Welcome to today’s edition ofNerd Alert, where we have all the quirky, nerdy news that you crave in one convenient spot. What do we have in store for you on this manic Monday? We have a letter written by a youngTom Hanksthat proved he would be a star, a guide to the most incredible movie and TV weapons andKyle Chandlerreturns as Coach Taylor fromFriday Night Lightsfor a new PSA. But first,Simon Peggranks all of theStar Warsmovies. So, sit back, relax and check out all that today’sNerd Alerthas to offer.
Simon PeggRanks EveryStar WarsMovie In One Minute
During LucasFilm’sHall Hpanel atComic-Conlast month, a behind-the-scenes video fromStar Wars: The Force Awakensconfirmed thatSimon Pegghas some sort of role in the film. While promotingMission: Impossible Rogue Nation, the actor was tasked byMTVto rank all six movies, from worst to first. His answers may surprise you, and it’s quite clear he’s not very fond of the prequels.
A Guide To the Most Amazing Movie and TV Weapons
The folks over atMorph Suitsare always coming up with creative movie-related infographics, and if you’re into fictional weaponry, their latest should be right up your alley. They have put together a comprehensive list of movie, TV and video game weapons, ranking them by their “badass” qualities. Only three in this list received 100%, two of which are wielded byThe Avengers.
A Fully-Functional M41A Pulse Rifle fromAliens
Jackie Lagehas constructed a fully-functional M41A Pulse Rifle used byMichael Biehn’sCorporal Hicksin the 1986 movieAliens. The weapon is a 9mm submachine gun with 50 round magazines and a 12 gauge under barrel shotgun that holds three shells. There is even a red dot sight and a digital ammunition counter as seen in the movie. Unfortunately, the weapon is not for sale, but you can learn more atMax-11.com/TopSecret.
18-Year-OldTom Hanks' Letter to Director George Roy Hill
During a recent trip to the Library of the Motion Picture Academy in Beverly Hills,NPRcame across a letter written by an 18-year-oldTom Hanksin 1974, to director George Roy Hill. The letter was written after the release of George Roy Hill’s Best Picture WinnerThe Sting, revealing whyTom Hanksshould be discovered. Even at just 18 years old,Tom Hankswas well-versed in cinematic history and well on his way to stardom.
Dear Mr. Hill,
Seeing that … I have seen your fantastically entertaining and award-winning film “The Sting,” starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford, and enjoyed it very much, it is all together fitting and proper that you should “discover” me. Now, right away I know what you are thinking: ‘Who is this kid?’ and I can understand your apprehensions. I am a nobody. No one outside of Skyline High School has heard of me. … My looks are not stunning. I am not built like a Greek God, and I can’t even grow a mustache, but I figure if people will pay to see certain films … they will pay to see me.
Let’s work out the details of my discovery. We can do it the way Lana Turner was discovered, me sitting on a soda shop stool, you walk in and notice me and – BANGO – I am a star.
Or maybe we can do it this way. I stumble into your office one day and beg for a job. To get rid of me, you give me a stand-in part in your next film. While shooting the film, the star breaks his leg in the dressing room, and, because you are behind schedule already, you arbitrarily place me in his part and – BANGO – I am a star.
All of these plans are fine with me, or we could do it any way you would like, it makes no difference to me! But let’s get one thing straight. Mr. Hill, I do not want to be some bigtime, Hollywood superstar with girls crawling all over me, just a hometown American boy who has hit the big-time, owns a Porsche, and calls Robert Redford “Bob”.
Respectfully submitted,
Your Pal Forever,
Thomas J. Hanks
Kyle ChandlerReturns as Coach Taylor in a new Drafthouse PSA
The Alamo Drafthouse theater chain is always coming up with unique PSA videos to prevent their moviegoers from talking, texting or being disruptive during the presentation. Their latest brings back belovedFriday Night Lightscharacter Coach Taylor, played byKyle Chandler. Do yourself a favor and stop talking and texting, or Coach will get very upset.
Gilbert Gottfried Voices Your Favorite Video Game Characters
Game Informerhas tasked legendary comedic actor Gilbert Gottfried to use his distinct voice for several iconic video game characters. If you ever wanted to hear Gilbert Gottfried say “Get Over Here” from Mortal Kombat, then this is surely the video for you. The comedian also lends his voice toResident Evil,Super Mario World,Altered Beastand many more.
If Characters Said What Actors Tweeted - Part 2
College Humoris back with another installment of ‘If Characters Said What Actors Tweeted’, following the first edition that debuted a few months ago. This latest video features tweets fromVal Kilmerused inBatman Forever,Jim Carrey’s tweets inserted intoAce Ventura: Pet DetectiveandRay Romano’s tweets used inEverybody Loves Raymond. In case you missed the first installment, we have both videos for you to enjoy above.
That wraps it up for today’sNerd Alert. Do you have any suggestions for futureNerd Alertcolumns? Hit us up on Twitter@MovieWeband send us your suggestions, and it may even make it in the next edition. Check back tomorrow for the next installment ofNerd Alert.
