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First off, I love going to movies. So when our friends at MJR announced the first ScreenX system being installed at MJR Waterford, I was fired up to see it in action. Does it live up to the hype? Is the first ScreenX in Michigan worth the trip to my lovely town of Waterford? Let’s talk.
What is ScreenX and Will You Like It?
There’s some really interesting tech behind ScreenX (which we’ll get to), but first I want to address the movie goers question: “Is this just a gimmick?”. That would be a resounding NO. The ScreenX system uses three projectors (see image below for perspective), using the side walls of the theater (they refer to the smaller side screens as “wings”) to create a wrap around effect while you’re watching the movie. In some ways it’s actually MORE immersive than 3D technology, without being overwhelming to the viewer. Caught up with Joel Kincaid from MJR to talk about the new screen:
ScreenX in Michigan – The Experience
Watching the new film “Twisters” was a great way to introduce ScreenX in Michigan. The side screens aren’t used during the entire movie, but you’ll quickly notice they blend into your peripheral vision perfectly. Couple of notes about the ScreenX experience:
- Keep your eyes on the center of the big screen. I know that sounds silly, but after looking at the side screens (wings) for a couple of minutes you’ll get comfortable and immerse yourself in the ScreenX experience.
- Let it wash over you. We also tend to zero in on certain people or elements of a scene (the good looking actor, or the crazy stunt). With a big summer action film like “Twisters” it was also easy to mentally “zoom in” on certain things…but trust your mind, lean back in your chair and let it wash over you…it’s a cool experience.
- This is my new favorite movie screen. IMAX may be bigger, 3D has been around longer, but the ScreenX technology just makes more sense to advance the movie going experience. You don’t need glasses, or a giant screen installed – and we’re already seeing hollywood directors looking at this advancement with a creative eye. The director of “Maverick” was influential in ScreenX, and with movies like “Deadpool and Wolverine”, “Aliens: Romulus” and the Brad Pitt “F1” movie next year – I’m more excited than ever to sit down in my hometown MJR and soak them in.
Bottom Line. Go See It.
“Twisters” was a 100% summer film with Glen Powell owning the screen as the tornado chasing cowboy. The scene at the rodeo was mind blowing on the ScreenX system – and this film had a couple of “oh damn” moments (great visuals). BTW – Glen Powell has that “it” factor of a great actor…he owns every scene he’s in (that goes back to Top Gun: Maverick).
Back to the movie itself, it was funny how I spent part of the movie peeking around to look at the ScreenX system, and part of “Twisters” looking for references to the original (there was only one that I got – but I’ll give stuff away if I do that).
I love movies. Always have. Always will. From being a little kid seeing “Jaws 3D” to the first time I heard a Dolby sound system, I’ve always looked for movie theaters to advance the experience. ScreenX is that system for me.
Take the trip to MJR in Waterford and check it out. Turn your phone off for a couple of hours, clap both times during the MJR jingle and eat as much popcorn as you want (get the real butter, it’s the best). Everyone deserves a break these days, and the ScreenX system takes us there.
Jim O'Brien is the Host of "Big Jim's House" Morning Show at 94.7 WCSX in Detroit. Jim spent eight years in the U.S. Naval Submarine Service, has appeared on Shark Tank (Man Medals Season 5 Ep. 2), raised over two million dollars for local charities and is responsible for Glenn Frey Drive and Bob Seger Blvd in the Motor City. Jim's relationship with Classic Rock includes considering Bob Seger, Phil Collen from Def Leppard, Wally Palmer of the Romantics and many others good friends. Jim writes about ‘80s movies, cars, weird food trends and “as seen on TikTok” content.
The Top Cameos from Iconic ROCK And Roll Superstars In Movies
On August 13th, 1982, director Cameron Crowe released Fast Times at Ridgemont High. It was the movie that depicted what life in high school was all about.
‘Fast Times At Ridgemont High’ soundtrack (1982)
Watching this classic movie, you could pick out characters in this movie that reminded you of somebody you went to high school with immediately. From the total stoner to the Phoebe Cates to the high school football player and of course, the ticket scalper kid that would get you concert tickets to just about anything.
The movie soundtrack also was a mixture of classic rock and punk rock songs that made it even more enjoyable. And the movie took on some very controversial topics. The biggest kick was getting out of the jobs that all these kids had throughout the year. The biggest hangout, of course, was the mall.
But all these years later a surprise nugget of information that took me years to figure out about someone’s cameo that was in the movie. Heart’s Nancy Wilson did a cameo as credited, Hot Girl in car. So put together a list. The Top Cameos from Iconic ROCK And Roll Superstars In Movies
Nancy Wilson
In ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Nancy WilsonofHeart caught the eye of Brad Hamilton (Judge Reinhold) at a streetlight. Brad, he’s wearing his Captain Hook Fish and Chips uniform, Wilson as she drives off laughing.
Though she was only in ‘Fast Times’ briefly, Wilson had a romance with the writer, and director Cameron Crowe. In 1986, the couple wed and remained married until their divorce in 2010.
Tom Petty
The Movie “FM” was about a LA radio station called QSKY. The movie went on to influence the TV sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati . This clip feature a cameo from Tom Petty.
Jack White
Jack White as Elvis, threatens rising rock ‘n roll star Dewey Cox (John C. Reilly) backstage at a concert in the 1950’s in Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. Jack was up for an Oscar for his cameo. Not the real Oscar but a sandwich.
Mick Jager
Mick Jagger’slast appearance in a movie was a briefcameoas a Bank Safe Deposit employee in 2008 heist film TheBank Job.
George Harrison
George Harrison from The Beatles, and one of the greatest songwriters in history. The legendary Harrison got the chance to appear in Life of Brian, which is an iconic piece of Monty Python history.
Ozzy Osbourne
In 1995 the Jerky Boys took their funny crank calls to the big screen in a full length movie. The Prince of Darkness himself Ozzy Osbourne makes a funny cameo as himself. Must say Ozzy did pretty good as an actor.
Phil Collins
Phil Collins was a hit in the band Genesis and as a solo artist. Collins also caught the acting bug, with a decent cameo in the film Hookas one of the detectives investigating the disappearance of Peter’s kids.
David Bowie
David Bowie’s art and music were untouchable, and over the years, he made some incredible film appearances, some of which have stood the test of time. But even a simple cameo, Bowie’s appearance in the film Zoolander remains one of the rad rock star cameos in movie history.
Billy Idol
1998 Hit movie, The Wedding Singer with Drew Barrymore and Adam Sadler .Billy Idol exploded in popularity and became an icon of the ’80s. His four-minute cameo in The Wedding Singerremains one of the greatest cameos in movie history.
Alice Cooper
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