Star Links Revisited Trivia Quiz

Answer: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

In the movie "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation", Beverly D'Angelo plays Ellen Griswold, the wife of Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase. The movie follows the Griswold family as they prepare for and host a chaotic Christmas gathering with their extended family. Juliette Lewis plays Audrey Griswold, the daughter of Clark and Ellen. "Christmas Vacation" is the third instalment in the National Lampoon's "Vacation" film series, which follows the misadventures of the Griswold family in various holiday-themed scenarios.

Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its release, "Christmas Vacation" has become a beloved holiday classic and is known for its hilarious and relatable portrayal of the stress and chaos that can come with family gatherings during the holidays.

Answer: Natural Born Killers

"Natural Born Killers" is a movie about two individuals who become serial killers and are turned into heroes by the media. Juliette Lewis plays one of the killers, Mallory Knox, who had a traumatized childhood. The movie also stars Rodney Dangerfield, who plays Mallory's abusive father.

Directed by Oliver Stone, "Natural Born Killers" is known for its controversial content and graphic violence. The film was based on a screenplay by Quentin Tarantino, but he later disowned the film due to changes made during production.

Answer: Back To School

In the movie "Back to School", Rodney Dangerfield plays the role of Thornton Melon, a wealthy businessman who enrols in college to help his struggling son. The film also stars Keith Gordon as Thornton's son, Jason Melon. "Back to School" was released in 1986 and was a commercial success, grossing over $91 million at the box office.

Interestingly, the film features appearances by several famous personalities, including author Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Sally Kellerman, and Robert Downey Jr. Additionally, the movie's soundtrack includes the hit single "Twist and Shout" performed by Rodney Dangerfield himself.

Answer: Christine

In the movie "Christine", Keith Gordon plays the role of Arnie Cunningham, a nerdy high school student who purchases a vintage car named Christine. However, the car has a mind of its own and possesses Arnie, turning him into a confident and aggressive person.

Alexandra Paul plays the role of Leigh Cabot, Arnie's love interest who becomes increasingly concerned about the changes in his behaviour. "Christine" is based on a novel by Stephen King and was directed by John Carpenter. The film received mixed reviews upon its release but has since gained a cult following among horror fans.

Answer: Sunset Grill

"Sunset Grill" is a 1993 crime thriller film starring Peter Weller as a private investigator who is trying to solve the mystery behind his wife's death and a series of murders. Alexandra Paul plays a crucial role in the movie as both love interest and a potential suspect.

"Sunset Grill" was directed by Kevin Connor, who is better known for his work in television movies and series. The movie received mixed reviews from critics and did not perform well at the box office. However, it has gained a cult following over the years for its gritty atmosphere and intense performances by the cast.

Answer: Robocop

"Robocop" is a 1987 science fiction action film directed by Paul Verhoeven. The movie stars Peter Weller as Alex Murphy, a terminally wounded cop who is transformed into a cyborg - part human, part robot. Nancy Allen plays the role of Officer Anne Lewis, Murphy's partner.

"Robocop" was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $53 million at the box office and receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Sound Editing. The film spawned two sequels, a television series, and a reboot in 2014. Peter Weller's portrayal of Robocop has become iconic in pop culture, and the film is considered a classic of the cyberpunk genre.

Answer: The Philadelphia Experiment

The correct answer is "The Philadelphia Experiment", a science fiction movie based on a conspiracy theory about a naval battleship (the USS Eldridge) that disappeared in 1943 from a naval shipyard. Nancy Allen, known for her roles in "RoboCop" and "Carrie", starred in the movie alongside Michael Paré.

The movie was loosely based on the urban legend which claims that the U.S. Navy conducted a secret experiment to make a battleship invisible, resulting in its disappearance and the teleportation of the crew. While the legend has been debunked, it has inspired numerous books, movies, and TV shows over the years.

Answer: Eddie And The Cruisers

In the movie "Eddie and the Cruisers", Michael Paré plays the lead singer of a 1950s rock and roll band who disappears after a car accident. Tom Berenger plays a reporter who becomes obsessed with finding out what happened to him. The film was released in 1983 and was a moderate success at the box office, but it has since gained a cult following.

Interestingly, the film's soundtrack, which features original songs performed by Michael Paré and the fictional band, became more popular than the movie itself and spawned a sequel.

Answer: Shattered

In the movie "Shattered", Tom Berenger plays the amnesiac and Greta Scacchi his wife. Bob Hoskins plays a private investigator helping Berenger's character uncover the truth about his past. The movie was directed by Wolfgang Petersen and was based on the novel "The Plastic Nightmare" by Richard Neely.

Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its release, "Shattered" is fondly remembered by some for its genuinely unexpected twist ending.

