Category: Honors

AFI Presents

Craig / / 2007, Celebs, Honors
Actors and directors from front left, Sylvester Stallone, Tippi Hedren, George Lucas, Kirk Douglas, Angela Lansbury, Jack Nicholson, background left, Clint Eastwood, Rob Reiner, Billy Crystal, Warren Beatty, and Julie Andrews are seen at AFI’s 40th Anniversary presented by Target Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

AFI Group

Craig / / 2007, Celebs, Honors
Actors and directors (L-R) Sylvester Stallone, Tippi Hedren, George Lucas, Clint Eastwood, Kirk Douglas, Rob Reiner, Angela Lansbury, Jack Nicholson, Billy Crystal, Warren Beatty and Julie Andrews attend the American Film Institute’s 40th anniversary event featuring screenings of classic films in Hollywood, California October 3, 2007. The actors each introduced their past films at the screening. REUTERS/Fred Prouser (UNITED STATES)

First Blood Celebration Art Contest

Craig / / 2007, First Blood, Honors
I recently received information from Inge Wilson about an art contest for the First Blood 25th Anniversary Celebration. Here are the particulars:

  • Enter to win $200 cash prize
  • Enter original artwork that depicts the character of “John Rambo” as featured in the film “First Blood”
  • Submit to Destination Hope & Beyond Services by 5PM on Thursday, October 4th, 2007
  • All 2D media forms eligible (for example pencil, ink, charcoal, watercolour, oil, acrylic, pastel etc.). Mechanically produced or assisted artwork such as photographs or computer generated images will not be accepted. Minimum size 5” X 7”. Please do not frame entries.
  • No entry fee.
  • All entries become the property of Destination Hope & Beyond Services and will be exhibited during the “Rambo-First Blood” 25th Anniversary Event in Hope October 5th to 8th, 2007
  • All entries must be accompanied by a signed release form.
  • Minimum of 10 contestants or contest will be cancelled. Maximum of two entries per contestant.
  • Judges decision is final.
  • Entry forms & release forms available from the Hope Visitor Centre & Museum Complex located at 919 Water Avenue, Hope, B.C., V0X 1L0

We have several talented SZoner artists — good luck to all! – Craig

More on the First Blood Celebration

Craig / / 2007, First Blood, Honors

More on the First Blood celebration:

Craig – please see below for the “First Blood 25th Anniversary Event” weekend plans but note that THIS SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE! Please post to your website if possible

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Friday, October 5th – 7PM or so … welcome evening for First Blood fans at the Silver Chalice Neighbourhood Pub featuring the premiere showing of the REEL PLACES documentary/travelogue of “First Blood”. No cover charge. Must be 19 years old to gain admission. Introduction of the Rambo look-alike competitors – each Rambo look-alike competitor will receive a free ticket for the “First Blood” film screening on Saturday evening.

Saturday, October 6th – 10AM guided walking tour of “First Blood” filming locations within Hope. Starting location is the Hope Visitor Centre/Museum Complex at 919 Water Avenue. Admission to Museum by donation but no charge for walking tour. Must wear good walking shoes and be prepared for all kinds of weather – event proceeds rain or shine! (From 9AM to 10AM pre-bookings & pre-payments for a lunch at the Sheriff’s Office can be made at the Visitor Centre & Museum Complex) Tour will include lunch stop at the “Sheriff’s Office” where “First Blood” art competition entries will be displayed. Tour will conclude at the Visitor Centre/Museum Complex sometime in the afternoon.

Saturday, October 6th – 7PM doors open at the Hope Cinema for a special screening of the original “First Blood” film. At 7:30 PM anyone present that has stories or memories to share will be asked to speak at the microphone before the film begins. Rambo look-alike competitors will each be asked to voice one of the well known “Rambo” pieces of dialogue. The “Fan Favourite” and official first place winners of the Rambo look-alike competition to be announced & awards presented. Film begins once speakers & Rambo impersonators are finished. Cost per person is $8.00. Ticket will also include admission to the feature film (title unknown yet) being shown at Hope Cinema immediately after the conclusion of “First Blood”.

