Star-studded films

3/03/05

The star-studded "Get Shorty" sequel "Be Cool," co-starring John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Harvey Keitel, Vince Vaughn, Danny DeVito, Cedric the Entertainer, The Rock, André 3000, Christina Milian and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler, hits theaters tomorrow, so let's take a look at other movies that bring a who's who of stars together.

"It's A Mad Mad Mad Mad World" - 1963

They don't make them like this anymore. Seriously. They tried in 2001 with "Rat Race," which blatantly ripped this film off. This classic comedy had tons of stars trying to find Jimmy Durante's cash buried under a "Big W." The cast included Milton Berle, Mickey Rooney, Buddy Hackett, Sid Caesar, Spencer Tracey and the Three Stooges as firemen, just to name a few. The best part? When Jonathon Winters totally takes on these gas station employees in a battle royale.

"Ocean's Eleven" - 2001

OK, so I didn't see this movie. I've had this rule, ever since I saw "Hook" - a purely enjoyable take on a classic story with Robin Williams as the tights-clad hero, that kid from "Dick Tracey," Rufio - and just one character made me want to go all Oedipus on myself: Tinkerbell, played by Julia Roberts. Since then, I have refused to see any film that has this actress. However, an exception has recently been made, as I did, in fact, see "Closer." Maybe if Steven Soderbergh intercuts "Ocean's Eleven" with Natalie Portman stripping, then I'll see it.

"Mars Attacks!" - 1996

Tim Burton's wacky alien invasion film had more stars than a Sidekick commercial. There was Pierce Brosnan's disembodied head, Jack Black as a redneck soldier, ultra-horny Martin Short, Jim Brown punching Martians, Jack Nicholson and Tom Jones. Oh, the good old days - Tim Burton before he made "Planet of the Apes." Worst ending ever. Can anyone say "Ape Lincoln?"

"Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back" - 2001

"Strike Back" was Kevin Smith's mega-comedy and gift to all of his hardcore fans before he went off to go make "Jersey Girl" and commercials (ugh). However, we can still enjoy all the cameos from Chris Rock, Jon Stewart, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Wes Craven, Gus Van Sant, Will Ferrell, Seann William Scott, Diedrich Bader, Jason Lee, Jason Biggs and James Van Der Beek. I really like when Jay tells "Dawson" that he should've drowned Pacey in the creek after he stole Joey away.