Capt. America: Produced in Yugoslavia

This is Antibishonen Speaks discussing current events and relationships.  In honor of The Winter Soldier, I’m going to discuss Captain America; the first movie adaptation.  But first, a prologue about superhero movies.

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Superhero movies weren’t really kind to the 80s and the 90s since they are usually produced by low-budget producers including the Golan-Globus team.  Though some franchises survived mediocrity, many superheroes were never taken seriously until the turnaround came after the year 2000.

And wouldn’t you know:  Captain America was one of those heroes that suffered this fate.  Not only Captain America suffered from the dragged on TV pilot, the movie suffered when it produced by one of the Golan-Globus producers.  

And one of the most unfortunate actors who got the big role was Matt Salinger, aka the son of the late J. D. Salinger (who authored ‘Catcher in the Rye’).  As what many actors have feared, a big role like this usually make or break any other potential acting work.  

(Self)

And boy did Matt Salinger hit a brick wall when he premiered in the ‘90s Captain America’.  It also didn’t help that ‘90s Captain America’ acted more like an irresponsible jerk.

However, that’s not the reason why I didn’t like Captain America.  There’s one critical flaw about this movie that had nothing to do with the superhero himself.  

I might be a snob about saying this, but I’m critical when there are movies that aren’t filmed at their proper location, especially when it comes to historical drama or contemporary fiction.  

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For instance, in the movie ‘Miracle’, it made me wanna cry when I found out Disney filmed the famous Lake Placid Olympic scene in Canada, even though Herb Brooks Arena is still intact.  Adding more insults to injury, the extras that chanted ‘USA’ at the end are Canadians.  

However, I do give leeway to some movies when producers tried to find suitable locations.  Dirty Dancing was filmed in North Carolina because they weren’t able to find a suitable resort in the Catskills.

(self)

What does this have to do with Captain America?  Well, producers knew that filming in Eastern Europe is a cost-saving, tax-incentive strategy.  Unfortunately, if not done correctly, critics would see through the ruse and declare this movie a cheaply made production, ironically enough.  But this unintentionally make ‘90s Captain America’ infamous.

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Why?  Because ‘90s Captain America’, a movie based on an American Superhero, was partially produced in former Yugoslavia.  

Golan, you made ‘Captain America’ in a country that used to practice Communism!

I’m speechless how this project was greenlit in the first place.  Yes, I know then Eastern Europe aren’t usually up to date on American Culture, but how Yugoslavia overlooked ‘Captain America’ is beyond explanation.  The word ‘America’ is right there in front of the title and this was still at the height of the Cold War!  Though, Yugoslavia had issues with Stalin.

As expected, Captain America didn’t do well with the critics and the fans.  Matt Salinger is only a footnote in the movie industry, Captain America franchise went into a standstill, and Marvel was hit hard due to bad business deals including the comic book speculative market.  It barely survived bankruptcy from two corporate raiders.  

Thankfully, Captain America is back into theaters, along with the other Marvel franchises that survived the turmoil.  Just don’t let any low-class producer make a movie like that again!  It’s the patriotic way to support the red, the white, and the blue for Captain America.  

This is Antibishonen Speaks reminding you to protect the environment!  Be sure to recycle….

Oh forget it, nobody gives a hoot!

The Passion of Jim Caviezel

Ten years ago, there was a movie that was so controversial, that it tested people’s faith, both in a figurative and in a literal sense.  It also didn’t help that it was released around the same time where the Catholic Priests also dealt with an ever bigger problem that shook the entire world.  (Shotacon)

Hey everyone, this is Antibishonen Speaks discussing current events and relationships.  Today, I’m going to discuss Jim Caviezel and ‘The Passion of the Christ’.

Yes, we are all desensitized with the graphic violence and strong language, but it got people talking when religion went into the spotlight, especially when Mel Gibson was involved.

Yes, we all know the aftermath of Mel Gibson’s crazy antics with his DUI incident.   Though, I’m still surprised it didn’t derail his career, unlike other celebrities (Lindsay Lohan, Amanda Bynes) that were under the radar.

Yes, there’s was also that other controversy when ‘The Passion’ was portrayed as Anti-Semitic.  

However, despite all the controversies, I’m surprised not many people discussed about the main actor that played Jesus:  Jim Caviezel.

Jim Caviezel had ups and downs in his acting career starting from turning down a Juilliard scholarship in order to star in Kevin Costner’s Wyatt Earp.  Years later, he followed up with minor roles in ‘Murder, She Wrote’, ‘The Wonder Years’, and ‘G. I. Jane’.  Eventually, he had a big break when he appeared in ‘The Thin Red Line’, paving ways to other bigger roles including ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’.  

After his success with ‘Monte Cristo’, Jim Caviezel won the part of ‘Passion of the Christ’.  Here’s what might have surprised people:  Mel Gibson begged him not to take the role.

Yes, out from Mel Gibson’s mouth, he begged Jim Caviezel not to take the role.  This is a huge surprise considering how producers usually call the shots against the actors wishes.  

Even more shocking is that Mel Gibson warned him that ‘The Passion’ would affect his career.  Again, producers usually over-promise future acting prospects.  

Jim Caviezel went against Mel Gibson’s advice and said:

‘Mel, this is what I believe.  We all have a cross to carry.  I have to carry my own cross.  If we don’t carry our crosses, we are going to be crushed under the weight of it.  So let’s go and do it.’

Another footnote to add, he was 33 years old that time and shared the same initials with Jesus Christ.  Please refrain from making any conspiracies.  

http://www.cbn.com/700club/features/scottross-jim_caviezel_1.aspx

‘The Passion of the Christ’ premiered on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2004 and it caused a stir in religious communities.  Nevermind about the graphic violence, this movie was accused for being Anti-semitic and for historical inaccuracies.  Mainly, no, there’s no such thing as stigmata because victims are crucified by the wrists and crows don’t attack humans alive because they are scavengers.   

Also, may I have to remind you about ‘Mel Gibson’s crazy antics’?

As what Mel Gibson had predicted, Jim Caviezel admitted he had a hard time finding work in Hollywood.  

Don’t really feel bad about him, he overcame the acting drought by landing a leading role in ‘Person of Interest’, a CBS crime drama series that was renewed for the fourth season.  

In addition, he got a leading role in a sports drama ‘What the Game Stands Tall’ as coach Bob Ladouceur, which is set to premier in Aug.  

Okay fine, you can say his acting career resurrected.  There, are you happy now, conspiracists?  

This is Antibishonen Speaks remind you not to drink and drive.  Otherwise, you have to hear the tabloids all day long.