Sunday, October 7th – 10AM Meet at the Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park parking lot for a guided walk through “Chapman’s Gorge”. Parking fee is $3 per vehicle (bring coins for the parking ticket machine). Must wear good walking shoes and be prepared for all kinds of weather – event proceeds rain or shine! Those who want to continue on with the optional hike should bring a bag lunch. No charge to participate.

Sunday, October 7th – 1PM Optional additional hike through the woods above “Chapman’s Gorge”. Must be physically fit, appropriately attired and sign a waiver. Parking fee for Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park still in effect. Hike proceeds rain or shine. No charge to participate. Sunday, October 7th – Pig Roast Dinner Wind Up. Location, time and cost not yet finalized. Both Saturday & Sunday the Hope Museum will be open from 10AM to 4PM. A small exhibit of “First Blood” photos and memorabilia will be featured. Admission by donation. A special “First Blood” 25th anniversary souvenir booklet will be available throughout the weekend. No organized events on Monday, October 8th – Thanksgiving Day – but visitors are encouraged to enjoy other points of interest in the Hope area like Hell’s Gate Airtram, Minter Gardens, Hope Art Gallery, Hope Chainsaw Carvings, Yale Heritage Site, Kilby Historic Store & Farm, the Hope Slide and more!


Inge Wilson
Hope Visitor Centre & Museum Complex
Destination Hope & Beyond Services

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It looks to be like a lot of fun. If any SZoner is able to attend, we’d love to see photos and a report! – Craig

Hope Celebrates 25th Anniversary of First Blood

Craig / / 2007, First Blood, Honors

This came in the e-mail this week…

Hope Celebrates 25th Anniversary of First Blood

Over 25 years have passed since First Blood wrapped filming in Hope, British Columbia, Canada – but residents, local crew and Rambo enthusiasts agree it doesn’t feel like a quarter century has passed. Back in 1981, British Columbia’s film industry was in itsinfancy when the Ministry of Tourism’s Film Promotion Office, helmed by Dianne Neufeld and Justis Greene, received a call from a production company interested in shooting First Blood, a $15 million action movie in B.C..

After scouting several different locations in BC, the producers found the exact look they had been searching for in the small town of Hope. Soon after, a crew of approximately 100 people (many of whom still work in the BC Film industry) began to transform the town of Hope into the birthplace of John Rambo. The Sheriff’s Office was constructed on the lawn of Hope’s District Hall, a gun shop and gas station were built and American flags, mailboxes, and US Army billboards were placed on downtown streets.

During the filming, the cast and crew had to deal with bitter cold, the theft of over 50 firearms needed for the movie, Stallone’s injuries and the escape of a wild boar on its way to set. Despite these challenges, First Blood, which was released on Friday October 22, 1982was a major box office success, earning a record breaking $14.8 million in the first 12 days of its release.

To mark the film’s 25th anniversary, the Hope Visitor Centre & Museum Complex (operated by Destination Hope & Beyond Services) is celebrating the occasion with a number of events and activities over the Canadian Thanksgiving long weekend, beginning October 5th. The anniversary celebration plans currently include a welcome reception at a Hope pub, the premiere of the REEL PLACES “First Blood” travelogue/documentary by Seattle’s Gas Light Alley Entertainment, film location tours, a Rambo look-a-like contest, an art competition, a pig roast dinner, and the publication of a souvenir “First Blood” booklet as a keepsake.

Anyone that would like to contribute stories, photos or trivia for the souvenir booklet is invited to send them to destinationhope@telus.net. Plus anyone that was involved in this film project is encouraged to take part in the events celebrating this pivotal BC film project.

