“Fight or Flight” starring Josh Hartnett, Katee Sackhoff and Charithra Chandran – New Poster & Trailer are Here!

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Fight or Flight starring Josh Hartnett, Katee Sackhoff and Charithra Chandran looks like a fun ride.

Deal me in.

A mercenary takes on the job of tracking a high-value asset known only as The Ghost on an international flight. Realizing the plane is filled with assassins assigned to kill them both, the pair must work together in a fight for their lives.

Starring: Josh Hartnett, Katee Sackhoff, Charithra Chandran
Directed by: James Madigan
Release Date: May 9th, 2025

“The Human Duplicators” (1964) / Z-View

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The Human Duplicators (1964)

Director: Hugo Grimaldi, Arthur C. Pierce (uncredited)

Screenplay: Arthur C. Pierce

Stars: George Nader, Barbara Nichols, George Macready, Dolores Faith, Hugh Beaumont, Richard Arlen, John Indrisano, Margaret Teele and Richard Kiel.

Tagline: Made to Kill or Love on Command!

The Plot…

 Dr. Kolos (Kiel) is teletransported to Earth to begin plans for an Intergalactic takeover.  The plan is to create human androids to assist in the takeover.  Kolos goes to the mansion of the brilliant scientist, Dr. Vaughan Dornheimer (Macready).  Kolos forces Dr. Dornheimer to work with him to create the androids.  They begin by duplicating the top scientists in the country.

As the android army increases an agent from the NIA (National Intelligence Agency) begins snooping around. He discovers the plan to take over the planet, but it may be too late.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Hugh Beaumont, best known for his role as Beaver’s father on the television classic Leave It To Beaver, appears in his final feature film role.

Richard Kiel plays Dr. Kolos, the alien sent down to lead the takeover of Earth.  His name wasn’t featured on the original movie poster.

I made it through the movie so I’ll give it two stars… barely.

The Human Duplicators (1964) rates 2 of 5 stars

“Clash by Night” (1952) directed by Fritz Lang, starring Barbara Stanwyck, Robert Ryan, Paul Douglas and Marilyn Monroe / Z-View

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Clash by Night (1952)

Director: Fritz Lang

Screenplay: Alfred Hayes; based on Clash by Night by Clifford Odets

Stars: Barbara Stanwyck, Robert Ryan, Paul Douglas, Marilyn Monroe, J. Carrol Naish, Keith Andes, Albert Cavens and Charles Cirillo.

Tagline: They called it love! But that isn’t what the whole town whispered…nor the ugly name the husband gave it when he found out…too late!

The Plot…

Mae Doyle (Stanwyck) left Monterey for a glamourous life.  Now, ten years later she’s returned.  The rich man she was seeing died.  He left Mae some money, but the man’s wife and family took her to court.  They won and Mae got nothing.  Now she’s ten years older and back in the same small town she hoped to never see again.

Mae moves into the family home now owned by her younger brother, Joe (Andes).  Joe isn’t happy to see Mae back.  Joe knows she’s a gold digger and is worried Mae will be a bad influence on his girl, Peggy (Monroe).

Mae begins to date Joe’s boss, Jerry.  Jerry owns a boat and makes a modest living leading a fishing crew.  Jerry falls for Mae but thinks he’s not in her league.  Mae hoped for a better life, but Jerry is the best she’ll find in this town.  They continue to date with Jerry hoping to win her over.

Jerry introduces Mae to his best friend, Earl (Ryan).  Earl is rough around the edges, and like Mae had hoped for a better life than he has.  Mae can’t stand Earl and the feeling is mutual.

Jerry proposes to Mae.  She warns him that she’s no good for him.  Jerry doesn’t see it that way.  Mae realizes that although Jerry isn’t her type of man, he could provide her with security.  Mae agrees to marry Jerry, maybe she will come to love him.

A year into the marriage and Jerry and Mae have a baby girl.  Small time life isn’t what Mae wanted.  And the way Earl is looking at her and talking to her.

