Robert Downey Sr. – actor, filmmaker and father of Robert Downey Jr. – has died at the age of 85. Downey was a leading figure in the counterculture cinema of the 1960s, writing and directing such low budget features as Putney Swope, Pound and Greaser’s Palace. As an actor, he also appeared in bigger budgetContinue reading “Quick Hits: July 7”
Author Archives: juliecampbell522
Quick Hits: July 5
Happy birthday, Robbie Robertson! Known primarily for his work with The Band, Robertson is a musician, songwriter, film composer, actor and author. He is responsible for writing some of rock’s all-time greats, including “The Weight”, “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” and my personal favorite, “Up on Cripple Creek”. Robertson has also collaborated withContinue reading “Quick Hits: July 5”
4th of July
Initially published in 2021, this post has been edited for content and clarity. “Hey guys, one more thing. This summer, when you’re being inundated with all this American bicentennial Fourth of July brouhaha, don’t forget what you’re celebrating, and that’s the fact that a bunch of slave-owning, aristocratic, white males didn’t want to pay theirContinue reading “4th of July”
Quick Hits: July 3
First of all, a personal note: June was kind of a crazy month – a vacation, a virus, helping my parents with a move, and a (requested) schedule change at work. I only posted seven times in June, less than my minimum goal of two posts per week. I intended to post pieces for PrideContinue reading “Quick Hits: July 3”
Quick Hits: June 23
Yesterday marked the 50th anniversary of the release of Joni Mitchell’s Blue. Generally regarded as the greatest album ever by a female artist, Blue is a gorgeous, heartbreaking ode to the ups and downs of romantic love. Mitchell wrote and produced the entire album herself, which was inspired by her relationships with Graham Nash, JamesContinue reading “Quick Hits: June 23”
Quick Hits: June 19
This week marked the 40th anniversary of the release of Duran Duran’s self-titled debut. The band observed the milestone by releasing a new single, “Invisible”, which I can’t stop listening to. These gents have aged like fine wine. On this day in 2015, Pixar released Inside Out following a premiere at Cannes in May. FeaturingContinue reading “Quick Hits: June 19”
Quick Hits: June 16
On this day in 1972, Roxy Music released their glorious self-titled debut album. Roxy Music would go on to be one of the most popular art rock bands of all time, influencing countless artists such as Talking Heads, Kate Bush, Duran Duran and Radiohead. The band was finally inducted into the Rock and Roll HallContinue reading “Quick Hits: June 16”
Raiders turns 40
On June 12, 1981, audiences were introduced to one of the most iconic movie characters ever, Indiana Jones. Raiders of the Lost Ark would become the highest grossing film of 1981 and win more Academy Awards than any other movie that year. George Lucas initially conceived the idea for Indiana Jones in the early 70s.Continue reading “Raiders turns 40”
Quick Hits: June 11
On this day in 1982, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was released. Made for just $10.5 million, E.T. was a massive success, holding the top spot at the box office for twelve consecutive weeks. By the end of its initial run, the film had earned more than $350 million (equivalent to almost $1 billion in today’s dollars)Continue reading “Quick Hits: June 11”
Best Friends Day
June 8 is Best Friends Day, and I’d like to tell you about my best friend, Lou. She and I have known each other for almost thirty years, and we’ve seen each other through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. About ten years into our friendship, I fell in love with Lou’sContinue reading “Best Friends Day”
