aver...He was a dick (not raging egomaniac dick, but average-to-mellow dick), just not to you or your friend but to the con guy. Celebrity treats other people badly in front of you: he/she is awesome. Celebrity treats you badly: he/she is either a dick or is having a bad day (depending on how much/little you like that celeb and his/her work).J.M. Vargashttp://www.dvdverdict.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post-74478840720458138552013-04-23T15:35:08.665-05:002013-04-23T15:35:08.665-05:00I have a few that I'd like to nominate:
John ...I have a few that I'd like to nominate:<br /><br />John Carpenter: this was a BIG deal for me. I was really nervous that he'd be a dick, but he wound up being very nice. I was at a special reception at a local horror convention where some of us got to mingle with the celebrities at the convention. I met a bunch of nice people like Barbara Crampton (already inducted!), Ken Foree, Tyler Mane, and a few more. Carpenter, however, was the reason I was there. As I inched closer to him I overheard everyone in front of me shower him with praise for THE THING and HALLOWEEN and THE FOG, etc. He was polite, thanked everyone for the compliments, and went on to the next person. As much as I wanted to join everyone in telling him how great he is and how much his work means to me, I thought I'd give him a break. Instead I talked to John Carpenter, one of my favorite directors ever, about basketball. I know he's a huge fan of the NBA and a Lakers fan, so instead of shining his shoes, I congratulated him on the Lakers trading for Dwight Howard which had just happened. He looked at me as if to say, "Thank you for letting me discuss something other than Kurt Russell for five minutes", and we proceeded to talk about the Lakers and the Bulls and his love of all things basketball. It was awesome.<br /><br />Brent Spiner: Amongst my group of friends, we have a running joke about our buddy Nick seriously stating that in a fight, Data would beat Darth Vader (Nerds!). So, when Data himself, Brent Spiner, showed up at a local comic con, my friend Adam and I thought it'd be great to get a signed photo for Nick. We were in line for maybe 10 minutes and here's what happened:<br />- The woman in front of us was next to get something signed when an old lady strolled up from around the corner and stood next to the lady getting something signed. Mr. Spiner said to the old lady sternly, but politely, "Excuse me, but this lady was here first. You can't cut in line, ma'am." To which the lady getting her picture signed said, "Oh, no, it's okay. She's my Mother Superior." Brent responded, "Well, I'm going to hell now."<br />- Right as Adam and I were to get our picture signed, a representative from the con walked over to ask how Mr. Spiner was doing. Mr. Spiner proceeded to check off everyting that this convention did wrong in getting him to the con. They didn't get him his flight or hotel information to him until the last possible second and they didn't have anyone at the airport to pick him up as promised, etc. The con worker was now flustered and tried using Adam and I to get out of this conversation, pointing to us and saying, "Maybe we can discuss this later." Mr. Spiner said, "No, I think these guys are enoying this." We were.<br />- In the middle of this exchange with the con employee, FOR NO REASON AT ALL, Mr. Spiner turned to Adam and I and said, "Do you guys listen to Howard Stern?" After a second to realize he was talking to us we exclaimed, "Yes!" "I want to be on that show in the worst way." he said almost to himself before going back to telling off the con worker.<br />- He signed the photo for Nick:<br />"To Nick, I would kick Darth Vader's ass. Brent Spiner."<br /><br />I realize those stories about Spiner maybe make him sound like a dick, but trust me he was not. He was awesome. Michael Pomarohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04209918617642114880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post-69561996173971440922013-04-23T15:05:04.325-05:002013-04-23T15:05:04.325-05:00I like the idea. Because I like Avatar.I like the idea. Because I like <i>Avatar</i>.Patrick Bromleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00771837625286775607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post-8722661034687059362013-04-23T15:01:25.822-05:002013-04-23T15:01:25.822-05:00I have it on good authority that this will definit...I have it on good authority that this will definitely work.John Murphyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08810774557887719483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post-3023153686765979412013-04-23T14:06:33.143-05:002013-04-23T14:06:33.143-05:00@Patrick - If you want to be different than everyo...@Patrick - If you want to be different than everyone else you should go Avatar on them and say 'this is the bond' and then jump on the celebs back. When they start to try to shake you off, yell at them and say 'MAKE THE BOND!'Adam Riskehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01165600746796326821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post-30297853808736250592013-04-23T13:25:24.688-05:002013-04-23T13:25:24.688-05:00Part of my problem is that I really only would wan...Part of my problem is that I really only would want to meet the directors or actors who have meant a lot to me, and I don't know how to convey that in 30-second encounter. Certainly not in a way that makes me any different from anyone else. And because I don't know how to convey that, NO, I REALLY MEAN IT, I just don't bother. I do like seeing what they look like in person, though.Patrick Bromleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00771837625286775607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post-21001833376615225562013-04-23T13:16:41.749-05:002013-04-23T13:16:41.749-05:00@John & Patrick - I hear ya. I used to ask a ...