The ABCs of Movies, Part Dos Trivia Quiz

Answer: Kill Bill

'Kill Bill' director Quentin Tarantino decided to divide the movie into two halves, thereby not having to compromise on his creativity. The effect somehow works perfectly. Tarantino first came up with the idea for 'Kill Bill' while in the process of filming his much praised 'Pulp Fiction'. 'Kill Bill' has an incredibly high body count.

The number of people killed in the House of Blue Leaves scene alone is 57. Tarantino pays homage to many things in the movie, including Bruce Lee, the movie 'Twisted Nerve', the Green Hornet, and Charlie Chan. Both Kevin Costner and Warren Beatty were asked to play the role of Bill, but each declined.

As per Beatty's suggestion, Tarantino hired David Carradine. Carradine had been a childhood hero of Tarantino's, having played the main character in the TV series 'Kung Fu'.

Answer: Last Man Standing

The story of 'Last Man Standing' is based on the movie 'A Fistful of Dollars', which stars Clint Eastwood in the Bruce Willis role. 'A Fistful of Dollars' is based on 'Yojimbo', a Japanese film directed by Akira Kurosawa. 'Last Man Standing' is a good film, due to a strong supporting cast. Christopher Walken, the king of psychos, is in his element as a mafia hit man who always turns his back on his enemy before he shoots him.

There are a number of excellently choreographed gun battles, including the scene where Smith has a fast-draw gun battle with an Irish gangster.

Answer: Maverick

'Maverick' co-stars Jodi Foster and James Garner. James Garner played the original Bret Maverick in the TV show. The movie has an excellent plot, with many unexpected twists and turns along the way. There are many allusions to the 'Lethal Weapon' series over the course of the film. 'Maverick' director Richard Donner also directed the 'Lethal Weapon' movies, and Mel Gibson was the star of them.

There are several hilarious scenes in 'Maverick', including a scene with hostile Indians who are not actually hostile.

It is an excellent movie all around.

Answer: The Name of the Rose

'The Name of the Rose' is based on the book written by Umberto Eco. The movie is dark and atmospheric, and the music really sets the mood. There are some excellent performances, especially from Christian Slater as William's assistant, and F. Murray Abraham as the hissable villain, Inquisitor Bernardo Gui.

Answer: Once Upon A Time In America

'Once Upon A Time In America' was directed by Sergio Leone, who is most remembered for his spaghetti westerns that starred Clint Eastwood. This movie was too long, spending long moments on absolutely nothing. The movie was originally ten hours long, and Leone edited it down to a mere four hours.

Answer: Pulp Fiction

'Pulp Fiction' is a brilliant film. It takes talent to have three totally unrelated plot lines and somehow connect them. The beginning and the end of the movie intertwine into a cohesive masterpiece. The entire cast gives excellent performances, but Samuel L. Jackson really stands out as a hitman who has found religion.

There is still mass speculation as to what item the mysterious briefcase contains. Some say that it contains the diamonds from 'Reservoir Dogs'. Others say that it contains Marcellus Wallace's soul.

In an interview, Director Tarantino said that the briefcase contained whatever the viewer thought it should contain. I think that that theory makes the most sense.

Answer: The Quest

I'm sorry that I had to choose this movie. I couldn't think of any other movie I had seen that starts with a "Q". Jean Claude Van-Damme both starred in and directed this film. It is very similar (and by similar, I mean identical) to the 1988 movie 'Bloodsport' that also starred Van-Damme.

Answer: Robo Cop

This movie was surprisingly heartfelt and introspective. Peter Weller was able to bring to the role a certain humanity, even though he talked in a robotic monotone and half of his face was covered. The movie is quite violent but worth watching simply for the emotional aspect.

Many people compare this movie to 'The Terminator' series and consider it a rip-off. I see the similarities, but recognize that they really are different. 'Terminator 2' had a robot with emotion, but the emotion is a learned response to a given scenario. Robo Cop was originally human, so he knows what emotion really is. Throughout the movie, he must struggle to remember what it means to be human while encased in a cold, metal shell.

The scene that demonstrates this is the one where he removes his faceplate and looks into a mirror.

He recognizes something in his old face and tries to remember what it meant to be human. The idea for Robo Cop was created after writer Ed Neumeier passed a set where 'Blade Runner' was being filmed.

Answer: Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

'Star Trek IV' is an example of a great movie created from a failed TV show. This movie has some of the funniest moments ever. The scene with Ensign Chekov and the Navy security officer is quite memorable. This movie took the clichéd plot of a fish out of water (putting people in a different environment for a comedic effect) and made it special.

By the way, the line, "Beam me up Scotty" was never said. It goes on the list with "Play it again Sam" and "Come with me to the Casbah".

Answer: That Thing You Do

This whimsical comedy was directed by Tom Hanks. Hanks continues to show his creative side, starring in such unique films as 'The Terminal', 'Castaway', and 'The Polar Express'. The movie 'That Thing You Do' was able to somehow capture and project on screen the American spirit. Hanks originally did not want to hire Tom Everett Scott because everyone said that Scott reminded them of a young Hanks. Thankfully, his wife convinced him to hire Scott.

The title song was created by the music group 'Fountains of Wayne'.

They later went on to sing the pop hit 'Stacy's Mom'. I hope you enjoyed my quiz.