Mae knows it’s wrong and someone could end up dead, but…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Clash by Night features one of Marilyn Monroe’s first starring roles.  During filming, news of Monroe’s nude calendar photos became public knowledge.  The news created quite a distraction for the film’s production.  Barbara Stanwyck advised Marilyn to admit the truth and say that she posed for the photos when she was younger and needed the money. (Much as Stanwyck did when she was younger.)

Stanwyck, Ryan and Monroe get well deserved praise for this film.  And rightly so.  Paul Douglas shines as well.

Clash by Night deals with a mature theme and is well directed and well cast.  I felt the ending wrapped things up too nicely.  Interestingly enough, the play on which the film is based had a different ending.  One of the main characters is murdered.  Director Fritz Lang wanted to keep that ending, but the studio forced a more positive outcome.  I wish Lang had gotten his way.

Clash by Night (1952) rates 3 of 5 stars

“Hand of Death” (1962) starring John Agar, Paula Raymond and Steve Dunne / Z-View

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Hand of Death (1962)

Director: Gene Nelson

Screenplay: Eugene Ling

Stars: John Agar, Paula Raymond, Stephen Dunne, Roy Gordon, John A. Alonzo, Butch Patrick, Norman Burton, Fred Krone, Jack Donner and Joe Besser.

Tagline: No one dared come too close!

The Plot…

Alex Marsh (Agar) thinks he’s on the verge of a breakthrough.  Marsh has been working on the creation of a nerve gas for the military.  After long hours in the lab, Marsh spills some and infects himself.  Marsh slowly turns into a monster whose very touch kills!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Joe Besser, best known as one of the Three Stooges, has a small role.  Butch Patrick, best known for his role on The Munsters, appears in a small role as well.

Comic Book fans may note the resemblance between the movie’s monster and The Thing’s early appearances in Fantastic Four comics.  Although the movie monster was colored black, on the posters and lobby cards he was orange (same as the Thing).  The monster also disguised itself using a hat and trenchcoat (as did the Thing in comics).  Coincidence?

Hand of Death (1962) rates 2 of 5 stars

JOE LEDGER: SECRET MISSIONS VOLUME ONE by Jonathan Maberry / Z-View

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JOE LEDGER: SECRET MISSIONS VOLUME ONE by Jonathan Maberry

First sentence…

For the record, I don’t believe in this stuff.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Joe Ledger is an ex-Army Ranger and ex-Baltimore police detective.  Ledger was recruited and is now an agent for the United States’ several-levels-above-top-secret Department of Military Sciences.  This organization deals with threats not only to the US, but the world.  Most of their missions involve stopping terrorists using advanced technology to create bio-weapons.  Some of Ledger’s assignments have ventured into the realm of the supernatural… and while Ledger might not believe in that “stuff” — his team has to deal with it.

JOE LEDGER: SECRET MISSIONS VOLUME ONE features six tales.  Five by Maberry and one (Mantis) by Maberry and Marie Whittaker.

  • A Footnote in the Black Budget – In a relatively small area in Antarctica the US, Russia and China have research facilities.  Less than 24 hours ago, the Russian and Chinese operations went dark.  Now communication with the US facility is dead.  Ledger, First Sergeant Bradley “Top” “Sgt. Rock” Sims and Master Sergeant Harvey “Bunny” Rabbit are sent in to investigate.  These are three of our best DMS soldiers.  They may not be enough.
  • A Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight – In a small western Pennsylvania town (if you know, you know) Lucifer 113 was unleashed.  Lucifer 113 was a doomsday bioweapon. Near 100% infection rate, near 100% mortality rate. To be used only as a last resort.  If defeat was inevitable, release Lucifer 113.  And some terrorist has released it.
  • Alive Day – Ledger, Top and Bunny are sent on an off-the-books rescue mission for four members of Rattlesnake team.  Taliban warriors will be the least of their worries.  Haunted caves? Visions? What did happen to Rattlesnake team?
  • Wet Works: A V-Wars Story – Ledger and a doctor are barricaded in a room.  Ledger has used all his ammo.  Dead bodies litter the floor.  With only a knife to protect them, Ledger knows it won’t be enough.  The vampires (no, they don’t turn in to bats, or fly, but they ARE vampires) are waiting for reinforcements.  They will then bust through and kill Ledger and the doc.  Ledger will go down fighting, but he knows there are too many…
  • Mantis: A Rouge Team International / Arklight Adventure – An international child trafficking organization, a well-disguised well-trained vigilante, and Violin, one of Arklight’s most dangerous assassins — with Ledger smack dab in the middle.  What could go wrong?
  • Atoll – “Something has crashed on an island south of Hawaii.”  Ledger’s team is tapped to investigate.  When he asks why a closer squad out of Honolulu isn’t being sent, he’s told, “It was… we’ve lost contact with them.”  UFOs, time travel — more stuff Ledger probably doesn’t believe in.  At least at the start of the mission.