@John & Patrick - I hear ya. I used to ask a question when I got a celebrity autographs but I don't do that much any more because it makes it more awkward I've found. <br /><br />What I find makes the interactions easiest is to remember that you have nothing to say to these people and they have nothing to say to you. <br /><br />In most cases I figure that since I am paying them for an autograph it is up to them to entertain me. I don't have to do anything other than say 'hi' or 'how are you' or 'can you make this out to Adam' and then let the conversation flow from there. They'll usually ask you something if you're quiet (e.g. they'll comment on the thing you're having signed). <br /><br />Meeting celebrities can be weird though. I still get nervous when it's happening. It feels like you're asking them out on a date. Adam Riskehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01165600746796326821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post-47690625383704958982013-04-23T12:57:58.021-05:002013-04-23T12:57:58.021-05:00Yes. That, too. I have enough trouble effectively ...Yes. That, too. I have enough trouble effectively communicating and being socially interesting or outspoken with the average human being, and I'm sure that difficulty would only be amplified in an encounter with a celebrity whose work I greatly admire.John Murphyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08810774557887719483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post-63188390713608556622013-04-23T12:55:37.832-05:002013-04-23T12:55:37.832-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.John Murphyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08810774557887719483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post-61792775686731859052013-04-23T12:13:09.426-05:002013-04-23T12:13:09.426-05:00I'm kind of in the same boat, but mostly becau...I'm kind of in the same boat, but mostly because of my painful social awkwardness and crippling shyness. I will actively avoid talking to a famous person even when they are standing a few feet away from me. But I do love reading these stories.Patrick Bromleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00771837625286775607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post-43646093927598062632013-04-23T08:19:25.827-05:002013-04-23T08:19:25.827-05:00I wish I could offer nominations for these columns...I wish I could offer nominations for these columns, but sadly I really don't have celebrity encounters or any stories of that nature. I don't tend to actively seek out meeting celebrities for the express purpose that I would be afraid that it would tarnish my view of their work. I have some celebrities in mind who I THINK would be kick-ass to have an encounter with, but to mention them is probably cheating, and I could be completely wrong.<br /><br />I do like the kick-Ass Pledge, though!John Murphyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08810774557887719483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post-22639939831010486702013-04-22T20:46:06.152-05:002013-04-22T20:46:06.152-05:00I'll get Larisa in there next time. I was tryi...I'll get Larisa in there next time. I was trying to go with one encounter per person to spread it out. Vol. 3 will come during the summer.Adam Riskehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01165600746796326821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post-54475044201148037172013-04-22T20:02:58.154-05:002013-04-22T20:02:58.154-05:00I wish everyone here would take a couple hours and...I wish everyone here would take a couple hours and watch the <i>Trailer Park Boys</i> TV show (available on Netflix). It takes a few episodes to hit its stride but you know, if you want to be one of those hip young Americans that watches obscure Canadian TV shows, you owe it to yourselves to give it a chance. It's a mockumentary that started in 2001 filmed in and around the city I live in and it became a bit of a Canadian phenomenon. All that to say, I nominate JOHN DUNSWORTH (aka Mr. Lahey from TPB) to the Hall of Kick-Ass. I had the pleasure of meeting him both in and out of character at a charity function a couple years back. I saw him sitting at a table by himself (the typical Canadian Way is to assume they don't want to be bothered) between his on-stage bits and invited him to sit with us. He was really nice - didn't do his schtick just sat and listened to us and answered a few of our questions and excused himself to do his bit - an mostly uneventful but friendly encounter - lovely guy. Much unlike the drunk, power-hungry, ex-cop, trailer park supervisor he plays on TV - go watch it - I dare ya!<br /><br />I didn't MEET Kelly Preston so I can't speak for her kick-assness (given her husband, probably not so much?), but I did end up in the same grocery store aisle as her (in Halifax - confirmed she was shooting here) and holy shit she was gorgeous. Such an amazing presence - easy to see why she was destined to be in movies even though she was a mediocre actress.Sol O.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4217427319662074458.post-17639125307648881242013-04-22T19:42:09.347-05:002013-04-22T19:42:09.347-05:00Wait, the Baldwins (whom I basically ignored) make...Wait, the Baldwins (whom I basically ignored) make the Hall of Kick-Ass on the first ballot but not Larisa Oleynik, with whom I spoke for five of the most wonderful and unforgettable minutes of my life? Adam, what the fuck man? :-O<br /><br />A couple more. As part of a production crew we were shooting a non-profit video for a local NYC church, and <b>Martin Sheeen</b> (while "The West Wing" was still in production) agreed to do the opening introduction for free. We were shooting it and, between takes, Martin was shooting the breeze with the crew. When Sheen found out that I was from El Salvador he got interested and we talked for a good 10 minutes about the socio-political climate (he knew all the political players and pretty much everything about the region) and, after the shoot wrapped, Martin hugged me and told me he would pray for my family that was (and still is) down there. He even called me by my first name the couple of times he called to the office afterwards. I didn't have the heart to tell him back then that I was Atheist and that this was just another job for me, but I appreciated the kindness. :-)<br /><br />Took a long elevator ride once with <b>David Letterman</b> and a couple of his writers. Most awkward couple of minutes you can imagine, with nobody's eyes making any eye contact and a palpable tension.<br /><br />A lifetime ago (late 1990's) I was renting videos at a local NYC video store on Columbus and 86th St. when I reached for a video (don't remember the movie) and someone else grabbed the same video at the exact same time. I look over and it was <b>David Spade</b>, much smaller and fragile than he appears on TV. I offered him the video and he said that I could keep it (I didn't end up renting it). I noticed all the looks he got from all the other customers at the store, who probably hadn't starred in movies that they could rent right there.<br /><br />Nice column Adam, though how many celebrities have you met? Realistically, can there be a Vol. 9 or Vol. 10 of these or are you gonna run out of people by Vol. 5? :-P J.M. Vargashttp://www.dvdverdict.comnoreply@blogger.com