Edgar Wright - director of "Shaun of the Dead" and "Hot Fuzz" - is programming a festival of films (The Wright Stuff) at the New Beverly Cinema to run December 2nd thru the 17th.
Wright not only hand-picked a select collection of his favorite movies for screening, but will preside over many of the events, schedule permitting.
During the course of the festival several surprise guests will make an entrance - much to the delight of fans - no doubt.
The films range from the horror genre to those in the realms of comedy and action-adventure.
There's a quality production to suit every taste, I expect, judging from the press release.
Wright started out directing TV in the UK; in particular, he is known for the cult series, "Spaced".
Shortly thereafter, the zany director wrapped his first comedy feature, "Shaun of the Dead".
"Shaun" won him the British Independent Film Award for best screenplay and the Empire Award for best British film.
In 2007, Wright's second feature - "Hot Fuzz" - was released to critical and financial success, and won him a best comedy nod at the National Movie Awards.
The festival is kicking off on December 2-4 with a double feature.
"Bugsy Malone" (directed by Alan Parker) and Brian De Palma's "Phantom of the Paradise" will surely delight local film buffs who pine for this kind of zany bill-of-fare.
Wright says he's a big fan of these films - in no small part due to the roster of great songs - penned by the lengendary, Paul Williams.
"Flash Gordon" and Mario Bavas spy thriller - "Danger Diabolik" - will be inclued in the eclectic batch of celluloid classics shown over the course of the mini-festival.
Also, two of Wright's favorite action films - "The Last Boy Scout" and the sleeper hit "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" (Shane Black) - will screen later in the week.
On the subject of Shane Black, Mr. Wright was inclined to sing praises.
"Shane Black has long been a writing hero of mine and these are my two favorite scripts to have been spat out of his typewriter. The first is criminally underrated and the second is scandalously under seen, together they make for a double bill of the finest in neo noir."
John Landis fans may want to take "An American Werewolf in London".
The Landis offering was one of the first horror films to hit Wright - as he demurely puts it - in the "gut".
In Wright's view, the director was at the height of his powers when he lensed it.
"Wolf" is suitably matched on a double-bill with little the horror gem "Tremors" (which stars Kevin Bacon, if you recall).
Audiences will no doubt turn out in droves to catch two zany comedies - "Top Secret" and "Bananas" - which Wright has tapped for the end of the Festival.
High camp will be featured, too.
"Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" is sure to jolt the sensibilities.
"Head" - the Monkees' cult classic - is scheduled to team up with the soapy drama.
Mr. Dolenz is expected to attend the screening, field questions, and sign autographs for fans.
I'm hankering to catch "Raising Arizona" and Sam Raimi's gory offering "Evil Dead 2".
Edgar laughingly refers to the little ditties as an on-the-edge of your seat "double-barreled blast".
Although Wright promises to be the one laughing loudest and hardest throughout the Festival, I'm sure to give him a run for his money.
Edgar, watch out!
Wright Stuff Festival Info: http://www.newbevcinema.com
