Gabba gabba hey! Two hugely popular Roger Corman rock films that have long been out of print will hit the home-entertainment shelves on May 4, 2010: the Rock ’N’ Roll High School 30th Anniversary Special Edition DVD and Suburbia Collector’s Edition DVD, the first two titles launching the highly anticipated Roger Corman’s Cult Classics home entertainment series from Shout! Factory. Newly remastered and available for the first time in Anamorphic widescreen (16:9), Rock ’N’ Roll High School Special Edition and Suburbia Collector’s Edition provide the outrageous candor of teenage angst and nostalgic reverie of a counterculture rock movement that captured the hearts of many generations. With explosive musical performances from the Ramones, T.S.O.L., The Vandals and D.I., and extensive bonus content including all-new interviews and commentary with cast and crew, rare behind-the-scenes footage and much more, these two definitive home entertainment releases from Shout’s Roger Corman’s Cult Classics line are a must-have for Roger Corman fans and film aficionados as well as anyone who remains young at heart. Each DVD title is sold separately and has a suggested retail price of $19.93.

Executive produced by Corman and directed by Allan Arkush (Heroes), Rock ’N’ Roll High School boasts performances by the Ramones and stars P.J. Soles (Halloween) in the lead role of Riff Randell, Vince Van Patten (Hell Night), Clint Howard (Grand Theft Auto), Dey Young (Spaceballs), Mary Woronov (Death Race 2000), Dick Miller (Piranha) and Paul Bartel (Hollywood Boulevard).

Based on Arkush’s own high school fantasy, the 1979 cult film takes place at Vince Lombardi High School — the wildest, most rockin’ high school around! That is, until a thug of a principal, Miss Togar, comes along and tries to make the school a totalitarian state. With the help of the Ramones, the students of Vince Lombardi battle Miss Togar’s iron-fisted rule and take their battle to a truly rockin’ conclusion!

Rock ’N’ Roll High School quickly developed a devoted following after its release in 1979 and became a mainstay of the midnight movie cult circuit. As with films like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, audience members began to dress up like the cast and the Ramones for screenings.

Arkush, a self-described “unabashed rock ’n’ roll fanatic,” chose the Ramones to star as the film’s musical heroes, as he felt they epitomized pure rock ’n’ roll. As Arkush remembers, “We staged a live, marathon show at the Roxy Theatre that consisted of 22 hours of nonstop Ramones,” and the tireless quartet also wrote two songs for the film: “I Want You Around” and “Rock ’N’ Roll School.” The Ramones were fans of Corman as well. Johnny Ramone said in an interview at the time, “When we found out Roger Corman was behind the picture, we said, sure, we’ll do it because we knew he had a reputation and we knew he made good movies.”

ROCK ’N’ ROLL HIGH SCHOOL 30th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION
EXTENSIVE SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE:

• New Anamorphic Widescreen Transfer (1.85:1)
• Special Introduction And “Thank You” From Director Allan Arkush
• Audio Commentary With Director Allan Arkush, Producer Mike Finnell And
• Screenwriter Richard Whitley
• Audio Commentary With Roger Corman And Dey Young
• New Audio Commentary With Director Allan Arkush, P.J. Soles And Clint
• Howard
• Back To School: A Retrospective Including All-New Interviews With Allan Arkush, Roger Corman, Joe Dante, Dey Young, Marky Ramone And More . . .
• Staying After Class: A Roundtable Interview With P.J. Soles, Vincent Van Patten And Dey Young
• Interview With Roger Corman Conducted By Leonard Maltin
• New Interview With Director Allan Arkush Including A Look At Rare, Behind-The-Scenes Stills From His Personal Collection
• Audio Outtakes From The Roxy – Audio Recording Of The Ramones Shooting
• The Final Scene
• Original Radio Ads And TV Spots
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Original Theatrical Trailer With Commentary By writer/director/actor Eli Roth Courtesy Of Trailers from Hell.
• Additional Roger Corman Trailers
• And more TBA!

Written and directed by Penelope Spheeris (Wayne’s World), featuring live performances by T.S.O.L., The Vandals and D.I., and starring Bill Coyne, Chris Pederson, Jennifer Clay and Christina Beck, 1984’s Suburbia deftly explores the punk rock generation and follows the unforgettable journey of two teenage boys who escape their unhappy home and join a group of runaways, punks who have banded together to form their own family. Dubbing themselves “The Rejected,” (aka T.R.), the teens have taken squatters’ rights in a filthy, abandoned house, and are bound together by tragedy and punk rock until they’re confronted by the “Citizens Against Crime,” a group of irascible adults from the suburbs who blame the punks for the ruin of their town. During the course of filming, the production used real kids for many parts in addition to professional actors (and includes the acting debut of Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea).

SUBURBIA COLLECTOR’S EDITION SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE:

• New Anamorphic Widescreen Transfer (1.85:1)
• Audio Commentary With Director Penelope Spheeris
• New Audio Commentary
• Theatrical Trailers

Following the release of the Rock ’N’ Roll High School 30th Anniversary DVD and Suburbia Collector’s Edition DVD, Shout! Factory will continue to present Roger Corman’s Cult Classics home entertainment releases on a monthly basis. Upcoming highlights include Death Race 2000, Battletruck (aka Warlords Of The 21st Century), Deathsport, Forbidden World, Galaxy Of Terror, Attack Of The Crab Monster, Not Of This Earth (1957), Piranha and Humanoids From The Deep, among others.

