Coming soon: The Expendables

Damn! Why can't get this movie in 3-D?

The other Point Blank

No, not the 1967 classic with the preternaturally badass Lee Marvin kicking butt and taking lives. This one is the 1998 version -- one of several direct-to-video clunkers that provided semi-steady employment for Mickey Rourke before his Oscar-nominated comeback in The Wrestler last year. Think about this whenever you find yourself wondering in 2010 why Rourke is grabbing after easy paychecks in Iron Man II and The Expendables. Trust me: He is one great actor who has bloody well earned his right to sell out.

Review: Killshot

It’s hard to argue that Killshot is some sort of mishandled masterwork that didn’t deserve to wind up as, for all practical purposes, a direct-to-video release. On the other hand, it’s very easy to conceive that, as people stumble across it on video store shelves and in basic-cable reruns, a common reaction will be: “Hey! That was pretty good!” Many bigger movies with much wider theatrical releases have generated far less enthusiasm. You can read my Variety review here.

The day before Oscar: Some got Spirited, others got Razzed

Yesterday in L.A., The Wrestler dominated the Independent Spirit Awards -- and Mickey Rourke added another pre-Oscar laurel to his mantelpiece -- while The Love Guru took home top dishonors at the Golden Raspberry Awards. And speaking of Razzies: Uwe Boll may be ready to put on his boxing gloves again after receiving a "Lifetime Achievement" award from the Razzie-Dazzers. But, really, they couldn't have given it to a more deserving filmmaker.

R.I.P.: Loki Rourke (1991-2009)

A few years ago at the Toronto Film Festival, I had the pleasure to interview Mickey Rourke after the festival premiere of Spun, an over-the-top, under-appreciated indie flick that, had it reached the audience it deserved, might served as his comeback vehicle long before The Wrestler. As we talked on the balcony of his hotel suite, he was never less than gracious and forthcoming. But even as he politely fielded my questions, he remained attentive to his beloved dog, Loki, and remained ever vigilant lest the pooch scamper too close to a chair or table that might allow him access to the balcony railing. To put it simply: The guy loved his dog. And speaking as someone who once had to be on hand while a favorite cat was put to sleep by a vet, all I can say is: Mickey, I feel your pain. Please accept my condolences.

Oscar poll

OK, you folks have decided that Mickey Rourke (46 %) should edge out Frank Langella (30 %) and Sean Penn (23 %) in the Best Actor race. (Neither Brad Pitt nor Richard Jenkins got any votes at all. Make of that what you will.) So now I'm asking: What's your pick for Best Picture? You can vote over on the right hand side of the blog until 6 pm CST Sunday (Feb. 22).

Life imitates art, not

Looks like Mickey Rourke won't be involved with Wrestlemania 25 after all. Or is this new announcement just a ruse to lull Chris Jericho into a false sense of security?

Life imitates art

Fresh from his triumph in The Wrestler -- and, maybe, just a few weeks after an Oscar victory -- Mickey Rourke will take on Chris Jericho here in Houston at Wrestlemania 25. It is, quite literally, front-page news in today's Houston Chronicle. (Hat tip to Ken Hoffman.) Speaking as someone who saw Rourke in a different kind of ring years ago while profiling him during the location shooting of Homeboy, I would say this: Don't bet against Randy the Ram.