Why JCVD is not Expendable

Craig / / Uncategorized

TotalFilm.com has an excerpt from their interview with Jean-Claude Van Damme about why he turned down a role in “The Expendables.” Here’s what he had to say:

“Stallone gave me a part in his next movie,” he told us. “But I ask him about the subject, about the story.”

“He said, ‘You’re gonna make lots of money.’ I don’t want to hear that, I want to hear what was my character.  He was unable to tell what it’s going to be.”

“[Stallone said:] ‘You know, uh, well, the fighting will be good.’ [So I said:] ‘Sly, what is my character?’ So I didn’t do the movie.”

I can understand Van Damme wanting to know about his character, but since Sly is writing the piece and would adapt each character to the actor, perhaps Van Damme should have taken a leap of faith and signed on.  The full interview with Jean-Claude Van Damme can be found in Total Film magazine.

“Rocky” Honored Again

Craig / / 2009, Honors, Rocky

Former Lightweight boxing champ, Sean O’Grady, was interviewed recently by Ring Sports.  When asked what is his favorite book or movie about boxing replied:

Sly Stallone did a wonderful job on the Rocky Movies. My favorite one is the first. He was terrific and did a great job presenting the struggles. The first Rocky had so much depth to it. Great!

Who can argue with the champ?  You can read the full interview here.

Bill Pruitt’s Meeting with Sly

Craig / / 2009, Fan Art


SZoner, Bill Pruitt, pictured above with Sly sent in this photos and a really cool report of his most recent meeting with Sly.


Hi Craig,

You posted on the StalloneZone about Sly meeting with Danny DeVito last Wednesday night.  What happened afterward was a great experience for me.
I was painting at Universal Citywalk in the spot I’m always at which is right across from the Bucca di Beppo restaurant [where Sly met with Danny Devito].   I had heard beforehand that Sly was gonna be there.  I saw him go in and then when he was coming out about 2 hours later, I got his attention and asked him to come over to see my “Rambo” painting.   Sly had seen it in “Majestic Living” magazine, but had never seen the original.   Sly went under the ropes and walked over with me to see it up close on the easel.
I have been working on it, doing changes in the bow and arrow scene with a couple of weeks work left.   Sly liked it and asked me the price.   I told him and to my surprise, he said “you got a deal” and purchased it on the spot, giving me a down payment right there.
It was funny, I asked him to find his name SLY in it and he looked for about 3 seconds and wanted me to show him.   He thought the background explosion should be bigger and higher  [and I agree] so I will do that.   Sly said the explosion was symbolic of Rambo himself meaning he’s on the verge of exploding with all his pent up anger.   He was also referring to his own Rambo painting he did that had that expression/feeling in it.   It was also funny, I pointed out the Burmese soldier that is closest in the painting was the likeness of the one Rambo decapitates on the Jeep.   He said he has that head at home and whenever he sees it it scares him.   Sly said he also has the wooden cross bracelet from Rambo when I pointed that out in the painting.   He referred to his weight in Rambo and said he’ll never be that heavy again.
I told him I wanted to make sure the painting is completed before he leaves for “The Expendables” and surprisingly he said that won’t happen til July or August.  I also showed him my “First Blood” (with mountain in background) original painting.   He was interested in it as well, but said he’ll think about that one.   Regarding the painting he just purchased, I will either contact Sly or he or his business partner Kevin will contact me soon.  Also, thanks to Kevin for taking the photos.   By the way, I told Sly these photos are for the StalloneZone.   He liked that and said “great!”
Although a crowd was gathering (there were fans, press people and security guards),  Sly was kind to take his time with me and my art.  In all, he was there about 10 minutes.  When Sly purchased my first painting in 1987 (when I was living in Missouri), that was a definite highlight and him choosing me to do the art for SLY magazine years later was a definite highlight.   I have to say what happened Wednesday night was the best. Thanks again Sly.


Thanks to Bill for sharing this cool story!

Rocky with Tats

Craig / / 2009, Fan Art

SZoner, David Firison sent in the photo above with this:

David from Venice Beach again.

I hope all is well with you and your loved ones.  I continue to appreciate StalloneZone VERY much, thank you.  I started playing around the picture of Sly and his astonishing physique.  I came up with the attached photo (do with it what you want).

I don’t think I ever told you but last year, I body doubled as RAMBO for a tentative poster project done by Lionsgate.   Soon after, I did more projects and concretized the Transporter 3 poster.
http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/album.php?aid=160475&id=778135273

All my best,
David
+++++

Cool stuff and thanks for the kind words about the SZ, David!

Rambo Honored

Craig / / 2009, Honors, Rambo

MTV plans to name the Top Ten Movie Tough Guys and Rambo is in the mix.  Here’s how they describe it:

The search for the Greatest Movie Badass of All Time is on! MTV News has asked accomplished filmmakers, actors and you, the audience, to vote for your favorites. Now we’ve tabulated the results and found our 10 finalists for the top spot. Who will reign supreme as the Greatest Badass of All Time? Find out on February 6 at 7:15 p.m. when MTV announces the winner live at New York’s Comic-Con and right here at MTV.com

Click here to read the full report.