Category: Celebs

RIP: Mark Margolis

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Mark Margolis, the actor best known for his portrayal of Hector Salamanca in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, died yesterday after a short illness.  Mr. Margolis was 83.

After high school Mark Margolis moved to New York where he was a student at the Actors Studio.  He worked in both television and feature films throughout his career.  In 2012, Mr. Margolis was nominated for a Prime Time Emmy Award as the Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama series for his portrayal of Hector Salamanca in Breaking Bad.

Some of Mark Margolis’ television appearances include: Kojak;  Muggable Mary, Street Cop; Rage of Angels; Crime Story; The Equalizer (16 episodes); Quantum Leap; Columbo Cries Wolf; Star Trek: The Next Generation; Jake and the Fatman; Tales from the Darkside; Santa Barbara (13 episodes); Guiding Light; Prince Street (6 episodes); Law & Order (3 episodes); Oz (10 episodes); Ed (2 episodes); Sex and the City; Law & Order: Criminal Intent; Crossing Jordan; Waterfront (4 episodes); Kings (2 episodes); Blue Bloods; Breaking Bad (8 episodes); The Good Wife; Law & Order: Special Victims Unit; Person of Interest (3 episodes); Fairly Legal (2 episodes); American Horror Story (3 episodes); Elementary; Gotham (2 episodes); The Affair (3 episodes); The Blacklist; Snowpiercer; Prodigal Son; Better Call Saul (22 episodes) and Your Honor (5 episodes).

Some of Mark Margolis’ feature film appearances include: The Opening of Misty Beethoven; Short Eyes; Short Eyes; Going in Style; Dressed to Kill; Arthur; Eddie Macon’s Run; Scarface; The Cotton Club; The Secret of My Success; Glory; Ace Ventura: Pet Detective; Absolute Power; The Thomas Crown Affair; End of Days; Requiem for a Dream; Hannibal; Daredevil; Gone, Baby, Gone; The Wrestler; Stand Up Guys and My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2. 

My favorite role of Mark Margolis’ is probably most everyone’s, when he played Hector Salamanca in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. I also loved him in Scarface and Oz.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mark Margolis’ family, friends and fans.

“Body Heat” (1981) written & directed by Lawrence Kasdan, starring William Hurt & Kathleen Turner / Z-View

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Body Heat (1981)

Director: Lawrence Kasdan

Screenplay: Lawrence Kasdan

Stars: William Hurt, Kathleen Turner, Richard Crenna, Ted Danson, J.A. Preston, Kim Zimmer and Mickey Rourke.

Tagline:  The called it love. The DA called it murder.

The Plot…

One night in the middle of a brutal Florida heat wave, Ned Racine (Hurt) meets a beautiful woman on the boardwalk.  The woman is Matty Walker (Turner).  She’s married, but Racine, a notorious womanizer, isn’t fazed.  There’s a definite sexual attraction and soon the two are involved in a torrid affair.  Matty’s husband is rich, but has an airtight prenup.  As Ned and Matty’s affair heats up their thoughts turn to cold blooded murder.

All is not as it seems…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

Body Heat is a classic noir.  If you’re a fan of Double Indemnity and The Postman Always Rings Twice, this should light your fire.  It made stars of Kathleen Turner and Mickey Rourke.  It’s my favorite film written by Lawrence Kasdan.  It’s also my favorite film directed by Kasdan.  It’s my favorite William Hurt movie.

Body Heat features a twist ending that plays out slowly and adds a whole new layer to everything we’ve seen.

Body Heat (1981) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“The Haunted Strangler” (1958) starring Boris Karloff / Z-View

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The Haunted Strangler (1958)

Director: Robert Day

Screenplay: John Croydon (as “John C. Cooper“), Jan Read based on an original story by Jan Read

Stars: Boris Karloff, Anthony Dawson

Tagline: Their wild beauty marked them for death by . . . The Haunted Strangler

The Plot…

James Rankin (Karloff) believes that when the serial killer known as The Haymarket Strangler was executed, they hung the wrong guy. In his efforts to clear the man, Rankin comes into possession of the murder weapon.  As he holds the knife Rankin is compelled to kill…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

To give you an idea of the quality of this one, in order to show Karloff’s transformation from kind old man to sadistic killer, he simply took out his lower dentures and sucked his bottom lip up to show his upper teeth.

For Karloff completists only.