Answer: Balto

"Balto" is a 1995 animated movie that tells the story of a half-wolf, half-dog who leads a sled dog team carrying medicine to save the children of Nome, Alaska from a deadly epidemic. The movie was inspired by the true story of the 1925 serum run to Nome, which was a sled dog relay of 20 mushers and about 150 sled dogs that transported diphtheria antitoxin serum from Anchorage to Nome.

This event later inspired the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, which is now a popular and grueling long-distance sled dog race in Alaska. Bob Hoskins voiced the character of Boris, a Russian snow goose, while Kevin Bacon voiced the character of Balto.

Answer: Stir Of Echoes

In the movie "Stir of Echoes", Kevin Bacon plays a man named Tom who becomes haunted by the ghost of a murdered girl after being hypnotized by his sister-in-law, played by Illeana Douglas. The film is a supernatural thriller that explores themes of trauma, grief, and the power of suggestion. It was directed by David Koepp and based on a novel by Richard Matheson.

Kevin Bacon is known for his prolific career and his connections to other actors through the "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon" game, which posits that any actor can be linked to Bacon through their film roles in six steps or less.

Answer: To Die For

"To Die For" is a 1995 dark comedy film directed by Gus Van Sant and starring Nicole Kidman, Matt Dillon and Joaquin Phoenix. Illeana Douglas plays the role of Janice Maretto, the sister-in-law of Kidman's character, Suzanne Stone. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Joyce Maynard and explores themes of ambition, fame, and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals.

"To Die For" received critical acclaim for its satirical take on the media and celebrity culture, and Kidman's performance was particularly praised, earning her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.

Answer: Dead Calm

In the movie "Dead Calm", Nicole Kidman plays Rae Ingram, one half of a couple on a sailing trip who come across a man named Hughie, played by Billy Zane, whose own yacht appears to be sinking. As they try to help him, they soon realize that he is not who he seems and is in fact a dangerous psychopath.

The movie is a psychological thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its suspenseful plot and intense performances. "Dead Calm" was Kidman's first leading role in a major feature film and helped launch her career as a Hollywood actress.

Answer: Betrayal Of The Dove

"Betrayal of the Dove" is a 1993 thriller film starring Helen Slater and Billy Zane. The movie follows a divorced mother (Slater) and her daughter who move to a new town where she falls in love with a doctor, played by Billy Zane. However, after being anaesthetized as part of a medical operation, she starts to see strange incidents which suggest she and her daughter are in danger.

The movie does nothing new with these clichéd elements and the quality cast don't seem to be trying very hard to make it all convincing. It received mostly negative reviews and was not a commercial success, being regarded as more of a turkey than a dove.

Answer: Lassie

Lassie is a fictional dog that has been featured in numerous books, TV shows and movies. The character is a rough collie who is known for his/her loyalty, intelligence and bravery. The movie in the question is a modern adaptation of the classic Lassie story, in which the dog saves the family's son, Matt, from both a wolf and a raging torrent.

Interestingly, the original Lassie character was played by a male dog named Pal, who appeared in the first Lassie movie in 1943, "Lassie Come-Home". Pal went on to star in six more Lassie movies and became one of the most famous canine actors of all time.

Answer: The Straight Story

"The Straight Story" was directed by David Lynch, who is better known for dramas such as "Blue Velvet", "Mulholland Drive" and the TV series "Twin Peaks". Richard Farnsworth plays the lead role of Alvin Straight, an elderly man who travels from Iowa to Wisconsin on a lawnmower to visit his estranged brother, played by Harry Dean Stanton. The film is based on a true story and was praised for its simplicity and emotional depth.

Interestingly, Farnsworth was diagnosed with terminal cancer shortly after filming and chose to take his own life at the ranch where he lived. "The Straight Story" was one of his final performances and earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Answer: Fire Down Below

"Fire Down Below" is a 1997 action film starring Steven Seagal and Harry Dean Stanton. The movie is set in the Kentucky hills and follows an Environmental Protection Agency agent, played by Seagal, as he investigates illegal dumping by a big business. Stanton plays a fellow agent who is killed by the company's henchmen. Despite its nod to environmentalism, the movie is a typical Seagal shoot-'em-up, which was nominated for four "Razzie" awards, including "Worst Screen Couple" (Seagal and his guitar).

The film's soundtrack features songs by popular country artists such as Travis Tritt and Marty Stuart.

Answer: Hard To Kill

In the movie "Hard to Kill", Steven Seagal plays Mason Storm, a cop who is left for dead after being gunned down, along with his wife. After waking up from a coma years later, he seeks revenge on those who wronged him. The film also stars Kelly LeBrock as Andy Stewart, a nurse who helps to nurse him back to fitness, as well as acting as his new love interest.

