Vincent Schiavelli

Vincent Schiavelli, the well-known droopy-eyed character actor died in Sicily on Monday. He was 57. He may not have a famous name, but his face is known by many. Many of our memories of classic images from our favorite movies bear unforgettable images of his strong screen presence.

Schiavelli played in over 150 movies throughout his acting career, mostly as eccentric or creepy characters. Among his most memorable roles were: as patient Frederickson in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest ; Ghost in which his character of 'Subway ghost' taught Patrick Swayze to move objects around so he could exact revenge on his killers; Tomorrow Never Dies; as Salieri's valet in Amadeus ; the organ grinder in Batman Returns and as Chester in The People vs. Larry Flynt. He was also Mr. Vargas, the science teacher in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, who was married to the character portrayed by Lana Clarkson.

In 1997, Vanity Fair magazine named Schiavelli one of America’s Best Character Actors. Schiavelli's last acting role was in an Italian mini series in 2005, Silva Roibes.

2Movie pays its tribute to this great character actor whom many of us will miss.

King Kong

It seems this is the Oscar year for special effects. So many contenders would compete with each other -- 'Star Wars III', 'War of the World' , 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' and now 'King Kong'!

Peter Jackson, the celebrated director of 'Lord of the Rings' brings this pure magic to movie-lovers of all age. Sometime or other we all had our share of the thrill of experiencing this iconic story of the gigantic ape-monster captured in the wilds and brought to civilization where he meets his tragic fate. Jackson's great cinematic vision combined with the latest technology for special effects take this story to another great height and achieves the glory of another wonder in the world of movies. As promised, Kong stood out to be a unique and breathtaking creation.

The screenplay is by Jackson, Walsh and Boyens and it is, of course, based on the original story by Merian C. Cooper and Edgar Wallace, which became the classic 1933 RKO Radio Pictures film, directed by adventurers Cooper and Ernest B. Schoesdack. Jackson also expanded the story on the chapters that took place in the mysterious and dangerous jungles of Skull Island. It was a treat to watch the very attractive Naomi Watts acting superbly in the role of Ann Darrow. It was very mature performance indeed.

As of the end of last weekend, 'King Kong' has already grossed over $66.2 Million in box office. The film is rated PG-13 for frightening adventure violence and some disturbing images. For more, visit the film's official site: kingkongmovie.com .