Saluting the best of the bad Feb 16, 2008
It has elements of teen torture porn, of 'Showgirls' (an all-time Razzies dog), of the Blue Man Group, of 'Battlefield Earth' (another Razzies all-timer) ... Another example: The year that 'Battlefield Earth' won everything (2001). (San Diego Union-Tribune)
A religion for the 20th century: Scientology Feb 8, 2008
in March 1911, Hubbard was a prolific author of fiction and science fiction, including his best-known science-fiction novel, "Battlefield Earth." Guinness World Records lists him as the world's most published and most translated author, with 1,084 fiction and nonfiction works translated into 71 languages. Hubbard died on Jan. 24, 1986, at age 74. (North County Times)
The Buzz: Raspberry Jam Jan 22, 2008
Corvallis Gazette Times: Community News. Web Search powered by YAHOO. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
It's time whaling became extinct Jan 21, 2008
Like John Travolta's legendary schlock-Scientology flick Battlefield Earth, Battlefield Iraq is now so bad it's bordering on hilarious. at. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Washington Post Film Critic Jan 21, 2008
But to borrow from Borat: As for his role in "Battlefield Earth", not so much. . (Washington Post)
Next, on the Oprah Channel... Jan 20, 2008
Prizes include copies of "Dianetics" and DVDs of "Lions for Lambs" and "Battlefield Earth." Plus free personality tests for everyone in the audience. "Roots (Are Showing)" Tired of that DNA-generated family-roots business, Oprah does a hair show. (Boston Globe)
Tom Cruise Scientology-Video Glossary: What Is He Talking About? Jan 19, 2008
Apparently, non-Scientologists are just "spectators." It's a far nicer thing to call us kind of like "Muggles in "Harry Potter" than the term they usually use, "wog," which is more equivalent to the derogatory "Mudbloods" in the "Potter" books. Here's a breakdown of some of the other Scientologese words, acronyms and turns of phrase culled from a variety of sources, including books, Web sites, and current and former church members that might get lost in translation: LRH: L. Ron Hubbard, founder... (MTV.com)
Aliens Among Us Nov 18, 2007
Below are six of the better movies featuring alien invaders and visitors (this exercise would have been too easy if we included "Battlefield Earth" or "Species IV: The Awakening") and their shortcomings. All the more reason to watch "Close Encounters" again and again until someone else gets it right. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
You stayin' regular? Nov 9, 2007
Dad (in background): "$3.50?! For a water? Let me tell you about a little dance I call the "fall tuition," bud. What? You don't have any more water? What is this, Battlefield Earth? Those kids on the hill have flasks in their pocket that hold more water than you've got. Huh? I understand they don't use them for water, I was making a point. Honey, let's go, there are some ROTC kids over in that section. Good, honest American boys. I'm sure one of 'em has got a canteen I can take a hit off of.".... (The Cavalier Daily, VA)
Heres Johnny! Sep 14, 2007
Who doesnt remember Battlefield Earth ... Battlefield Earth (2000): Terl is a cruel human-hating alien that stands a foot taller than basketball player Yao Ming, and has a seriously uncool mullet and facial hair. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Television movies for the week of August 26 Aug 26, 2007
TV Movies: August 26-September 1. G = General audiences PG = Parental Guidance PG-13 = Not recommended for preteens R = Restricted audience. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
He ain't heavy, he's her mother Aug 19, 2007
But rebounding from the bad spell that began with the jaw-dropping 2000 flop Battlefield Earth, a longtime pet project based on a sci-fi novel by Hubbard, has proved more difficult; only one of his next nine movies grossed more than $US100 million ($116 million) worldwide. Still, musicals and might-as-well-be musicals such as Pulp Fiction (you could call it a dope opera) have been kind to him since the early 1970s, when he made his stage breakthrough as a replacement Doody in the original... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
8/10: Paid Dues Festival Aug 10, 2007