Independent filmmaker-producer Roger Corman’s storied career ranks as one of Hollywood’s most amazing success stories. Having produced more than 350 films and directed 50 others, his influence on American film goes far beyond his own energetic, creative low-budget movies. He is arguably one of Hollywood’s most gifted and masterful filmmakers.

Noted for his keen ability to spot young talent, Corman’s most lasting legacy will undoubtedly be the legion of producers, directors, writers and actors he has fostered, among them: Jack Nicholson, Francis Ford Coppola, Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, James Cameron, Ron Howard, Peter Fonda, Jonathan Demme, Gale Anne Hurd, Diane Ladd, Tommy Lee Jones, Sandra Bullock, Bruce Dern, Talia Shire, Charles Bronson, Joe Dante, Peter Bogdanovich and Sally Kirkland.

Grindhouse Releasing has announced that Landmark Theatres will present the director’s 35mm print of EVIL DEAD at special midnight shows in Minneapolis, Denver, Seattle, New York, Houston, Dallas, and Los Angeles in the first quarter of 2010.

Grindhouse Releasing has created a new full-color movie poster for the theatrical reissue of the 1981 horror classic. Designed by Tad Leger, the collectible one-sheet features rare photos from the original EVIL DEAD movie poster shoot by Mike Ditz.

“We’ve had tremendous response to our announcement that EVIL DEAD has returned,” says David Szulkin, head of theatrical bookings for Grindhouse Releasing. “We want to show it in as many cities as we can, and encourage fans to contact us and petition their local theater to screen the movie.”

Endorsed by Raimi, producer Rob Tapert, and star/co-producer Bruce Campbell, Grindhouse Releasing’s reissue of EVIL DEAD will hit theaters across North America in the coming year.

More cities will be announced as they are confirmed. The first dates and venues are as follows:

January 8-9: Uptown Theatre, Minneapolis

January 15-16: Esquire Theatre, Denver

January 29-30: Sunshine Cinema, New York
February 5-6: Egyptian Theatre, Seattle

February 19-20: River Oaks Theatre, Houston

February 26-27: Inwood, Dallas

March 5: Nuart Theatre, Los Angeles

Source: Grindhouse Releasing, FearNET

The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day, the much-anticipated sequel to the indie cult classic, The Boondock Saints, hits theaters in a limited release this weekend! Check out a list of cities below where you can catch the film and take a few minutes to check out our interviews with the cast of the film!

What’s Boondock Saints II All About?
The film is the continuation of writer/director Troy Duffy’s tough, stylized cutting edge saga of the MacManus brothers (Norman Reedus, Sean Patrick Flanery). The two have been in deep hiding with their father, Il Duce (Billy Connolly), in the quiet valleys of Ireland, far removed from their former vigilante lives. When word comes that a beloved priest has been killed by sinister forces from deep within the mob, the brothers return to Boston to mount a violent and bloody crusade to bring justice to those responsible. With a new partner in crime (Clifton Collins Jr., Star Trek) and a sexy FBI operative (Julie Benz, TV’s “Dexter”) hot on their trail…the Saints are back!

For a complete list of cities and theaters where you can check out the film, visit the official site for the film at http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/boondocksaints2/

Icon Vs. Icon’s ‘Boondock Saints II’ Interviews…

Director Troy Duffy – Click Here >

Sean Patrick Flanery – Click Here >

Norman Reedus – Click Here >

Bob Marley - Click Here >

David Della Rocco – Click Here >

Billy Connolly – Click Here >

It has been more than a decade since director Troy Duffy made his explosive debut in Hollywood with his debut film ‘Boondock Saints’. Many people knew him as the then 28-year-old blue-collar Bostonian bartending at a west Hollywood hangout called J Sloan’s, who had sold the script for ‘The Boondock Saints’ to Harvey Weinstein’s independent powerhouse Miramax for $450,000. He was the toast of the town and quickly heralded as ‘the next big thing’, but he saw it all come crashing down around him as a result of his clashes with the studio and the release of a very unflattering documentary. His meteoric rise and fall became the stuff of Hollywood legend. For some young directors, the story could have ended there but Troy Duffy did not fade quietly into the night. In the years following its initial release, ‘Boondocks Saints’, a film that originally opened on a handful for screens, would go on to become one of the biggest cult sensations in movie history. The Hollywood elite may have underestimated the film, but the massive groundswell of support from its fans dictated not only a sequel but the return of the charismatic director. Armed with a star-studded cast featuring the likes of Peter Fonda, Billy Connolly, Judd Nelson, Julie Benz and The Saints themselves — Norman Reedus and Sean Patrick Flanery, this unstoppable director stands ready to once again light the fuse a movement that looks to make cinematic history.

Jason Price of Icon Vs. Icon recently caught up with Troy Duffy days before the film’s release. In the interview we discuss his return to filmmaking and the challenges of making both films, the die-hard fanbase that has propelled the film to “cult classic” status, and what he has in store for us in the years to come.

*Warning: This interview contains possible spoilers. Read on at your own risk!

I realize that you always had faith in the film, but did you have any idea that ‘Boondock Saints’ would develop into the cult phenomenon that it has?

No. The thing is that you can’t really set out to make a “cult film” and actually do it. It is always a breach labor, ya know? Something bad always has to happen. You can very simply boil it down to this — a cult is something that Hollywood doesn’t understand but the public did and somehow they take hold of it and they themselves take it and make it successful. That is exactly what happened with ‘Boondock’.

