Mental Floss

MOVIES

They like screens under certain circumstances.

Videos of dogs watching the animated film “Flow” have gone viral recently, and science backs up the adorable phenomenon.

CaLea Johnson


It treads a fine line between stupid and clever, but we love it anyway.

Ahead of ‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues,’ which comes out this fall, discover more fun facts about Rob Reiner’s original film, which turned a fictional heavy metal band into bona fide musical superstars.

Jennifer M Wood






Perhaps a recall is in order.

A car accident in a movie usually ends in a huge fireball. But what really causes vehicle fires?

Jake Rossen




Actor and author Gene Hackman.

Here are some bon mots the actor and author said over the years, on everything from how he chose his projects to the joys of writing.

Erin McCarthy




Tom Hanks in ‘Forrest Gump.’

From the box office bomb he loved to the job he got by kicking Fonzie through a window, Hanks’s filmography is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re gonna get.

Jason Tabrys


American Film director Robert Altman.

The seven-time Oscar-nominated filmmaker behind M*A*S*H and Gosford Park, who would have turned 100 this year, changed how we watch—and hear—movies. He also tattooed Harry S. Truman’s dog.

Jennifer M Wood






Lukas Haas, Kelly McGillis, Brent Jennings, and Harrison Ford in ‘Witness.’

Roger Ebert loved Peter Weir’s film, calling it “an electrifying and poignant love story” and “a thriller ... Alfred Hitchcock would have been proud to make.” ‘Witness’ turns 40 this year; here’s what you should know.

April Snellings
Pee-wee Herman, circa 1995

In the summer of 1985, Paul Reubens introduced America’s youth—and millions of young-at-heart adults—to a new kind of comedy.

Jennifer M Wood