FILM 1998: SMALL SOLDIERS

FILM 1998: SMALL SOLDIERS

TRIVIA: Joseph Mazzello was the original choice to play Alan Abernathy.

The piranha next to Alan's computer is a reference to Piranha (1978), also directed by Joe Dante.

Burger King agreed to market the film with its kids meals, before it was rated PG-13. The film was released soon after Oregon teen Kip Kinkel killed his parents, then went on a shooting rampage at Thurston High School in Springfield, killing two students and wounding 25. The Kip Killigan action figure was not distributed in Oregon.

This movie featured music by Led Zeppelin, a band notoriously strict about how their music is used in films, games, and other media.

Joe Dante originally wanted the cast of Predator (1987) to voice the Commando Elite. Arnold Schwarzenegger would voice Chip Hazard, Shane Black would voice Kip Killagin, Carl Weathers would voice Butch Meathook, Jesse Ventura would voice Brick Bazooka, Sonny Landham would voice Nick Nitro, and Bill Duke would voice Link Static.

The murder of Phil Hartman before the premiere caused some minor changes before release. 

WILHELM SCREAM: When Brick Bazooka is firing at Alan's bike to attack Archer, and ends up getting chewed up by the tire spokes and chain, Brick lets out a Wilhelm scream as he flies away. A Commando Elite soldier emits the same scream, as he breaks apart from the EMP on Stuart Abernathy's chest.

FILM 1726: JUMANJI

TRIVIA: According to author Chris Van Allsburg, the word "jumanji" is Zulu for "many effects," which alludes to "the exciting consequences of the game" as mentioned in the film.

The Jumanji game board was very popular throughout the years, to the point where a screen used board was sold in 2014 for 60,800 dollars.

During a guest appearance on Clive Anderson All Talk (1996), a UK chat show, Robin Williams told a story about filming the scene where Alan wrestles a crocodile. He said that in one take he got a little carried away and thumped the crocodile with his elbow, forgetting that there was a man inside the suit. He heard a voice inside the crocodile yell "Hey!" in protest.

Scarlett Johansson auditioned for the role of Judy Shepherd.

There are 110 spaces in the board game.

The dual casting of Jonathan Hyde as both Alans father and the villanous Van Pelt is similar to the custom in adaptations of Peter Pan, with Mr. Darling and Captain Hook being played by the same actor. Robin Williams played a grown up Peter Pan in Hook (1991)

Film 1074: Bachelorette

Trivia: Casey Wilson was set to play the role of Becky but dropped out for scheduling issues She was replaced by Rebel Wilson (no relation).

Isla Fisher and Rebel Wilson share the same birthdays, 3 Feb. However, Isla is 10 years older than Rebel, and they play high school friends in this movie. Both Lizzy Caplan and Kirsten Dunst were born 1982.