What do you think it is about ‘Boondock’ that intrigues the fans?

Every time I ask somebody that, I get a different set of answers. Some people like the brothers relationship with each other because it is their ideal for them and their own brother. Some people have a friend like Rocco. Some people like the religious imagery. Some people like the idea that they are just two really lucky Irish guys, ya know! [laughs] I get a different answer when I ask people about that, so I don’t know that it is any one thing about ‘Boondock’. It is a combination of everything about ‘Boondock’.

I know you hit some snags after the first film in the way of legal wrangling but I was curious to know how long did you have the script for ‘Boondock Saints II’ ready to go before you started filming?

Probably about two years, three years. That lawsuit lasted for five and the sequel rights were tied up in it. It wasn’t like there was any lack of people wanting to make the movie. There was always interest out there but we just couldn’t do it and we weren’t about to fold.

What was the biggest challenge in making ‘Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day’?

The fanbase. The first time around we didn’t have one. The second time they were looming over the set like a fuckin’ guardian angel! ‘Boondock’ fans frame fucked this movie into the ground, it’s no secret. They know every single line of dialogue. In doing the sequel, nobody wanted to be the guy who screwed up ‘Boondock II’ in any way, ya know?

Sure.

That fanbase is so volatile and they have deemed the original ‘Boondock’ as sacred ground. So our whole thing was that we cannot tread on that. We have to respect that first story and yet outdo it! It has to be like two brothers… ‘Boondock I and II’, they are related. They are blood to one another. So we had to look at it that way and make it for these specific fans. What I have tried to do is give them a totally new, unpredictable plot, yet everything they love about the first film.

Having said that, did you feel like there was more pressure on you the one the first film or making this sequel?

The sequel. Without a doubt! It was enough fuckin’ pressure to create a diamond! I mean, you have millions of fans that are looking at you hard, going “You better not fuck this up!” There are a whole bunch of fans that have said that a sequel should have never been made! You have that kind if fandom, that specific kind of cult fandom to live up to and it is a very, very difficult thing. Also, we basically had the same amount of money to make this one as we did the first one because of the exchange rate in Canada. During the first one we had 6 million and it was 67 cents on the dollar, so we were getting a 33% break. In 2008, the exchange rate was 94 and a half and we had 8 million, so literally the overage was cancelled out. We basically made both films for the same amount of money, technically.

How difficult was it for you to find the right mix of new people to bring in for ‘Boondock II’?

The only role that I really sought for was Julie Benz’s role. Finding her was a Godsend. When you finally find that actress that you know is “The One”, it’s like having really good sex! Just laying there and saying “God, that was awesome!” Clifton Collins Jr. was my friend for the last decade and me, him, Norman (Reedus), Sean (Patrick Flanery) and Billy (Connolly) used to hang out all the time, so he was always in the club. I wrote that role for Clifton. Judd (Nelson) was an old buddy of mine that just happened to be perfect for the role, in my opinion. Peter Fonda was a little difficult to find, but we did find him. I would have to say that Julie Benz was the most difficult role to cast and when I found her, I was walkin’ on cloud nine!

Looking back on making these films, you had some highs and lows of course, but what are your fondest memories of them?

From the second film, my fondest moment was seeing the film for the first time with a theater full of ‘Boondock’ fans. These are the people that we made this film for and me, Billy, Sean and Norm had our fingers crossed. At the end of the day we all knew that we had made a good film, but how good is always the possession of the public. They’re gonna tell you how good you are and by the end of that screening my question was answered. So I’d say that was my fondest moment of ‘Boondock II’. My fondest moment of ‘Boondock I’ … hummm… there was so much turmoil involved in that movie and the fact that Columbine prevented us from getting a theatrical release, all of those things were kind of depressing, but what it did was help the film become a “cult classic”. My fondest moment was when the public had deemed it a cult classic. There is a difference between a cult film and a cult classic, ya know. That is a very exclusive club to belong to and we are safely in it and in good standing with the membership! [laughs]

You mentioned the turmoil that surrounded the first movie and with the ‘Overnight’ documentary. I don’t want to focus on that to much because I feel that you got a raw deal and you have pretty much made your point clear about what went on in regards to that film. With that being said, what do you think the biggest misconception about yourself is?

Funny story for ya. One of my buddies was wearing a ‘Boondock’ shirt once and he went to the grocery store. He comes back and says “Dude, something happened! It’s funny, you have to listen to this!” This guy comes up to him in the store and says “Cool! Boondock Saints! That’s one of my favorite movies!” and my friend doesn’t say that he knows me at first and says “Hey, yeah! It’s a good flick, huh?” and they start talking and the guy starts following him around. ‘Boondock’ fans kinda have this weird instant bond, ya know? They will hang out and stuff, just because of the movie. The guy goes “Yeah, I heard that fuckin’ guy, Troy Duffy, pulled a Grizzly Adams and he is living in the woods because he lost his mind!” I am laughin’ my ass off from hearing this! [laughs] The idea that people would think that I can’t take a punch, ya know? And that I would take a lawn chair and go live off the fat of the land because [in an artsy voice] no one understands me as an artist! That is just kinda funny stuff. I also think it is a misconception that I am some kind of super harsh dude, ya know? Sometimes I can be blunt, but I rather appreciate it sometimes when people are blunt with me. We have become such a politically correct society that people are no longer actually telling you how they feel. They are trying to say it in a politically correct manner and at the end of the day you have no fuckin’ idea how they feel about you, how they feel about your film or how they feel about your work. Sometimes I tend to cut through that bullshit. However, I think the people that I do that with, I always kinda make a judgment call as to whether I am dealing with somebody that can handle that type of honesty. Ultimately, it has worked out for me.

