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To say I’m a fan of Ralph Bakshi is simply an understatement. Most know him for films like FRITZ THE CAT (1972), WIZARDS (1977), THE LORD OF THE RINGS (1978), and COOL WORLD (1992). Personally, I’m more partial to some of his lesser-seen or more controversial works like HEAVY TRAFFIC (1973), COONSKIN (1975), and the criminally-elusive HEY GOOD LOOKIN’ (1982). Ralph has also worked on various animated TV projects, cutting his teeth early on with the SPIDER-MAN (1968-70) animated series, MIGHTY MOUSE THE NEW ADVENTURES (1987-88), and SPICY CITY (1997). This man isn’t just an influential pioneer in animation, he’s also one of the coolest real-life characters I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. I brought Ralph to the Dallas Comic Con a few years ago as a special guest when (at the time) he was putting together a new project called THE LAST DAYS OF CONEY ISLAND, and now he’s completed it with a release date later this month. You can check out the trailer below, and pre-order the film now for $3.99 for a October 29th release. The main character voices are as follows:
I’m particularly excited that Ralph is using Tina Romanus again, who played my favorite Bakshi girl “Rozzie” in HEY GOOD LOOKIN’. It’s also important to note that in this day and age of CGI taking over animated films, here we’re seeing true hand-drawn animation by a living legend in the industry. Baskhi’s films and sensibilities may not be for everyone, but if you’re the type who “gets it” then it’s always a wonder to behold. Check out the trailer and tell us your thoughts in the comments. For more info on the project, read the official synopsis below.
In the cheap glitter and glow of a fading Coney Island a group of characters live out their sordid, strange lives trying to get somewhere fast – any way they can. Desperately trying to love and be loved. These cops, call girls, mafia hoods, transvestites, fortune-tellers, clowns, and freaks are all intertwined, heading on a crazy roller coaster ride into a black hole they think is life.
All of these characters are totally removed from the 60s America that, at the same time, is violently changing its values, fast. It is how hard they try, with the deck stacked against them, that we root for them in amazement. The film is done in funny hand drawn animation which makes their story even more amazing to watch. We invite you to enjoy the show.
Created, Written, and Directed by Ralph Bakshi, LAST DAYS OF CONEY ISLAND is Produced by Edward Bakshi, with music by Mark Taylor. Zac Wittstruck is the editor, animation & backgrounds are by Ralph Bakshi. Sound design and mixing by Kathleen Edwards, Tor Kingdon (Hear Kitty Studios).
Last Days of Coney Island from Bakshi Productions, Inc. on Vimeo.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