The Haunted Strangler (1994) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Pulp Fiction” (1994) / Z-View

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Pulp Fiction (1994)

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Screenplay: Quentin Tarantino, Roger Avery

Stars: John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis, Tim Roth, Amanda Plummer, Phil LaMarr, Frank Whaley, Ving Rhames, Paul Calderon, Rosanna Arquette, Eric Stoltz, Steve Buscemi, Christopher Walken, Harvey Keitel, Julia Sweeney, Peter Greene, Kathy Griffin and Quentin Tarantino.

Tagline: You won’t know the facts until you’ve seen the fiction.

The Plot…

Pulp Fiction is the tale of…

  • Vincent Vega (Travolta) an enforcer for Marcellus Wallace
  • Jules Winnfield (Jackson) an enforcer for Marcellus Wallace
  • Marcellus Wallace (Rhames) a mobster
  • Mia Wallace (Thurman) Marcellus Wallace’s wife
  • Butch Coolidge (Willis) a boxer paid to take a dive for Marcellus Wallace
  • Pumpkin (Roth) a small time crook
  • Honey Bunny (Plummer) Pumpkin’s partner and lover
  • Mr. Wolf (Keitel) a cleaner

Pulp Fiction unfolds jumping back and forth in time as the characters interact.  There are seven sequences.  Each section focuses on a different main character(s) with the others either not appearing or taking a secondary role.  While this sounds confusing, it’s not.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Pulp Fiction was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Picture, Director, Actor (Travolta), Supporting Actor (Jackson), Supporting Actress (Thurman), Film Editing and won for Best Original Screenplay (Tarantino & Avery).

Pulp Fiction was the film that made Quentin Tarantino a household name and reinvigorated John Travolta’s career.

A lot of credit for Pulp Fiction‘s popularity is given to its unique structure.  While that does have a lot to do with the movie’s success, we shouldn’t short the story or cast.  Tarantino and Avery came up with great characters. They then beautifully cast each role. The stories at first glance seemed to be traditional tropes for crime/gangster films, but each veered into strange new territory.  Pulp Fiction  became and remains a touchstone for crime films.

Pulp Fiction (1994) rates 5 of 5 stars.

RIP: Paul Reubens

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Paul Reubens, the actor best known for his character Pee-Wee Herman, died yesterday from cancer.  Mr. Reubens was 70.

Paul Reubens began his career as a stage actor and comedian.  He developed his Pee-Wee Herman character for a stage show.  The Pee-Wee Herman Show proved so popular that HBO picked it up for a special.  The special was an instant hit.  Reubens was approached to bring the character to the big screen.  Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure was directed by Tim Burton.  The movie was so successful it spawned a Saturday morning program geared to kids (Pee-Wee’s Playhouse) and a movie sequel (Big Top Pee-Wee).  When the series ended, Paul Reubens stepped away from the character and took time off from acting.

When Paul Reubens returned to performing he alternated between television, movies and voice work.  Later in his career he would return to his Pee-Wee Herman character for a few videos and guest appearances.

Some of Paul Reuben’s television appearances include: Working Stiffs (2 episodes); The Flintstone Comedy Show (2 episodes); The Pee-Wee Herman Show (movie); Dream On; Mork & Mindy; Madame’s Place; All Star Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Saturday Spectacular; 227; Sesame Street: Put Down the Duckie; Sesame Street (3 episodes); Christmas at Pee-Wee’s Playhouse; Pee-Wee’s Playhouse (45 episodes); Buffy the Vampire Slayer; Murphy Brown (6 episodes); Everybody Loves Raymond; Alley McBeal; Rugrats (2 episodes); Reno 911; 30 Rock; Dirt (3 episodes); WWE Raw (2 episodes); The Pee-Wee Herman Show on Broadway; Batman: The Brave and Bold (4 episodes); Tron: Uprising (17 episodes); The Blacklist (5 episodes); Gotham (3 episodes); What We Do In The Shadows; DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (5 episodes) and The Connors.

Some of Paul Reuben’s movie appearances include: The Brotherhood; The Blues Brothers; Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie; Meatball’s Part II; Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure;  Big Top Pee-Wee; Moonwalker; Batman Returns; The Nightmare Before Christmas; Matilda; Doctor Dolittle; Mystery Men; Blow; Pee-Wee Gets an iPad and Pee-Wee Goes to Sturgis.   

I’m old enough to remember when Pee-Wee Herman went viral.  Pee-Wee was everywhere.  I was also impressed with Paul Reuben’s commitment to the character.  He wouldn’t do interviews or appear anywhere except as Pee-Wee.  It was always fun seeing Mr. Reuben’s non-Pee-Wee appearances later in his career.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Paul Reuben’s family, friends and fans.

