R.I.P. Harold Ramis - 1944-2014

Sadly, more tragic new has prompted the writing of this blog tonight as I have just learned of the passing away of the great comedic actor/writer/director Harold Ramis.

I just saw a photo on Facebook that I could not agree more with, which read 'Respect to a man who has without doubt made you, or someone you know, laugh in his lifetime.' I thought this was a fitting tribute because Ramis will forever be remembered by the for both his iconic roles, and work behind the camera in the world of comedy. He was most famous for playing Dr. Egon Spengler in 1984 smash, and now legendary comedy, 'Ghostbusters'. Although he certainly wasn't a one trick pony. In his long and distinguished career, Ramis also proved his worth as a director, making us laugh with comedies like 'Groundhog Day' and 'Analyse This', as well as some episodes of the US version of 'The Office'.

Ramis as Egon Spengler

It was alongside the star of 'Groundhog Day', Bill Murray, that Ramis would form a strong friendship and on-screen partnership. They began working together performing sketches on 'The National Lampoon Radio Hour' in 1974, and the rest as they say is history with the pair working together on 'Stripes', 'Meatballs', 'Caddyshack' and Ghostbusters I and II.

Ramis certainly had no plans to retire however, which makes his passing even more heartbreaking. Younger fans will undoubtedly remember him for his roles in modern comedies 'Knocked Up' and 'Year One' (which he also wrote and directed). Not even a month has passed since the sudden death of Philip Seymour Hoffman, and we find ourselves bidding farewell to another icon of the screen who will fondly be remembered in all of our hearts. The ability to make someone laugh is definitely taken for granted. It is an incredible talent and Ramis was laughter personified, so I'd just like to pay tribute to a great man who though may no longer be with us, will still have us laughing through his movies in years to come!

Total Film have done a feature on Harold's Top Five Films - If anyone's interested. please click here

Harold Ramis passed away in the early hours of this morning at North Shore with his family around him, whom I would like to offer my condolences to. He was suffering from a rare disease called autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis, which involves the swelling of blood vessels.

Other news seems irrelevant when we are greeted with more sadness like this but I have to report that Amanda Seyfried has been cast as the female lead in comedy sequel 'Ted 2'. Seth MacFarlane will be reprising his directorial duties, and Mark Wahlberg is back in the frame as John Bennet who will not doubt be getting up to all sorts of mischief with his furry foul-mouthed friend. How this will affect Mila Kunis' role as Lori Collins however remains unclear, despite Deadline reporting that she may not even appear at all, MacFarlane is yet to give any official word. Yet, he obviously has a lot of faith in Seyfried who will be appearing in his next movie due for release 'A Million Ways To Die In The West'. As for plot MacFarlane is still keeping his cards close to his chest, but I'm sure profanity, pop culture references, crude humour and all-out hilarity are a safe bet!

'Ted 2' will open on 10th July 2015

R.I.P. Philip Seymour Hoffman 1967-2014

The blog begins today on a sad not as we lament the tragic loss of Philip Seymour Hoffman, who was found dead in his apartment, a victim of an apparent heroine overdose.

 
The world of film is deeply aggrieved as another one of its brightest stars has faded away. Hoffman was undoubtedly one of the best actors of his generation, and tributes have poured in from all over the world paying homage to the wonderful man, whose performance as Truman Capote won him the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2005. He will be truly missed, as George Clooney explains 'There are no words ... It's just terrible'. 

We had so much more to see from Hoffman, who had been filming his role as Plutarch Heavensbee in sequel 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay', a role which had garnered him a whole new generation of fans in 'Catching Fire'. We must honour Hoffman's memory by remembering the wonderful legacy he left us - star performances in 'Moneyball', 'The Master', and 'Capote' re-iterate his status as a Hollywood heavyweight, and one that will never be forgotten. We will always have his movies, and we should cherish them. I'll be watching 'Capote' hopefully by the end of this week for the first time, and will try to smile with fondness on a magnificent performance of another silver-screen star who died too young. 

Hoffman as Truman Capote

My condolences go out to his partner Mimi, and their three children, and anyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting the man. I can only imagine what you're going through after such a painful loss and hope that the support from those around you will help you to cope at this difficult time.