I know that you cut down the film pretty significantly in length from the initial cut. Will we see a director’s cut of ‘Boondock II’ at some point?

Oh yeah! Our first cut was three hours and fifteen minutes, there are entire subplots and things that we didn’t even put in there. When ‘Boondock II’ says “The Extended Edition” that is exactly what it will mean. You will see entirely new scenes, you will see the scenes extended like a motherfucker, there will be some really cool new stuff in there.. Often, kids get ripped off with these “Unrated” or “Extended” versions and they feel like they got gypped. With ‘Boondock II’ they aren’t going to feel that way, I guarantee it!

So I assume we will see that in maybe six or seven months from now?

I don’t know when they are going to do it but I already cut the thing together. Our first extended viewing cut is 25 minutes longer than the film.

I know that you guys also have a prequel comic of sorts for ‘Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day’. What can you tell us about that project?

Yeah, that is a buddy of ours who is in the comic book business and we had always thought about doing a comic book. We are making a deal with him to do the comic book and I will have a lot to do with that. One of the reasons we did it is because fans were so interested in Il Duce’s past and that is why I addressed it in the film. They wanted to know why he became a killer, why they didn’t know that they were father and sons and what was going on with this guy. They were really interested so I responded directly to the fanbase’s inquiries and addressed it in the film and we are making a whole comic book series out of it. I think that it is just a cool idea, ya know? An Italian kid with polio and this brutal Irish guy whose father has been killed, indiscriminately killing mobsters, way back in 1950’s New York and planning out each gig to blame it on someone else, to me that type of storytelling is gold.

What are the chances for ‘Boondock Saints III’ and what can we as fans to do spread the word about the film and hopefully ensure that happens?

The odds are pretty good. I’d like to get a couple of films under my belt beforehand. I have some other things that I want to say. I have written four other scripts, other than ‘Boondock II’, in the that ten year downtime period. They are all very legitimate and different stories, at opposite ends of the spectrum. I’d like to get a few of those out, but ultimately there is hope for ‘Boondock III’ and I have some ideas percolating! As for how the fans can help, we have sort of arranged it that way. We are only coming out in 70 theaters at my behest! Believe me, that was a difficult thing to talk people into. I wanted this to be platformed so that the fans can take ownership in the film’s success, the way they did the first time around. Nobody tried to sell them ‘Boondock’, they found it on their own, spread the word on their own and made it successful on their own. They are the reason that the sequel was even made! Fans can take part this time by platforming the film into a wide release, which is what I hope that they do.

What can you tell us about ‘The Good King’?

It is a comedy, black as the starless night at the bottom of the ocean. It’s a period piece. A King and a Duke, who are complete recalcitant, alcoholic, womanizer, idiot savants who basically destroy the British Empire and then resurrect it and chaos ensues.

Is that definitely the next project you are tackling?

Hopefully. We will see if we can set it up.

Being a seasoned vet of the film industry, what is the best piece of advice that you would give to young filmmakers?

Make sure you have talent. If your mother and your friends like your stuff, that doesn’t mean shit. You have to have people who you don’t know coming up to you and saying “That was awesome!” Then get your ass to New York or Los Angeles, where the business is. Unfortunately, from that point there is no pathway for you to follow to ensure that you have a good chance at success. You have to work really hard and find some way into it, man. You have to find the way. Every filmmaker that is coming up and having success right now has a different story, so there is no rule book for you to follow. You just have to take the ultimate risk and put your money where you mouth is, but make sure you have talent beforehand.

Any last words of the critics and for the fans?

For the critics, if you liked it, glad to have you onboard and if you didn’t, go fuck yourself! [laughs] For the fans, ‘Boondock II’ is like taking a Playboy Playmate to your Senior Prom and then banging her and her twin sister afterwards.

There’s nothing wrong with that! One last question for you before I let you go. I have a feeling I may know your answer to this but I have to ask. Who do ya got — Philly or New York in the World Series?

You’re kidding right? [laughs]

Well, I know you have huge fanbases in New York and Philly, so I thought you might have a tough choice to make!

I’m a Boston Red Sox fan! Anybody that fights “The Evil Empire” I am down with. Even Boston Red Sox fans just became Phillies fans!

Thanks for your time, Troy! The new film is amazing and we will be out here on the front lines spreading the word! I look forward to all that you have in store for us and I look forward to talking with you soon.

You too, man! You’re site kicks ass! Take it easy!


- -

More of our ‘Boondock Saints II’ Interviews…

Sean Patrick Flanery – Click Here >

Norman Reedus – Click Here >

Bob Marley - Click Here >

David Della Rocco – Click Here >

Billy Connolly – Click Here >

Billy Connolly is truly a jack of all trades. For well over three decades, this Scottish comedian, musician and actor as been winning over fans worldwide with his solid bodies of work and undeniable charm. Connolly may best known to American audiences from his role on the comedy series “Head of The Class” or as a brilliant stand-up comic that never fails to bring down the house, but to a whole new generation of fans, Billy Connolly is the mysterious and very lethal patriarch of the “Boondock Saints.” Directed by Troy Duffy, Connolly played opposite of Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus as the head of the McManus clan in a unique film that would go on to become one of the biggest cult sensations in movie history. Over a decade later, he finds himself reprising the role of “Il Duce” in one of the most highly anticipated sequels of all-time. Jason Price of Icon Vs. Icon recently caught up with Connolly as he and the rest of the cast traveled the country to give fans their first glimpse of the film. In the interview we discuss his past, the challenges of playing a hard as nails killer, his upcoming projects and the triumphant return of The Boondock Saints.

