Saturday Night Soul Cinema!

Why go out this Saturday night? Stay at home and check out THIS TV's blaxploitation marathon. The excellent programmers at THIS have selected three classics: "Sheba, Baby," "Friday Foster" and "Truck Turner."

I can't think of a better way to spend a weekend evening, so pour you favorite beverage and chill out with three awesome action pics.

All times CST:

7:30 p.m. - "Sheba, Baby"
Pam Grier kicks off the party as the title character in this P.I. flick. When Sheba comes back to Louisville, Ky., the bad guys duck for cover. She returns to find her father threatened by sleazy extortionists and finds love with a guy named Brick (Austin Stoker). Look for the late, great D'urville Martin as a villain.

9:30 p.m.- "Friday Foster"
Based on a comic strip, this film focused on Friday (Grier), a magazine photographer who uncovers a plot to kill prominent African Americans (politicians, business leaders). Along for the ride is P.I. buddy Colt Hawkins (Yaphet Kotto). This movie has an all-star cast including Scatman Crothers, Ted Lange, Jim Backus(!) and Eartha Kitt.

11:30 - "Truck Turner"
Before Dog the Bounty Hunter, Truck Turner brought in the bad guys and collected cash. When he kills a pimp in self-defense, Truck's a marked man! Kotto plays his nemesis Harvard Blue, and "Star Trek's" Nichelle Nichols plays a raunchy madam.

Have the Need for Speed?

Next week, "Fast 5" hits theaters. Who knew that 2001's "The Fast and the Furious" would spawn so many hit sequels???

Well, the ORIGINAL "The Fast and the Furious" airs on THIS at 1:30 p.m. (CST), Monday, April 25.

Written and produced by B-movie god Roger Corman, "The Fast and the Furious" focuses on ex-con Frank (John Ireland...who also directs) who winds up on the run from the law with a hostage (Dorothy Malone) in tow.

No Vin Diesel...no Paul Walker...BUT it's a Corman movie. That alone is worth setting the DVR while you're at work!

Happy Birthday James Russo!!!

James Russo is at his best when he's yelling at the top of his lungs or terrorizing someone. Just about every movie I have seen him in features the actor playing an unhinged screamer. Most people recall his scare performance in "Extremities" as a psycho rapist or as a nutcase actor berating Madonna in "Dangerous Game." His greatest role, however, is a small one. In "Fast Times at Ridgemont Hight," Russo appears as a scary hold-up man at the movie's conclusion...classic scene.

Well, Russo turns 58 today, so here's a psychotic shout out to the man who made shouting so cool.

AC in 4-D!!!

Okay, this really isn't movie news...BUT the Weekend Drive-In LOVES Alice Cooper. His music rocks, and he's been in some pretty cool movies: "Wayne's World," "Prince of Darkness."

I still have my fingers crossed that the original AC band will tour one last time to commemorate its induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In the meantime, the guys will perform a holographic performance (beamed from L.A. to London). Very cool! Get the full scoop here.

Sneak Preview of "Almighty Thor"

Last month, I previewed Asylum's upcoming mockbuster "Almighty Thor." This fantasy epic premieres May 7 on SyFy...the day after Marvel's "Thor" hits the big screen.

The good folks at Asylum just posted some new pics from this straight-to-TV fantasy epic! Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Steven Seagal!!!!

Action activist Steven Seagal turns 60 TODAY! Back in the 1990s, Seagal starred in some of the coolest action movies ever made: "Above the Law," "Hard to Kill," "Out for Justice" and "Under Siege." He also served as martial arts coordinator for some of these films.

These days, Seagal mainly stars in direct to DVD flicks, but he played the antagonist in last year's theatrical release "Machete."

In addition to his extensive film resume, Seagal is a tireless advocate of animal rights and environmental preservation. He's also a musician.

I've looked through the cable guide and couldn't find any Seagal films showing today, but check your local listings. If you spy a Seagal film, set the DVR or sit back with a cold one and enjoy!

From Biker Basher to Counterculture Icon

I am surprised that the character Billy Jack hasn't resurfaced on the big screen. The liberal-minded, Native American military vet packed a punch (and barefooted kicks) in drive-ins across the country.

Played by actor/director/activist Tom Laughlin, Billy Jack was an action hero for a peace and love generation. He defended the oppressed, questioned authority and advocated peace as a solution. Of course, when the latter failed, he would use his Green Beret skills to kick ass.

Three "Billy Jack" movies were released in the 1970s: "Billy Jack," "The Trial of Billy Jack" and "Billy Jack Goes to Washington" (a dud upon arrival with a very limited distribution).

Before these movies, Billy made his debut in biker flick "The Born Losers." It's actually my favorite Billy Jack movie. Here, he takes on a brutal gang of biker thugs and later, engages in a faceoff with police. It's a pretty standard biker movie and solid introduction for Billy (although he doesn't wear his iconic round-brimmed hat.

Check out "The Born Losers" late TONIGHT (11:30 p.m. CST) on THIS.

Laughlin has long promised another "Billy Jack" movie, but nothing has ever come of it. Perhaps the peace-loving kung fu expert could take on terrorists or a divided congress. Who knows? Until Laughlin makes good on his promises, enjoy "The Born Losers."

Dean Cameron Rules THIS Week

He's the ultimate B-movie wiseass, and THIS-TV offers a double dose of him this week.

Dean Cameron is best known as Chainsaw from 80s classic "Summer School." He also played Jeff Spicoli in the TV adaptation of "Fast Times at Ridgmont High. Unlike the other actor who played Spicoli, he hasn't gone on to any Oscar awards. Still, he's been in a few movies worth noting. Among those is "Rockula," which airs at 1 a.m. CST, Monday, April 4. Aside from DC, this horror comedy boasts an awesome supporting cast: Thomas Dolby, Toni Basil and Bo Diddley!

A few days later, Cameron stars in "Miracle Beach." (9 p.m., April 6). The plot focuses on a dude (DC) who discovers a genie (Ami Dolenz...daughter of Monkees drummer Mickey Dolenz).

I'm not sure what DC is up to these days, but set the DVR and prepare for a Deanathon.

One swinging dude...

Apologies on the lack of bloggage for the past month!!

That aside...get ready for one of the original superheroes - Tarzan! Today at 11 a.m. (CSR), Turner Classic Movies presents one of the movies that kicked off a Tarzan craze that lasted for decades.

"Tarzan The Ape Man" launched Johnny Weissmuller's film career in 1932. For my money, he's the best Tarzan to grace the silver screen (Ron Ely's a close second).

A champion swimmer, Weissmuller is often shown in his Tarzan movies charging through exotic rivers being pursued by alligators or trying to save Jane (Maureen O'Sullivan). He also claimed to have developed the classic Tarzan yell.

Weissmuller starred in 12 Tarzan movies. Later, he assumed the role of adventurer Jungle Jim for 13 films.

Hopefully, TCM will host a full-blown Tarzan marathon showcasing all of the actors who played Edgar Rice Burroughs' popular jungle man.

So, I think Weissmuller's the best Tarzan ever. Who's your favorite? Lex Barker? Gordon Scott? Miles O'Keefe?