If you’ve never read any of the Joe Ledger novels, this is a good jumping on point.  You’ll get a nice taste of the kind of tales that feature Ledger along with some crossovers from other characters/situations in the Maberry universe.  Regular readers will love visits to the worlds of V-WARS, Pine Deep, Sam Hunter Case Files, Dead of Night, and Rot & Ruin.  Look for characters such Mr. Church, Echo Team, Havoc Team, Malcolm Crow, Mike Sweeney, Violin, Toys and others.

Jonathan Maberry has another winner!  I love the Joe Ledger tales.

Rating:

“John Wick: Chapter 4” (2023) starring Keanu Reeves / Z-View

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John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

Director: Chad Stahelski

Screenplay: Shay Hatten, Michael Finch; based on characters created by Derek Kolstad

Stars: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, George Georgiou, Lance Reddick, Clancy Brown, Ian McShane, Marko Zaror, Bill Skarsgård, Donnie Yen, Aimée Kwan, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, Rina Sawayama and Scott Adkins.

Tagline: No Way Back. One Way Out.

The Plot…

Recovered from wounds that should have left him dead, John Wick (Reeves) is ready to take his vengeance on the High Table.  He plans to “kill them all.”  Very quickly Wick learns that his actions have consequences.  If not on him, then on those few that he cares for.

Wick then decides to use a High Table tradition against them.  Wick will challenge the Marquis (Skarsgård) to a duel.  But to do this, John Wick must be a part of one of the crime families.  Reinstatement will come at a bloody cost.  But once in and if he wins the duel, John knows he will be free of all obligations to the High Table.

The Marquis learns of Wick’s plan and sets in motion all of the worldly resources he controls.  Wick must be killed at all costs.

Let the fun begin.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Lance Reddick died a week before John Wick 4 was released.  Although he filmed some scenes for Ballerina, John Wick 4 contains Lance Riddick’s final completed film role.  The movie is dedicated to his memory.

As in previous chapters, Keanu Reeves did most of his own stunts.

Each new John Wick chapter expands his world.  Chapter 4 is no exception.  The new characters keep the movie fun.  Favorites this time out include Tracker (Shamier Anderson) and Killa (Scott Adkins).  It was nice to see roles for Donnie Yen, Clancy Brown and Bill Skarsgård.  It was also cool to see Laurence Fishburne, Lance Reddick and of course, Ian McShane back.  Sven Marquardt is memorable in his role as Klaus.

If you’re a fan of John Wick’s previous outings, you should greatly enjoy Chapter 4.  I wouldn’t mind a Chapter 5, if they can come up with a new twist.  I also wouldn’t mind seeing Tracker get a film of his own.  More tales from the World of John Wick would also be welcomed.  Then again, if this is the last Keanu Reeves outing as John Wick, I’m okay with that too.  It’s been a truly fun ride.

John Wick: Chapter 4 rates 4 of 5 stars.