Mr. Lif is most likely to: Get confused backstage as a character from Battlefield Earth. Brother Ali. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
What are the worst films of all time? Aug 1, 2007
You forgot Battlefield Earth ... Has to be Battlefield Earth ... Warren Beatty in 'Shampoo" - it was both. Posted by: Roman E Conti on August 1, 2007 7:28 AM "Lost in Translation" - cliched, wallowing in its own self importance, an over-rated waste of two hours. Even Scarlett Johansson's boobs don't save this one. If it wasn't directed by a Coppola, it would have sunk without a trace. Posted by: Mountjoy on August 1, 2007 7:29 AM "Final Destination 3" - was a bit rough (watched it recently)... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Movie Review: Hairspray Jul 19, 2007
His performance here is a welcome relief and comeback after a line of god awful stink-a-roos like Battlefield Earth. I honestly think he deserves an Oscar nod for Best Supporting Actor. (Pegasus News)
Tinseltown's famously faithful Jul 17, 2007
Travolta also showed his devotion by producing Battlefield Earth, a widely loathed screen adaptation of a Hubbard novel in which he played a leather-clad alien with dreadlocks and large hands. Celebrity Christians aren't afraid to put their money where their faith is either. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
John Travoltagets in touchwith hisfeminine side Jul 16, 2007
But rebounding from the bad spell that began with the jaw-dropping 2000 flop Battlefield Earth has proved more difficult. Still, musicals and might-as-well-be musicals like Pulp Fiction have been kind to him ever since the early 1970s, when he made his stage breakthrough as a replacement Doody in the original Broadway Grease. (Taipei Times)
John Travolta m Jul 15, 2007
The valleys include Moment by Moment, Staying Alive and Battlefield Earth, while the peaks number Saturday Night Fever, Urban Cowboy, Pulp Fiction and Get Shorty. If Travolta was doing the calculating, he d likely add the recent Wild Hogs to the list of high points. (Wilkes Barre Times-Leader)
Cub and Run: Jun 12, 2007
Guy SmileyFirst prize goes to four readers, who will take turns sharing a copy of L. Ron Hubbard's Battlefield Earth ... The winner gets a copy of , Battlefield Earth, by L. Ron Hubbardor, as Mitt likes to call him, ".". (Slate)
REVIEW: Travolta Is 'Divine' in 'HAIRSPRAY' Film... Jun 2, 2007
Travolta even signals the audience with his now-trademark "cat eye from Pulp Fiction as he launches like a spinning top onto the stage of the fictional Corny Collins Show. You can only love it. Somehow he brings that old Travolta warmth and charisma to a crazy costume (what a change from his last strange outfit, in Battlefield Earth ). Hairspray, if you don t know, has a very simply plot. Circa 1959, 17-year-old Tracy Turnblad of Baltimore wide as she is tall with a huge beehive hairdo only... (The Drudge Report)
Why Romney Can't Remember Anyone's Name May 29, 2007
The winner gets a copy of , Battlefield Earth, by L. Ron Hubbardor, as Mitt likes to call him, ".". 3:17 P.M. (). (Slate)
Pulp affection May 13, 2007
When asked recently by a Fox News interviewer to name his favorite novel, Mitt Romney's answer, the 1982 science-fiction epic "Battlefield Earth," raised eyebrows across the political spectrum ... But after cracking a few jokes about the book's far-fetched plot -- in which a ragtag band of humans struggles to rid earth of its alien overlords -- and Hubbard's slipshod prose style, Dickerson shrugged his shoulders and lamely concluded: "You simply need a deep level of weird to like 'Battlefield... (Boston Globe)
Making tracks May 3, 2007
Some people like the book Battlefield Earth. Others don t comment on the book at all - they simply point out that the author is the founder of Scientology so, my gosh, if you like his book you must be deranged and pathetic and be a Scientology sympathizer - forget if the book is a fun read or not. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Candidate Romney talks tomes May 2, 2007
