In Passing… Patrick Swayze (1952-2009)

 

Actor and dancer Patrick Swayze passed away on September 14, 2009 from pancreatic cancer. Swayze was born in Houston, TX and grew up pursuing athletic skills such as ice skating, ballet, and gymnastics, as well as acting skills. In 1972 he moved to New York City and appeared in a production of “Grease” before appearing as “Ace” in “Skatetown, U.S.A.” From there he went on to star in such movies as “The Outsiders,” and “Red Dawn,” and in the TV series, “North and South.” Stardom was officially achieved with the romantic hits “Dirty Dancing,” and “Ghost.” Showing that he’s a fighter as well as a lover, he starred in “Next of Kin,” “Roadhouse,” and “Point Break.” Following that he played a transvestite in “To Wong Foo: Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar.” He then took roles in smaller films such as “Black Dog” and “Donnie Darko.” For the past year he has been fighting the cancer as well as starring in the A&E series, “The Beast.” Swayze was 57 years of age at passing.

 

Thoughts and prayers for his family and friends.

 

 

For more information, check out his IMDB page at:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000664/

Remake Radar: Red Dawn

 

 

Welcome to the August edition of Remake Radar, where we tackle Hollywood’s penchant for remaking previous films (for better or worse). This edition’s remake: Red Dawn.

 

“Red Dawn” (1984)

 

Stars: Patrick Swayze, C. Thomas Howell, Lea Thompson, Charlie Sheen, and Jennifer Grey.

 

Director: John Milius

 

Story: In a world sitting on the brink of World War III, a group of high school teenagers defend their small, American hometown from Soviet and Cuban invaders. Using sticks, bows, arrows, and whatever else they can find, they’re battle cry is their mascot: “Wolverines!”

 

What do we know now? MGM is trading the Cold War-scare of the 80’s for the Post 9/11-scare 2000’s. Dan Bradley is set to direct, while Carl Ellsworth is set to write it.

 

“WOLVERINES!!!”