For further information, please contact: Inge Wilson, Manager-Hope Visitor Centre & Museum Complex Phone: 604-869-2021 or 1-866-HOPEVIC or E-mail:destinationhope@telus.net

Sly Presents Rocky

Craig / / 2007, Honors, Rocky
From American Film Institute Press Release – Wednesday September 12, 1:48 pm ET LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/

The American Film Institute today announced a historic public event to mark the institute’s 40th anniversary. Target Presents AFI’s 40th Anniversary is an event of unprecedented scale — even for Hollywood. Eleven classic American films will screen on a single night, in a single location — each with a live introduction by the film’s legendary star or filmmaker.

The event will be held October 3 at ArcLight Hollywood. All film programs will begin at 7:00 p.m. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on September 19.

The films and artists that are confirmed to take part in this momentous occasion are:

    Julie Andrews will present THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965)
  Warren Beatty will present BONNIE AND CLYDE (1967)
  Billy Crystal and Rob Reiner will present WHEN HARRY MET SALLY... (1989)
  Kirk Douglas will present SPARTACUS (1960)
  Clint Eastwood will present UNFORGIVEN (1992)
  Morgan Freeman will present THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION (1994)
  Tippi Hedren will present THE BIRDS (1963)
  Angela Lansbury will present BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (1991)
  George Lucas will present STAR WARS -- EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE (1977)
  Jack Nicholson will present ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST (1975)
  Sylvester Stallone will present ROCKY (1976)

“What better way to celebrate 40 years of AFI than to bring together movie artists and movie-goers in the flickering light of these classic American films,” stated Jean Picker Firstenberg, AFI’s President and CEO. “We thank Target for their continued support of AFI, providing the opportunity to honor AFI’s 40th Anniversary with an epic celebration worthy of America’s national educational and cultural organization.”

“We are thrilled to honor 40 great years of the American Film Institute by celebrating the magic and artistry of the silver screen,” said Laura Sandall, director, events marketing and publicity, Target. “By building relationships with leading cultural organizations like AFI, Target is able to foster creativity, promote learning and build stronger communities.”

Tickets to all screenings are $25 and can be purchased at AFI.com or in person at the ArcLight box office at 6360 W Sunset Boulevard (at Ivar) beginning Wednesday, September 19. Event tickets include free popcorn and soda for all guests. The first 100 guests to arrive in each theater will receive a free copy of the special commemorative AFI 40th Anniversary Tribute book.
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What a great line up of films and presenters. Obviously “Rocky” would be THE one to attend, but it would also be cool to see Kirk Douglas present “Spartacus”, Clint Eastwood show us “Unforgiven”, or Jack Nicholson showcase “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. If any SZoner attends, please send in photos and a report! – Craig

First Blood Celebration

Craig / / 2007, First Blood, Honors

Hey SZoners, This came in and I thought many of you would be interested…

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Greetings from Hope, British Columbia, Canada … birthplace of John Rambo as a world renowned film screen character!


“First Blood” was filmed in our community in 1981 and the film was released into theatres in 1982 – so 2007 marks the 25th anniversary of the film and we are celebrating that October 5th to 8th, 2007 with a variety of activities … do you think your website readers would like to know more about the special film screening, the souvenirs that will be available, the film location tours, the Rambo look-alike contest, the First Blood art contest & more!?

They can email me at destinationhope@telus.net and I will fill them in on the details….

Inge Wilson

Destination Hope & Beyond Services

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Hard to believe it’s been 25 years! – Craig

Belgrade Rocky Statue

Craig / / 2007, Honors, Rocky Balboa
A huge statue of the film character Rocky Balboa is prepared for unveiling in the village square in Zitiste, about 60 kilometers (36 miles) north of Belgrade, Tuesday, Aug.7, 2007. The village of Zitiste is planning to erect the statue of Balboa, to attract tourists and show a new face to the world. Local officials have already contacted Philadelphia, PA, where a monument to the actor Sylvester Stallone’s film character already exists. The unveiling is scheduled for August 18. (AP Photo/Srdjan Ilic)