*Warning: This interview may contain possible spoilers!




What got you started on your journey in the entertainment industry?


Well, it is kind of strange. I have always liked American country music. Hank Williams and stuff like that. I wanted to play it and I didn’t know anyone that did. The the whole folk music thing started. I saw Pete Seeger playing the banjo on television, so I went out and I got myself one. I got into that whole circuit of folk music, banjos, country music, bluegrass and old-timey music. One thing led to another and eventually I was taking a lot of time between songs and describing songs in a funny way and I became a comedian, almost be accident.


How did you first get involved with Troy Duffy and the original Boondock Saints film?


My agent sent me the script and asked me if I would go and talk to this “Troy Duffy guy”. I couldn’t believe the script! With people dyin’ all over the place. I didn’t know what part he wanted me to play, so I met him in a bar in Los Angeles. He was there with his brother and they were a wild bunch, ya know, and I don’t drink. I used to drink, so I understand the game. This nutcase, this mad director, put his hands on my shoulders and said “I want ya to do this!” He had one arm over my shoulder and with his other, he was waving his index finger telling me all the great names that he wanted to play this part but he was going to give it to me. I was completely sold on it. I loved his enthusiasm, ya know! I love his enthusiasm to this day!


When you guys were working on the first film, did you have any idea that the film would develop into the cult phenomenon that it has?


I think it became quite apparent when we were making it that it was something really special. It looked special. Even the equipment that we were all using, black coats and all that with the guns and the boys and the way they went about saying prayers before they killed people. Everybody knew that it was something special and a bit different and that it was going to be noticed. I was always really enthusiastic about it. I had great faith in it.


I know you don’t want to give to much away but what can you tell us about your role in Boondock Saints II?


My role is very similar to the original film but their is much, much more of a storyline for me this time around. They go over my history. They go over the history of why I am like I am and what got me to that point. Before that, I was quite glad to look as if I came from Hell or someplace like that, ya know! [laughs] A killer that just killed because he didn’t mind doing it, ya know?! He was the ultimate judge, that just came and cut you down. So, I was quite happy with that but Troy has written me a whole backstory and background. That is where the Peter Fonda role comes in, ya know?


What was it like working alongside Peter Fonda?


Oh, it was a joy! An absolute joy, what a nice man! He has an extraordinary background but he doesn’t wear it like costume jewelry. He just goes to work like anybody else. He is a very generous performer, very generous indeed, ya know, with his time and space. If he sees a bit that he think can be improved, he will bring it up in front of everybody and say something like “Why doesn’t Billy come in from this side?”. When you are a big star, people tend to like you a bit, but he doesn’t give a shit about that. He’ll just walk straight in front of me and confront me and that is the way we did it. I found him to be a very generous performer.


Did you do any special preparation for the role?


Oh I grew a beard! [laughs] You must always grow a beard, not wear a stick on one, they are hellish! The glue just drives you insane through the day. They keep coming off and you have to have them re-stuck and they feel like shit. It’s like walking around with honey on your face.


I know that it was important for all of you to bring the film to the fans first. You have been taking the film around to several major cities to show it off to the them. What has that experience been like for you?


We have been interacting with the fans at the premieres but we have also been going to colleges, like Boston College and Emerson college, during the day. We were interviewed by the students and had a big audience. It was lovely! They were all nuts about the original and they were dying to see the new one. The film got a standing ovation in Boston!


That is exciting to hear, speaking as a fan, I know I am really excited to see it.


Yeah, it is a wee bit, slightly more humorous. It takes itself slightly less seriously. I am still death on wheels!


Well it is good to hear that you haven’t lost your touch!


Ohhhhhh noooo! [laughs] I am still deadly!


I know that over the years, Troy Duffy has gotten a bad rap in a lot of circles, which isn’t necessarily fair.  Having worked with him, twice now, I wanted to see what you think the biggest misconception about him is?


The biggest misconception about Troy is that he takes himself too seriously. He does take himself seriously, as I think everyone should to a degree, but he doesn’t take himself to seriously. He is a good lad and loves a joke. I think Troy answered all the critics when everybody came back to work again. He has the exact crew and Peter Fonda. If he was a bad guy, none of us would have returned. Everybody is back and we are all busy guys, it isn’t like we have nothing else to do!


Looking back on your experiences with making both films. What stands out as your fondest memory?


I just want to kill people. [laughs] It is a great feeling getting to do that, ya know! Putting on your six 9MM pistols and going around killing assholes all day. It’s a joy!


I know that actors sometimes tend to take a little piece of the film with them. Did you hang onto anything from the film as a souvenir?


We all kept our rosaries. Troy made them.


Which do you prefer, performing stand-up comedy or acting?


I don’t prefer one over the other but often one will step in when one is getting to be to much, ya know? When you are getting a wee bit feed up on the road, it is great to step into a movie and do that. Likewise when you are getting bored in the film world, it is lovely to be able to step out and be a comedian again. I have the luxury of doing both, which is just a blessing to say the least, at my advanced stage in life.


What do you attribute the longevity of your career to?


