For Space Ace, a day late...

Usually, I’m very good at remembering birthdays. Or just about any special occasion, actually – I’ve always prided myself on being able to keep on top of these important dates without needing any sort of reminder.

But I’m ashamed to admit that as of today, that’s clearly no longer the case. Because as of today, December 24, I am a day late in acknowledging the birthday of one of the most celebrated and renowned entertainers in recent years – Corey Haim.

I know, I know – you probably forgot all about his birthday, too. And, I mean, that’s understandable. He’s done such a good job in recent years of being sure he steers clear of the spotlight, avoiding the paparazzi and events where he’s be sure to be hounded by the media. After all, it’s not like Corey needs the publicity he’d generate from being ranked highly on Yahoo’s! buzz index or by taking part in the next edition of I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! He’s soooo way past that. And since Corey’s been so savvy avoiding overexposure, I’ve done a little research, simply to fill in the gaps so, even though he’s kept a low profile, his recent accomplishments won’t be overlooked.

In 2003 - Corey appears in the movie Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star. Strangely, although I’ve seen this movie many times (last month, it was on heavy rotation on Showtime), I seem to have missed his cameo. This film is particularly notable, though, as it reunites him with fellow teen heartthrob Corey Feldman (who I was able to witness in several scenes of this movie – perhaps missing Haim was just my dumb luck).

In 2004 – Corey participates in The Lost Boys: A Retrospective, a DVD of commentary from cast members that’s packaged along with the movie when it’s re-released as a special edition. While researching for more about his part on the DVD, I located a short video of him and, again, Corey Feldman, giving an interview around the time the movie re-release took place. Both Coreys answered questions about their memories of working on the film, their favorite vampire death scenes, the potential for a sequel and a few random, more impromptu queries, one of which pertained to what superpower each would like to have, if one could actually be had. Feldman pretty much ignored this, but Space Ace (Corey Haim’s nickname, according to IMDB.com) said he’d like to have the power of ice. I myself was unaware that ice was actually a power, super or otherwise, but he claimed this was the power he would want so he could “go anywhere with it to blind people and hurt people.” Um, okay. The interview ended shortly after that.

Also in 2004 – Apparently a busy year for Corey, who starred in the movie Universal Groove. While I have yet to screen this film myself (it seems to not be available on Netflix), the plot sounds like it would definitely be something that Corey could relate to (if you’ve seen his E! True Hollywood Story, I think you’ll know what I mean…and, if you haven’t, it’s definitely worth checking out sometime). Corey plays Jim, the story’s narrator, who takes part in the underground party scene. From what can be inferred, from what little there is out there about this movie, Jim is himself a “once party strong addict,” who stumbles back into his old scene, where he encounters various other party people, from whom he learns some very important life lessons. Very deep. And I think I can pre-order my DVD now for only $49.50.

In 2005 – Corey’s definitely been laying low over the last twelve months. His only confirmed appearance has been as part of VH1’s 100 Greatest Kid Stars, of which there was no new footage, just clips from past projects. He did, however, rank an impressive number 26 on the list. Corey’s lack of new roles, though, can probably be best explained by what another source reports he’s been doing most of this year - living in Toronto, with his mother, working part-time at a record store. Perhaps while he’s there, he can pick up a copy of Irish band The Thrills’ single Whatever Happened to Corey Haim? Hmm, wonder if you get can that on iTunes…