October 21, 2015 in “Back to the Future II”

Back to the Future October 2015

In the 1989 film Back to the Future II, Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) visited the future date of October 21, 2015. There are a number of ways for us to celebrate this date, including a new Blu-ray/DVD Back to the Future package and the movie’s brief return to movie theaters.

For more instant gratification, you may visit the “Back to the Future Day” Facebook page, and below you may see how the filmmakers envisioned Hill Valley would look in October 2015. I want my flying car.

Back to the Future II was directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Bob Gale. On A.V. Club, Gale recently discussed the odd coincidence of the film predicting the Cubs winning the World Series in 2015 and this year the Cubs being in the playoffs.

What item from the Back to the Future II segment set in October 2015 do you most wish were true? Leave your two cents in the comments.

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  • Eddie Valiant Is Off the Case
  • This Week in Pop Culture Roundup (Nov. 20, 2011)
  • (Some related Chimesfreedom posts.)

    Eddie Valiant Is Off the Case

    who framed roger rabbit bob hoskins There was sad news today that 69-year-old British actor Bob Hoskins announced he is retiring from acting because — like Muhammad Ali and Michael J. Fox — he has Parkinson’s Disease. When I think of Hoskins a number of great roles rush through my mind, including his wonderful performances in Mermaids (1990) with Cher and in Hook (1991) with Dustin Hoffman. Even his smaller roles stood out, such as when he played Spoor in Brazil (1985) and Nikita Khrushchev in Enemy at the Gates (2001). His most recent movie was this year’s Snow White & the Huntsman.

    But for me, the first thing I think about when I think of Hoskins is his wonderful performance as Eddie Valient in Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988). Although Steven Spielberg’s first choice for the role was Harrison Ford, the movie would not have been as good if it were not for Hoskin’s funny performance as the hard detective with a heart. His performance in that role made us believe a film noir character in a cartoon world. We thank Mr. Hoskins for the joy he gave us and wish him well in in his retirement.

    What is your favorite Bob Hoskins film? Leave your two cents in the comments.

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  • October 21, 2015 in “Back to the Future II”
  • (Some Chimesfreedom related posts.)

    This Week in Pop Culture Roundup (Nov. 20, 2011)

    Wizard of Oz

    In case you were overwhelmed last week worrying about the NBA lockout or who is the sexiest man alive or the latest on Ashton Kutcher’s problems, below are some of the pop culture stories you might have missed.

    ———-Music———-

    The heart-stopping, earth-shaking,…legendary E Street Band will tour with Bruce Springsteen in 2012 supporting a new album.

    In a new interview, Michael Stipe explained why REM called it a day.
    “The horror was if somebody Twittered or leaked it.”

    Listen to Kate Bush’s new CD 50 Words for Snow on NPR First Listen.

    Also on NPR, you may listen to Michael Jackson: Immortal, the new CD of Jackson songs for a Cirque du Soleil production.

    The Los Angeles Times reported that Drake’s “Marvin’s Room,” on his new CD Take Care, was inspired by a visit from Stevie Wonder.

    The New York Times reviewed the new album by Florence and the Machine.

    The Chicago Tribune reviewed a performance by Fall Out Boy frontman Patrick Stump, who played “shiny funkified soulful pop” in promotion of new solo CD.

    I like music critic Greil Marcus, so will have to check out his new book on The Doors that was reviewed in The New York Times at the link.

    “I’ll be watching you.” Sting released a free app for the iPad that documents his career.

    ———-Movies———-

    Brad Pitt plans to quit acting in three years. I guess they need to hurry up and film Oceans Fourteen.

    Natalie Wood films Officials are investigating actress Natalie Wood’s drowning death from 30 years ago. Although initial reports claimed a yacht captain was blaming Woods’ then-husband actor Robert Wagner for the death, recent reports note that Wagner is not a suspect. But Christopher Walken, who was on the boat with the couple the night Woods died, has hired a lawyer.

    Karl Slover, one of the last living actors who played one of the Munchkins in The Wizard of Oz, passed away Tuesday.

    The new film The Great Flood features archival footage from the 1927 flood and music from Bill Frisell.

    The screenwriter for “The Departed” picked his top 5 British crime and suspense films from the 1960s and 1970s.

    Illumination Entertainment is planning a Woody Woodpecker film. (Thanks @VeryAw.) I grew up with the cartoons, so I’m excited that this overlooked character may be revived.

    The Atlas Shrugged DVD was released with a back cover mistakenly saying the movie was from a novel of “self-sacrifice” instead of author Ayn Rand’s contrary philosophy of self-interest. Oops!

    Andy Buckle’s Film Emporium blog wrote an interesting comparison between two epic World War II films, The Thin Red Line vs. Saving Private Ryan. (Thanks @buckle22.)

    Johnny B. Goode! Last weekend, Michael J. Fox reenacted his guitar playing from Back to the Future at a charity event.

    ———-Television———-

    Former first daughter Chelsea Clinton was hired by NBC News.

    Charlie Rose is going from PBS to CBS, which is pairing him with Gayle King.

    A new mid-season comedy on CBS, “iROB,” will feature Rob Schneider and Cheech Marin.

    Ricky Gervais will be back as host of the Golden Globes.

    ———-History and Other Pop Culture News———-

    The new CBS On the Road reported the sad and touching ending to the story of the friendship between Bella the dog and Tara the elephant: Have tissues handy. If you have not heard of Bella and Tara, you might first want to check out an earlier story about the animals.

    “Sticks Like Magic!” CNN reports on the interesting background of the toy Colorforms, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this month. I had forgot about Colorforms, which I had as a kid.

    Long-lost Air Force One tapes made the day JFK was killed were just discovered and put up for sale.

    Nice to have some good sports-related news with Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos rescued safe from kidnappers.

    The Houston Astros are moving to the American League. I’m still confused from the Brewers league switch in 1998.

    Shout! Factory released a new 11-DVD set of Mr. Magoo cartoons, featuring the voice of Jim Backus.

    Check out some New Guinness World Records for 2012.

    What was your favorite pop culture story this week? Leave your two cents in the comments.