Asked the other night on "Fox & Friends" about his favorite novel, the former Massachusetts governor gave the thumbs up to "Battlefield Earth" by L. Ron Hubbard ... "But . . . that was a very fun science-fiction book." (Weirdly, on his MySpace page, Romney lists "Huckleberry Finn" as his fave, and doesn't even mention "Battlefield Earth.") Asked about his favorite book, Romney, predictably perhaps, cited the Bible. (Boston Globe)
Summer movie preview Apr 29, 2007
Wait -- didn't John Travolta already make "Battlefield Earth ". No, sorry, this is based on the mid-'80s cartoon series beloved by 7-year-old boys in footie-pajamas, which in turn was based on a line of toys, which spawned two decades of animated spin-offs, which has somehow led to this massive summer circus directed by Michael Bay , starring Shia LeBeouf , Tyrese , and Jon Voight , and featuring more computer-animation than you can shake a render farm at. (Boston Globe)
Bad films get great reviews Apr 11, 2007
Technical incompetence: "Battlefield Earth": "The director, Roger Christian, has learned from better films that directors sometimes tilt their cameras, but he has not learned why.". Illogic: "Reign of Fire": "Why, if civilization has been destroyed, do they have electricity and fuel? Not supposed to ask such questions. They're like, how come everybody has cigarettes in Water World'?". (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Get hog-wild with the 'Wild Hogs' crew Mar 1, 2007
There, the actors draw double-takes from regulars who recognize the leather-clad stars from movies such as The Santa Clause and Battlefield Earth. "Ain't that the little guy from Seabiscuit?" asks bar patron Michael Carlin, gesturing toward Macy. (USA Today -- Life)
show's highs and lows Feb 26, 2007
I am now forced to remember that he and Forest were co-stars in the deliciously putrid "Battlefield Earth," a movie so bad I couldn't even get through more than five minutes. And this is coming from a former devotee of "Saved By The Bell.". (The Palm Beach Post)
Jessica Biel's Dogs To Al Gore's Jokes: What You May Have Missed At The Oscars Feb 26, 2007
Clearly Travolta still feels Whitaker owes him one after getting him to appear in "Battlefield Earth.". 7:03 p.m.: Jennifer Hudson is shown a videotape message wishing her luck from Simon Cowell. (VHI.com -- Music News)
Toy fair features array of multimedia creations (Joseph Szadkowski) Feb 24, 2007
Special moments for me included meetings with Regis Philbin as he demonstrated a "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" hand-held game; a talk with Rosie O'Donnell, who promoted Miss Spider plush dolls; and even an encounter with John Travolta, who stopped by the Trendmasters showroom to ogle his "Battlefield Earth" action figures. It is a history that must be carried over to the massive warehouse known as the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and a few showrooms scattered around the Big Apple. (Washington Times)
Scientology Called 'the Kabbalah of 2007' ... but Will Hollywood Really Convert? Feb 16, 2007
Apparently, Cruise wasn't fazed by the abysmal reception that another Scientology-based flick, "Battlefield Earth," got from critics and audiences, and if "The Thetan" does better, Scientology could suddenly see its philosophy expounded before millions around the world, earning the mass audience it has always craved. Which would all be exactly as Hubbard wanted it to be. (Fox News -- Views)
J.Lo + L.Ron could equal a box office boost for Lopez Jan 25, 2007
Whether or not she does become a full-fledged Scientologist and her acting takes off again, most fans could only hope there's one project Lopez will never agree to - a sequel to Battlefield Earth. That was the disastrous sci-fi flick, based on a novel by L. Ron Hubbard, that featured Travolta as a dreadlocked, 9-foot-tall space alien. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Tom Cruise Makes His Move on Posh Jan 14, 2007
That "Thetan" movie can't possibly be very good--does anyone remember 'Battlefield Earth. " The more failure that Cruise has, the more people will want to distance themselves from him.And what I don't understand is, how can Katie Holmes be setting up any meetings with anyone in power in Hollywood? She has never been a major player. If she's friendly with Steven Spielberg, it's only because Tom worked with him on "Minority Report" and "War of the Worlds. (TMZ.com)