Just consistency, I think. I think that is the answer to everything, to remain consistent and take it seriously all the time. Don’t coast. In comedy, you are under such pressure from all of the other guys, that takes care of itself. In drama and film, you have to keep trying your best and don’t just settle for the middle of the road all the time. I think that is what kills people. They settle for less, ya know? They go for big money at the time but mediocre material and it just kills them.


Having been in the game as long as you have, have you noticed a big change in your audiences?


I can’t see any change in them at all, they are still the same to me, but I think they have become very educated  by comedy especially. I used to be the wildest guy on the block, ya know? Now I am not. A lot of things that used to be sort of wild and dangerous are considered sort of novel now. Comedy constantly astounds me, especially television comedy. British television comedy has gotten amazingly good. The standard for the written stuff has gotten very, very high. Like the show ‘Little Britain’ and ‘The League of Gentlemen’ have taken it to another place altogether. I think the standard all around is immensely high. I was lucky to get a start when I did, ya know!


Looking back on your career, is there something that you single out as your defining moment?


Yeah, I did the Michael Parkinson Show in England, which is the equivalent of doing Johnny Carson in America. Before I knew it, I was famous. I was was quite big before that in concert halls, but I was quite obscure to the general public. I did the Michael Parkinson Show in London, I lived in Scotland at the time, and on the way home I was at the London Airport and a Chinese guy asked me for my autograph. I remember thinking to myself “Holy shit, I’m famous!” We got off the plane in Glasgow and the people in the airport all applauded because they had seen the show the night before.


Very cool! Can we expect to see you hit the stage here in the United States anytime soon?


Yeah. I am doing London in January and right after that I will be coming to America.


What other projects are on the horizon for you?


I did ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ with Jack Black. I am not exactly sure when that is coming out, I think around Christmas sometime.


What is the best piece of advice that someone has given you along the way in your career, and what is the best advice that you have for anyone who would like to get involved in the entertainment industry?


Don’t forget how exciting it was when you first started. If you think about it properly, that feeling will stay. Don’t take it for granted and aim as high as you did when you started and stay there! That’s all!


Is there anything else that you would like to say to the Boondock Saints fans?


I love ya! You are awesome!


Any chance for a Boondock Saints III in the future?


Oh, they are already talking about that! I’m dead so I don’t care! [laughs]


Well ya know, if Troy can bring Rocco back, he could always bring Il Duce back too!


That’s what I was telling him last night! That Rocco and I should come back in the third one! We can come back, all as ghosts!


Kinda like they did in Star Wars: Return of The Jedi!


Yeaaaah! [laughs]


Well thanks for your time Billy, we will be spreading the word about the film and look forward to catching you on stage soon!


Thank you very much! It’s been nice talkin’ to ya, man!



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More of our ‘Boondock Saints II’ Interviews…

Sean Patrick Flanery – Click Here >

Norman Reedus – Click Here >

Bob Marley - Click Here >

David Della Rocco – Click Here >

David Della Rocco first exploded onto the silver screen and our collective conscience in “Boondock Saints.” Directed by Troy Duffy, he played opposite of Sean Patrick Flannery and Norman Reedus as one on the most unique and memorable sidekicks in film history. While this unique film would open in only a handful of theaters, it would go on to become one of the biggest cult sensations in movie history. Over a decade later, David finds himself reprising the role of “Rocco” to bring one of the most highly anticipated sequels of all-time to the fans. Jason Price of Icon Vs. Icon recently caught up with this incredible actor to discuss his past, the origins of the character that has captivated fans worldwide, his upcoming projects and the triumphant return of The Boondock Saints.

Let’s get started with some basic questions: Where did you grow up? What got you started on journey in the entertainment industry?

Well, ya know, I grew up in Norwich, Connecticut and then I went to school at the University of Oregon. I got into theater there and then I came out to California, to make a very long story short and I have been doing the acting thing!

Growing up and even today, who were some of your influences as an actor?

I think it is like with anything, when you are at a certain age and you start to act, you really start noticing certain actors, the ones that are really big at the time. For me we had Pacino, DeNiro, Brando and a Gene Hackman thing going on then and those guys are really good and movies like The Godfather. I think that those actors were really cool, it was a whole East Coast thing.

How did you first get involved with Troy Duffy and the original Boondock Saints film?

Well, Troy was writing the script while I was a part-time manager at this bar. He was the doorman and was working on his script. He told me about it and would read me parts of it. He said to me one day that the brothers were going to have a sidekick. I had long hair and a beard at the time because I was doing a play, it was set in 1975 and I played a carpenter. The play was called ‘The Split’. So I had grown my hair long and I had a beard. The look was a little different at the time. So he said “I’m going to have this sidekick for the brothers and I am gonna name him after you. He’s going to have long hair and a beard.” As the thing started progressing, he said “When this thing becomes a movie, I’ll audition you for it.” Ya know what I mean? So we worked on it and he liked the stuff that I did, so I was on-board in that way. Ya know, the reason I say that, is that there is something on the internet that says that we were childhood friends, but really I didn’t know him until he was in California. It was about 12 years ago now.

How much of your role was scripted versus what you brought in improvisationally or with your own personality?

Well, ya know, all the lines that were said were the lines that Troy wrote. I just stuck with the lines and I wasn’t improv-ing with them. What he wrote was just so much fun, ya know what I mean! It was written so well that it just seems like I was improv-ing it.

You really brought that character to life and made it jump off the screen.

Thank you so much. That is very kind of you!

How has your life changed since the first film which has become a cult classic? Do you get recognized a lot?