At the time, LeBrock was married to Seagal; their real-life marriage lasted from 1987 to 1993. "Hard to Kill" is typical Seagal fare, known for its intense action scenes and the star's signature martial arts moves.

Answer: Weird Science

In the 1985 movie "Weird Science" Kelly LeBrock plays the role of Lisa, a computer-generated woman created by two teenage boys. The boys, played by Anthony Michael Hall and Ilan Mitchell-Smith, use their computer to create the perfect woman, but things quickly spiral out of control when Lisa turns out to be much more than they expected. The film also stars Bill Paxton as Chet, the obnoxious older brother of one of the boys.

"Weird Science" was directed by John Hughes, who is known for his work on other popular 80s films such as "The Breakfast Club" and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off".

Answer: Mighty Joe Young

In the 1998 movie "Mighty Joe Young", Bill Paxton plays the role of Gregg O'Hara, a dedicated conservationist who helps transport a giant gorilla named Joe from Africa to a wildlife preserve in California. Regina King also stars in the movie as Cecily Banks, a zoologist who works at the wildlife reserve where Joe is taken for safety.

While clearly inspired by "King Kong", the film was given credit for some decent special effects and a heart-warming story and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.

Answer: Higher Learning

In the movie "Higher Learning", Regina King plays the role of Monet, a tough and independent-minded student who is determined to succeed despite the challenges she faces. The film explores themes of racism, identity and the difficulties of integration, as a diverse group of students come together at the symbolically named Columbus University. Michael Rapaport plays Remy, a troubled student who becomes involved with a white supremacist group on campus and ends up running amok with a sniper rifle.

"Higher Learning" was directed by John Singleton and was released in 1995. While praised for its attempt to look at some serious issues, the movie was criticised for doing so in a rather heavy-handed and clichéd style.

Answer: The Pallbearer

In the 1996 movie "The Pallbearer", directed by Matt Reeves, David Schwimmer plays the lead character Tom Thompson, who is struggling to find direction in his life. After being asked to be a pallbearer at a funeral of a high school classmate whom he barely knew, he meets the deceased's mother, Ruth, played by Barbara Hershey. Tom pretends to have been close friends with the deceased, and he and Ruth start a sexual relationship. Meanwhile, he continues to be obsessed with Julie, his school crush, played by Gwyneth Paltrow.

Michael Rapaport is Brad, an old school friend of Tom's who tries to help him navigate the situation. After a series of increasingly complicated and sometimes rather creepy misunderstandings, everyone ends up paired with someone else (except Ruth).

Answer: Six Days, Seven Nights

"Six Days, Seven Nights" is an adventure-comedy film that was released in 1998. The movie stars Harrison Ford and Anne Heche as two people who are stranded on a remote island after a plane crash and find themselves involved in a bizarre plot involving murder and piracy. David Schwimmer plays the role of Frank Martin, the boyfriend of Heche's character.

The movie was directed by Ivan Reitman and was filmed on location in Kauai, Hawaii. It received mixed reviews, with many critics suggesting a lack of chemistry between the two stars, especially since Heche was at the time in a high-profile lesbian relationship with Ellen DeGeneres. Despite this "Six Days, Seven Nights" was a modest commercial success, grossing over $164 million worldwide against a budget of $70 million.

Answer: Volcano

"Volcano" is a disaster film released in 1997, about a volcanic eruption in the heart of Los Angeles, which causes predictable levels of destruction and chaos. Anne Heche plays Dr. Amy Barnes, a scientist who helps Tommy Lee Jones' character, Mike Roark, in his efforts to contain the volcano.

Interestingly, the movie's production team built a replica of Wilshire Boulevard in downtown Los Angeles to film the scenes of the volcano's eruption and the subsequent destruction. The replica was so realistic that some people who were driving by thought that the actual street was on fire.

"Volcano" came out in the same year as another volcano movie, "Dante's Peak", and in commercial terms was the less successful of the two, grossing around $120 million worldwide against $178 million for its rival.

Answer: Coal Miner's Daughter

"Coal Miner's Daughter" is a biographical film about the life of country singer Loretta Lynn, played by Sissy Spacek. Tommy Lee Jones also stars in the movie, portraying Loretta's husband, Doolittle Lynn. The film follows Loretta's rise to fame, from her impoverished childhood in Kentucky, to becoming one of the most successful country singers of all time.

The movie was a critical and commercial success, earning seven Academy Award nominations. Spacek won the Oscar and Golden Globe "Best Actress" awards for her performance. Beverly D'Angelo plays Patsy Cline, another famous country singer and friend of Loretta's.