“War of the Worlds” (1953) starring Gene Barry and Ann Robinson / Z-View

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War of the Worlds (1953)

Director: Byron Haskin

Screenplay: Barré Lyndon; based on THE WAR OF THE WORLDS by H.G. Wells

Stars: Gene Barry, Ann Robinson, Les Tremayne, Robert Cornthwaite, Sandro Giglio, Lewis Martin, Vernon Rich, Henry Brandon, Jack Kruschen, Cedric Hardwicke, Edgar Barrier, Carolyn Jones and Paul Frees.

Tagline: Amazing! terrifying! The most savage spectacle of all time!

The Plot…

When a meteor impacts near a small California town it generates a lot of attention.  The attention turns to fear when the meteor turns out to contain an alien ship. The ship goes airborne and begins destroying everything in it’s path.  Things go from terrible to devastating when it is learned that hundreds of these “meteors” have landed around the world.

Armies across the globe attempt to take down the alien invaders with no success. Cities are being wiped out.  Dr. Clayton Forrester (Barry) and Sylvia Van Buren (Robinson) find themselves on the run searching for safe haven.  As the aliens close in, reports from around the world show that no weapon works against the alien’s technology.

Humankind will be wiped out in weeks…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

War of the Worlds was nominated for three 1954 Academy Awards and won one…

  • Nominee for Best Sound, Recording – Loren L. Ryder (Paramount Sound Department)
  • Nominee for Best Film Editing – Everett Douglas
  • Winner for Best Effects, Special Effects

The alien craft in H.G. Wells novel walk on tripod legs.  Unsure of how to make this work on screen, George Pal opted to give the craft the ability to fly.

H.G. Wells’ estate was so pleased with The War of the Worlds, that George Pal was offered any other H.G. Wells story to adapt.  Pal chose and made The Time Machine.

Paul Frees plays a radio reporter and uses his voice impersonation of Orson Welles as a homage to Welles’ War of the Worlds radio broadcast.

Gene Barry and Ann Robinson, the stars of this version appear as grandparents of Tom Cruise’s character’s children in Steven Spielberg’s 2005 War of the Worlds.

War of the Worlds is a classic.

War of the Worlds (1953) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Hog Wild” (1930) starring Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy / Z-View

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Hog Wild (1930)

Director: James Parrott

Screenplay: H. M. Walker, Stan Laurel

Stars: Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy.

Tagline: Amnesia! Mr. Hardy was beginning to forget things but Mr. Laurel had no fear of losing his memory – As a matter of fact, Mr. Laurel never had a memory to lose.

The Plot…

Stan and Ollie plan to spend the afternoon together having fun.  But first, Ollie’s wife insists that Ollie install the radio antenna on their roof.

Oliver and Hardy on a rooftop installing an antenna!  What could go wrong?

But is using the car as the base of a ladder that Ollie has climbed to the top of the best idea?  Let the go times roll!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Hog Wild (1930) clocks in at just 19 laugh filled minutes.

Stan and Ollie on a rooftop — deal me in.

Hog Wild (1930) rates 5 of 5 stars.

RIP: George Foreman

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It was announced that George Foreman died on March 21, 2025, at the age of 76.  No cause of death was given.  George Foreman was a boxer, preacher and business man.

George Foreman was just 19 years old with 20 amateur fights when he represented the United States in the 1968 Olympics.  In four Olympic bouts, only one went the distance.  George Foreman won the Heavyweight Olympic Gold Medal.

The following year, George Foreman turned pro.  Mr. Foreman was 37 – 0, with 34 knockouts when he fought Joe Frazier for the Heavyweight title.  Mr. Frazier was 29 – 0 with 25 knockouts.  George Foreman won the title with a technical knockout in the second round.  (Joe Frazier suffered six knockdowns in two rounds before the ref stopped the fight.)