Workers cover with plastic sheets a statue of the film character Rocky Balboa, which is being prepared for unveiling in the village square in Zitiste, about 60 kilometers (36 miles) north of Belgrade, Tuesday, Aug.7, 2007. The village of Zitiste is planning to erect the statue of Balboa, to attract tourists and show a new face to the world. Local officials have already contacted Philadelphia, PA, where a monument to the actor Sylvester Stallone’s film character already exists. The unveiling is scheduled for August 18. (AP Photo/Srdjan Ilic)

Workers secure with ropes the statue of the Rocky Balboa film character, which is set for unveiling in the village square in Zitiste, about 60 kilometers (36 miles) north of Belgrade, Tuesday, Aug.7, 2007. The village of Zitiste is planning to erect the statue of Balboa, to attract tourists and show a new face to the world. Local officials have already contacted Philadelphia, PA, where a monument to the actor Sylvester Stallone’s film character already exists. The unveiling is scheduled for August 18. (AP Photo/Srdjan Ilic)

Sly Night

Craig / / 2007, Honors

Last night the Brooklyn Cyclones, a minor league baseball team, hosted Sly Night. Here’s how they advertised it:

SLY NIGHT: On July 28th, the Cyclones will celebrate Sylvester Stallone — one of the most iconic Hollywood stars of our generation — on “Sly Night” at KeySpan Park.

Stallone has created some of the most long-lasting and legendary characters in pop-culture history, from Rocky Balboa to John Rambo, to Lincoln Hawk, to Marion Cobretti, to Snaps Provolone, to Ray Tango, and more.

The Academy Award winner’s turn as the underdog fighter from the mean streets of Philly immortalized him to millions. On Saturday, July 28th, the Cyclones will pay tribute to him in a number of ways:

The team will show a variety of Stallone-themed entertainment throughout the night.

Fans are invited to dress up as their favorite Stallone character, with the winning costume receiving a prize pack.

Anyone named “Sylvester” will be admitted to the ballpark at no charge.

In commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the 1987 movie Over The Top (in which Stallone plays a struggling trucker competing in a Las Vegas Arm Wrestling Championship, and sporting a New York City Arm Wrestling T-shirt), the New York Arm Wrestling Association (NYAWA) will host over 100 men and women competing that day for the 25th Annual White Castle ‘Kingsboro’ Golden Arm Wrestling titles, featuring a championship match taking place on the dugout during that night’s game!

Anyone who participates in the arm wrestling competition will receive a Cyclones ticket to that night’s game. For more information on participating, contact Gene Camp at NYAWA@aol.com.

In addition to all the Sly festivities, the first 1,250 kids that night will receive Thunderstix!

So join in on the fun, and help the Cyclones pay tribute to the Itallian Stallion on July 28th!
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It would have been cool to have been there for the festivities! – Craig

Sly a Top 10 Action Star

Craig / / 2007, Honors
Fandango.com came up with their list of the Top Ten Modern Day [post 1980] Action Stars. Guess who came in third? Here’s what they had to say about Sly:

3. Sylvester Stallone
Classic Action Movies: Rocky, First Blood, Rambo: First Blood Part II, Nighthawks, Cliffhanger
Kicking Butt Next in: John Rambo

Stallone, like all the vets on our action hero list, has weathered the good, the bad and the ugly of the Hollywood limelight. But it’s a testament to Stallone’s legacy that his umpteenth comeback movie Rocky Balboa garnered some decent reviews and box office coin, and that someone actually greenlit the upcoming John Rambo. Love him or hate him, everyone knows him. And without the trail he blazed (see the acclaimed cop thriller Nighthawks, too), action epics of the last 20+ years would have been different, for better or worse. You wanted to see Rocky Balboa club the crap out of some bigger thug, just like you wanted to see Rambo live out an action fantasy armed with his designer battle scars and 2% body fat. It was all utterly outrageous, and for fans of the genre, 100% grade A action
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Here’s the full list: 1] Arnold Schwarzenegger 2] Harrison Ford 3] Sylvester Stallone 4] Kurt Russell 5] Bruce Willis 6] Mel Gibson 7] The Rocky 8] Keanu Reeves 9] Daniel Craig 10] Christian Bale and for the full article click HERE. – Craig