Just when you thought it was safe to go to the cinema... Jan 7, 2007
This month, for instance, you can see the Scientology-inspired Battlefield Earth in Edinburgh in the company of comedian Glenn Wool; watch Basic Instinct 2 being lambasted by Phil Nichol in Brixton; catch the stunt-packed Viva Knievel. in Battersea; or revel in the horror of Anaconda in Swindon. (Guardian Unlimited -- UK)
The stupid ramblings of a Hollywood drunkard Dec 29, 2006
When was the last time you heard a drunken mathematician dispute an axiom, a drunken physicist claim that the whole space-time thing is a load of bunkum or a drunken film critic admit they enjoyed Battlefield Earth. People's opinions don't magically flip when soused. (National Post)
Loveless in the time of cholera (Christian Toto) Dec 29, 2006
Use it poorly, and you get a wilted vanity project like John Travolta's "Battlefield Earth." Yet Edward Norton and Naomi Watts wisely wield their clout, and extensive gifts, to enliven a third screen treatment of W. Somerset Maugham's "The Painted Veil." The actors co-produced a film that, by most measures, would be regarded by some as box-office poison. It's an elaborate romance set in early 20th-century China that deals with a cholera outbreak which makes "The English Patient," by comparison,... (Washington Times)
2006 out of focus| Dec 11, 2006
But none compare to 'Ultraviolet', a pile of futuristic action sci-fi drivel that makes 'Battlefield Earth' and 'Aeon Flux' look like masterpieces. "One might say that 'Ultraviolet' is a mess from beginning to end, but that would assume that there is a beginning and an end, which there isnt really. It meanders along, never really knowing what its doing, why its there or where it's going much like star Milla Jovovich herself.". (iAfrica.com)
A 'King'-sized challenge Nov 5, 2006
He has been a successful director (Waiting to Exhale), hosted The Twilight Zone on TV, and is currently guest starring on ER, all decent work for an actor who has done a few too many supporting roles (Panic Room, Phone Booth) or bombs (Battlefield Earth) to sustain a reputation. But the buzz is back. (Orlando Sentinel)
more » Oct 22, 2006
(For humanitarian reasons, we do not remind Pepper that he also led a war in "Battlefield Earth."). Pepper's Strank embodied the courage the military needed to sell as the country's war chest eroded in World War II. He didn't survive but the photo did, serving as a symbolic tipping-point in the Pacific against Japan. (CTNow.com)
The flip-flop symposium Oct 17, 2006
Yes, Battlefield Earth was a terrible movie, but just two months after its release, Dream Team IV won gold in Sydney, the last Dream Team to do so. Despite the best efforts of Vietnam, the Soviet Union and John Travolta, our athletic prowess showed the world who was really number one. (The Daily Princetonian, NJ)
Hakuna Macaca Oct 16, 2006
However, banking on Webb to do the job -- the same guy who wrote the script for that movie "Battlefield Earth" -- might not be a good idea. I kid, of course. (The Cavalier Daily, VA)
Young stars rally round Eastwood Oct 15, 2006
15, 2006 12:00 AM HOLLYWOOD - With credits that include Saving Private Ryan, We Were Soldiers and Battlefield Earth, Barry Pepper is a hardened veteran of Hollywood combat. But even Pepper was given pause during a battle scene on an Icelandic beach doubling for Iwo Jima in Flags of Our Fathers, directed by Clint Eastwood. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Becoming Amin brings Oscar buzz to Forest Whitaker Oct 5, 2006
The Star Online eCentral - Malaysia Entertainment. Your browser does not support script. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Forest Whitaker stressed specifics in playing a general Oct 1, 2006
The role earned him a Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival, and thanks to subsequent roles in a diversified slate of movies, such as a kidnapped British soldier in ``The Crying Game" and a gay fashion designer in ``Pret- -Porter," he has since maintained his critic's darling status (his evil, dreadlocked giant alien in ``Battlefield Earth" notwithstanding). As the head of Spirit Dance Entertainment, Whitaker has also developed a number of touchy-feeling films he's directed himself,... (Boston Globe)