There is some of that. You mentioned the word “cult” as opposed to something like ‘Inglorious Basterds’ or ‘Titantic’ or ‘Terminator’ or whatever. It does have that cult thing and I think there is a youth to it. There are those college kids that are of a certain age. The way the movie started, it started slow, it was word of mouth when we released it. It pretty much went straight to DVD because of what was going on at the time and by that I mean Columbine. I just remember two years going by and then all of a sudden someone recognized me. Then it started to happen more and more.. It did seem to be like a cult, a certain group of people that were aware of it. So yes, it was an interesting change but it wasn’t that drastic where I had to move to a gated community or needed a bodyguard! [laughs]

When you guys were working on the first film, did you have any idea that the film would develop into the cult phenomenon that it has?

Ya know, no I didn’t. When I first saw the movie, I thought “Ok, it’s a movie, it’s going to help me. It’s fun”. I loved all the people, the actors, ya know what I mean. I looked at it and wondered do you have the actors to get it out there and go theatrically? So, when I was doing the film I just said, “I guess it is going to be up to the people.” I thought the film was very interesting and I wanted to see how it did. As I told you, theatrically it didn’t do as well as we wanted it to. We wanted it to be big in theaters and when it didn’t, it kinda was a bit of a letdown. So I thought “Oh, the people don’t like it.” The people from Hollywood looked and it and it went to DVD. I was kinda disappointed, I don’t know. But then! It started taking off and we started doing college tours and seeing how much people really liked it! Then there were all the different websites and t-shirts and all that! Then I started saying “The people must like it!” If a movie or play comes out it is up to the people to decide if they like it and I really feel good about this.

The people have certainly spoken in regards to Boondock Saints!

Yeah! That’s what I mean! It i so nice to get that! Even the nice thing that you said about me, that is really great and I am glad that the film did do well, in whatever way it did it.

I know you don’t want to give to much away but what can you tell us about your role in ‘Boondock Saints II’?

Well, you can figure out, Troy’s not insane, I’m dead! So it is either going to be a dream sequence or a flashback. It is more of a dream sequence. I have a scene where there is kind of like a dream sequence. It was a lot of fun. We were going to do it at a location that we couldn’t get and because we couldn’t get that location, we had to change all of our lines. So we did it at three different spots, a dream sequence, where we shoot from one place to another place to another place. Each time we did it, we wrote our own lines at the spot. We’d improvise it but we got the lines together for all four actors by saying “We’ll do this that and the other thing.” That was kind of fun! But I am not in the film for 90 minutes, it is basically a dream sequence were the boys are going through something and I pop up in a dream and we go on from there. Kinda get the gist of that?

Yeah, I definitely do. Us fans will take ya anyway we can get you back!

[laughs] Yeah! Thank you! But yeah, I’m still dead.

Troy put together quite an ensemble cast for the film with the likes of Clifton Collins Jr. and Julie Benz, for example. Who did you look forward to meeting for the first time or working with again?

It is funny, let’s go back to the first film. I remember Dafoe is going to be in it and I am thinking “Woah! I am going to get to work with Dafoe!” but I didn’t really get to interact with him because we were in only once scene together but he was there. Even Billy Connolly, I didn’t get to work with him in the first film. It was basically me and the brothers. So this time around I didn’t get to work with Clifton or Julie, but I would have loved to. It was just me, Norman Reedus, Sean Patrick Flanery and Troy Duffy. But just being there and being around all of the old actors like Brian Mahoney, Bob Marley, Norm and Sean was great. But these new people, like Cliff and Julie were amazing. It was just great being on set and getting a chance to talk to them. Cliff is such a great actor and a great person. I didn’t get a chance to work with Cliff, Julie, Billy but I would have liked to. On set, they were all really great to have around. Troy really does pick people that really get along with each other.

Have you been able to see a cut of the film yet?

You know, I have seen a couple cuts of it. I saw a very long version, a version where it was cut down a bit and then I saw the final cut. I was really impressed. I liked it so much better then the other two. I really, really enjoyed it. I liked it a lot! This guy Clifton Collins Jr. is great. I think Julie Benz is a lot of fun in it. The detectives are good. I really like it!

I know a lot of the cast headed out to Comic Con in San Diego to promote the film. You had quite a turn out to say the very least. What was that experience like for you?

Yeah, that was a lot of fun. It is kinda funny because Sony took us down there. On the panel was Sean, Norm, Cliff, Julie and Troy. So they get through talking and all that and they have a question and answer period. There is a line of about eight to ten people asking questions. So I sneak up there and I go to the mic and say “Hey Troy! What the fuck! Is Rocco going to be in the sequel!” and then everybody saw it was me and I got a big applause, it was nice!

That’s awesome!

That Comic Con thing is a lot of fun. Those are crazy people down there!

Yeah, I hear that it is quite a bit to take in.

Ya know what is great about it is San Diego. Next year I am not sure if I even want to go to Comic Con, I just wanna go stay in San Diego! The streets were just mobbed every night with beautiful women and nice people. It was like 126,000 people coming into San Diego, which isn’t that big of a city. The downtown area was really a lot of fun!

It is really cool to see the fans and Sony getting behind the film. Hopefully it is better for everyone involved. It seems like they have been fun projects to work on.

Yeah. Ya know what’s funny? Even if he did it be accident, I think Troy brought so much relaxation and confidence to the film, that it was easy to pull off the tongue in cheek aspects. It made it easy for a lot of things. Remember the one scene where we are all in that room and they are beating the hell out of us and then they decide that I am just a nobody and “just shoot him…the brothers did it”?