George Foreman defended his title against José Roman (KO, round 1) and Ken Norton (TKO, round 2) before taking on Muhammad Ali in the fight known as The Rumble in the Jungle.  Ali, using a strategy he later called “Rope-a-Dope” leaned back on the unusually loose ropes with his guard up and let Foreman wail away.  Ali took some heavy shots but was able to weather the storm.  In the eighth round, with Foreman arm weary, Ali came off the ropes and with his own flurry of punches ended the fight.  Ali had won the Championship.

George Foreman fought some exhibition bouts and five more sanctioned fights earning wins over Ron Lyle (KO, round 5), Joe Frazier (TKO, round 5); Scott LeDoux (TKO, round 3); John Denis (TKO, round 4) and Pedro Agosto (TKO, round 4).  Mr. Foreman then lost a unanimous 12 round decision to Jimmy Young.

In his dressing room after the fight, George Foreman became ill and felt as if he was dying.  At this point, Mr. Foreman wasn’t religious, but felt as if God was telling him to change his ways.  Although he didn’t retire, he stopped fighting and became an ordained minister.  He preached on street corners before becoming the minister of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston.  Mr. Foreman also opened a youth center.

Then in 1987, at the age of 38, George Foreman announced a boxing comeback.  He said the money would be used to help his youth center.  Although very heavy and out of shape, George Foreman won the comeback fight by KO in four rounds.  Big George (as he came to be known) won four more fights (1 by KO and 3 by TKO) before the year was out.  In 1988, he had nine fights (!) winning all by KO or TKO.  In 1989, George went undefeated with five wins.

Despite his age, George was piling up wins and getting closer to another title fight.  He also had endeared himself to the public.  Before his comeback, George Foreman acted much like Sonny Liston (a fighter he admired for his tough no-nonsense persona).  Now George was outgoing, happy and modest.  He began to do advertisements.  George Foreman worked out a deal to be spokesman and allow his name to be used on the George Foreman Grill which became a national best-seller.  Mr. Foreman earned more from sales of the grill than he did as a professional boxer!

After going undefeated in five (all by TKO or KO) fights in 1990 the title fight was getting closer.  In 1991, Big George lost a unanimous decision to Evander Holyfield.  Mr. Foreman won three more fights and then finally got another shot at the title.

On June 7, 1993, at the age of 44, George Foreman won a unanimous decision over Tommy Morrison to win the WBO Heavyweight title.  Then in November, Mr. Foreman defeated Michael Moorer by KO in the 10th to win the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles.  He defended his titles four more times.  He lost by decision to Shannon Briggs in 1997.  George Foreman was nearly 49 years old!

I was always a fan of George Foreman, especially after his comeback.  In his first fights I was in awe of his strength and power.  I loved that he won a Gold medal for the U.S. in the 1968 Olympics.  For his comeback, I enjoyed the transformation for Liston-like personality to someone that seemed to enjoy life and inspire others.  George Foreman was one of a kind.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to George Foreman’s family, friends and fans.

“Loose in London” (1953) starring Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall & The Bowery Boys / Z-View

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Loose in London (1953)

Director: Edward Bernds

Screenplay: Elwood Ullman, Edward Bernds

Stars: Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall, Bernard Gorcey, Walter Kingsford, Norma Varden, David Gorcey, Benny Bartlett and Rex Evans.

Tagline: It’s a RIPPING RIOT of Noble Knuckleheads and Nutty Knights!

The Plot…

Sach gets word that his long-lost great-great-grand-uncle (a British Earl no less!), is near death.  Even more surprising, Sach is named in the will!  His great-great-grand-uncle has sent Sach a first class ticket to London so they can meet.

Sach trades in his first class ticket for four economy class vouchers so Slip, and a couple of the boys can come along.  When they arrive in London, they are waaaay out of their element.  Rich proper gentlemen they are not.

Complicating matters, great-great-grand-uncle’s other relatives are ready for him to die so they can collect their share of the inheritance.  In fact the other relatives have been slowly poisoning him.  And now they plan to get rid of Sach and the boys.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

There were 48 Bowery Boys movies made between 1946 and 1958.  Loose in London is the 30th.

Out of Time (2003) rates 3 of 5 stars.