Uwe Boll Conquers His Critics Sep 27, 2006
" It didn't take long for us to realize he had charmed Jeff Sneider (Ain'tItCool.com), Chris Alexander of Rue Morgue magazine, Richard "Lowtax" of SomethingAwful.com and Nelson Chance Minter into the ring with shiny promises of publicity as a cover to actually take serious shots to their heads. Uwe barely managed a smile as the intros were made and more verbal criticism was bravely thrown down. Ding Ding round one. Boll was indeed there to seek some feral payback and any hope of playful petting... (Defamer.com)
REPORT: TOM CRUISE DISPATCHED 'SCIENTOLOGY GOONS' TO INTIMIDATE PARAMOUNT CHIEF... Sep 16, 2006
In the late nineties, John Travolta furiously lobbied reluctant former Fox studio chief Bill Mechanic to produce Battlefield Earth, the science-fiction stinker based on a story by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. "He had Scientologists all over me," Mechanic told Radar last year. (The Drudge Report)
Friday's Football Picks Sep 15, 2006
Then, very quietly, Travolta lands a role in a film called Pulp Fiction and suddenly he s hot again, giving us a string of big-time movies (although I m sure we re all in agreement that Battlefield Earth never really happened) ... Let s just hope that Don Patterson Field doesn t become Ridgeland s own Battlefield Earth. (WWalker County Messenger, GA)
Scare flick 'Wicker Man' horrifyingly bad Sep 9, 2006
"The Wicker Man" isn't as bad as the decade's biggest misfire, "Battlefield Earth," but it comes close. It's the sort of movie in which you hope Ellen Burstyn, once so good in "The Exorcist," still has a few connections at the Vatican. (Bangor Daily News)
Ernesto goes to camp Sep 4, 2006
Ninety-nine percent of discussions are about as enjoyable as spending an evening watching "Battlefield Earth"* and getting stabbed in the face. Apologies to any Scient-hoo-logists. (The Cavalier Daily, VA)
Also reviewed: 'Ultraviolet' Jul 28, 2006
You may not believe it, but 'Battlefield Earth' was something of a film landmark. It was so painfully bad in every aspect, from the ridiculous storyline to John Travoltas nasal tubes, that it became something of a yardstick for the movie industry. (iAfrica.com)
Is the iTunes Movie Store a Good Idea? Jun 23, 2006
Viewers might have every intention of rewatching Battlefield Earth but time constraints coupled with the fact that it was one horrible movie means that it will be watched exactly once. This replay value explains why people rent movies but buy music CDs. (Apple Matters)
Forget Scientology, how about Opus Dei May 18, 2006
Same goes for my at-home Thetan measuring device, and my autographed copy of Battlefield Earth. Astrology lost its glamour back when Nancy Reagan left the White House, and the only time Ive been relieved to find myself suddenly pass was midway through my silent birth. (MSNBC -- International)
Monday Morning Poll: Scientology on the Big Screen? May 16, 2006
I think Battlefield Earth did enough for this pseudo-religion, anyway ... Anonymous - if you are not a Scientologist, how can you say with such conviction that Battlefield Earth has *nothing* to do with Scientology ... Battlefield Earth had NOTHING to do with Scientology, and I resent the idea that there's a connection even though I'm not a Scientologist myself. (Cinematical)
'Dallas' movie scoop May 9, 2006
Here's a cleaned-up version of the on-the-set conversation, minus a discussion of Scientology and what was the more embarrassing movie, Battlefield Earth or Gigli. Travolta: Hi, Jennifer. (KHOU.com, TX)
Hollywood plotting Apr 29, 2006
If only the Scientologists really did run Hollywood. John Patterson proposes his alternative conspiracy theory. (Guardian Unlimited -- Film)
Scientollywood's A list Mar 15, 2006
You can take the Scientologist out of the hit show, as singer-actor Isaac Hayes demonstrated this week by quitting the ''South Park" cast over an episode that satirized his religion. But taking show biz out of Scientology is a trickier proposition, given the number of celebrities who've been advertising their ties to the controversial church lately.Leading the pack are Tom Cruise, described in a recent Los Angeles Times story as ''the public face of the church," and John Travolta, producer and... (Boston Globe)