Yeah.

It’s funny because that day, the vibe was so down. I don’t know what it was but that day was really hard. Maybe because Troy was in another room. I think that’s why the chemistry came off so well on screen and why the ensemble was good because Troy had a way of making it really relaxed on set. I think it was the confidence that he had and the fact that he really loved what he was doing brought it all together. I felt no pressure, nothing. Never at all did I feel pressure for time or anything. It was always a very, very relaxed atmosphere and that’s a tough thing to get a lot of times, ya know.

What can you tell us about ‘Jake’s Corner’?

Well, that is coming out in March on DVD. It’s not making it to the theaters. I did that with Richard Tyson, Danny Trejo and Diane Ladd. It’s about this kid, a very “G” movie. I play a truck driver who got stranded in this out of the way place in Arizona and decides to just become a cook there and stay there in my truck. The lead is Richard Tyson and I believe that is coming out in March.

What other projects do you have on the horizon?

I’ve got this other thing going, ‘Made In Bosnia’. I am going to play a college professor and that is still in the works. I’m talking to the director and the writer and the financing is starting for it. Hopefully that one will be made! But we have a lot of work to do. Hopefully with this film, it will open the door to some other things… like you deciding to be a director and put me in your film!

I’d love to do that! And you are on the top of my list!

Ok! [laughs]

Is there anything else that you would like to say to your fans before I let you go?

The fans are so fantastic and I love everyone of them! I hope that they become big fans of the new movie and that everything works out!

Thanks for your time, David!

Thank you!

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More of our ‘Boondock Saints II’ Interviews…

Sean Patrick Flanery – Click Here >

Norman Reedus – Click Here >

Bob Marley - Click Here >

David Della Rocco – Click Here >

Director Darren Bousman sent out word today that the official site for his upcoming film, ‘Mother’s Day’, has launched. Be sure to swing by MothersDaytheMovie.com and check out the site, which features a special introduction from Bousman, Evigan and Ashmore.

The story revolves around a sadistic family who return to their childhood home to torture the new residents and please their evil mother. The film stars Jaime King, Deborah Ann Woll, Briana Evigan, Alexa Vega, Shawn Ashmore, Matt O’Leary, Lyriq Bent, Lisa Marcos, Patrick Flueger, AJ Cook, J. LaRose and Warren Kole.

The original film was directed by Charles Kaufman, who is the brother of Troma Entertainment co-founder and Toxic Avenger director Lloyd Kaufman.

As previously reported, Bousman had this to say about the film: “While it pays homage to the 1980 original film, it is defiantly it’s own beast… This film will not be a carbon copy remake… It’s unique, clever, scary, violent, and fun.”

Twisted Pictures will be producing the film and is expected to target a Mother’s Day 2010 release. The film is currently shooting in Canada.

The first official still from Darren Lynn Bousman’s ‘Mother’s Day’ has hit the web. Check it out below.

The story revolves around a sadistic family who return to their childhood home to torture the new residents and please their evil mother. The film stars Jaime King, Deborah Ann Woll, Briana Evigan, Alexa Vega, Shawn Ashmore, Matt O’Leary, Lyriq Bent, Lisa Marcos, Patrick Flueger, AJ Cook, J. LaRose and Warren Kole.

The original film was directed by Charles Kaufman, who is the brother of Troma Entertainment co-founder and Toxic Avenger director Lloyd Kaufman.

As previously reported, Bousman had this to say about the film: “While it pays homage to the 1980 original film, it is defiantly it’s own beast… This film will not be a carbon copy remake… It’s unique, clever, scary, violent, and fun.”

Twisted Pictures will be producing the film and is expected to target a Mother’s Day 2010 release. The film is currently shooting in Canada.

Source: Twisted Pictures

Horror icon Andrew Bryniarski is set to appear in the remake of the cult horror film “Mother’s Day,” which began filming September 8, 2009.

Bryniarski, best known for his role as Leatherface in “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (2003) and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning” (2004), has been designated for an undisclosed role in Mother’s Day.

“Given Andrew’s iconic status in the horror-thriller genre, we wanted to give him a special part that will intentionally be clouded in mystery until the film is released,” said Curtis Leopardo, executive producer of Mother’s Day and founder of LightTower Entertainment.

“We don’t want to spoil the surprise for avid Texas Chainsaw fans, but we’re thrilled to bring Andrew on board for what will certainly become a dark and mysterious role,” said Leopardo, who along with industry executive Cara Marie launched a talent management branch of LightTower Entertainment and are managing Andrew Bryaniarski.

Rebecca De Mornay has officially joined the cast of Darren Lynn Bousman’s ‘Mother’s Day’. De Mornay will be playing the title character in the film that is set to shoot in Winnipeg this September.

The original film was directed by Charles Kaufman, who is the brother of Troma Entertainment co-founder and Toxic Avenger director Lloyd Kaufman. The story revolves around a sadistic family who return to their childhood home to torture the new residents and please their evil mother.

As previously reported, Bousman had this to say about the film: “While it pays homage to the 1980 original film, it is defiantly it’s own beast… This film will not be a carbon copy remake… It’s unique, clever, scary, violent, and fun.”

The rest of the cast includes Deborah Ann Woll, Briana Evigan, Alexa Vega, Shawn Ashmore, Matt O’Leary, Lyriq Bent and Lisa Marcos.