THE LAST ACTION HEROES: THE TRIUMPHS, FLOPS, AND FEUDS OF HOLLYWOOD’S KINGS OF CARNAGE by Nick de Semlyen

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The Last Action Heroes: The Triumphs, Flops, and Feuds of Hollywood’s Kings of Carnage by Nick de Semlyen

Hardback: ‎ 352 pages
Publisher: ‎ Crown (June 6, 2023)

First sentence…

They came from the sky.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

I was sent an advance copy of THE LAST ACTION HEROES: THE TRIUMPHS, FLOPS, AND FEUDS OF HOLLYWOOD’S KINGS OF CARNAGE by Nick de Semlyen.  I’d like to thank whoever put me on the list because THE LAST ACTION HEROES is a winner.

Nick de Semlyen takes us back to the time that action heroes ruled movie theaters around the world.  Fans eagerly waited for the next outing by Stallone, Schwarzenegger, Willis, Van Damme, Chan, Lundgren and Seagal.  The movies (and stars paychecks) kept getting bigger and bigger as each new outing had to outdo the last.  de Semlyen focuses on the careers of each of these super stars, taking us behind the scenes to reveal the truth behind the rumors and legends.

de Semlyen did extensive research to create a book that’s easy to read and feels like you’re listening to a conversation.  I’m old enough to remember when these action heroes ruled the box office.  de Semlyen took me back to that time.  He confirmed some stories I’d heard and presented many that were new to me.  I love that the book includes an index of sources that were used.  Fans will love the behind the scenes stories.

THE LAST ACTION HEROES: THE TRIUMPHS, FLOPS, AND FEUDS OF HOLLYWOOD’S KINGS OF CARNAGE by Nick de Semlyen rates 5 of 5 stars.

Rating:

“The Descent” (2005) written & directed by Neil Marshall / Z-View

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The Descent (2005)

Director: Neil Marshall

Screenplay:  Neil Marshall

Stars: Shauna Macdonald, Natalie Mendoza and Saskia Mulder.

Tagline: Face Your Deepest Fear

The Plot…

A group of six women get together for an annual adventure.  This year they’ve decided to explore unmapped caves in the Appalachian Mountains.  The women quickly find they are, pardon the expression, in over their heads. A narrow passage collapses, one of the women is badly injured… and the group is targeted by creatures living deep within the caves.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Kudos to Neil Marshall for writing and directing this gem.  The film is filled with action, characterization, and scares.  Marshall knows when to give us a brief second to catch our breath before the next danger.  If you’re not claustrophobic or afraid of the dark, you may be after viewing this film.  The creatures are realistic and frightening.

The Descent (2005) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow” (2004) starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law & Angelina Jolie / Z-View

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Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004)

Director: Kerry Conran

Screenplay:  Kerry Conran

Stars: Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law,  Angelina Jolie and Giovanni Ribisi.

Tagline: The world will tremble.

The Plot…

The year is 1939.  Ace reporter Polly Perkins (Paltrow) is investigating the disappearance of five prominent scientists.  During a secret meeting with one of her sources the city comes under attack by giant flying robots! Soon Sky Captain arrives to assist with the defense of the city.  Reports come in from around the world of similar attacks.

Polly meets with Sky Captain and convinces him to allow her to assist with his investigation into the source of the robots.  Soon they will be involved in an adventure to save the world!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Kerry Conran, the writer/director created Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow as a love letter to the comics, films and serials that he grew up loving.  He perfectly captured the feel of these adventures from his youth.  Most of the sets were computer generated using blue screens.

I saw Sky Captain during its initial release and rated it 4 of 5 stars.  I recently rewatched the film and have revised my rating to 3 of 5.  My feeling this time was the film was a little long, but it could be that I knew the story.

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Alien: Resurrection” (1997) starring Sigourney Weaver & Winona Ryder / Z-View

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Alien: Resurrection (1997)

Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet

Screenplay:  Joss Whedon based on characters created by Dan O’Bannon, Ronald Shusett

Stars: Sigourney Weaver, Winona Ryder, Dominique Pinon, Ron Perlman, Gary Dourdan, Michael Wincott, Kim Flowers, Dan Hedaya, J.E. Freeman, Brad Dourif, Raymond Cruz and Leland Orser.

Tagline: Witness the resurrection.

The Plot…

Over two hundred years have passed since the events of Alien 3.  On a remote space station military scientists are using DNA from Ellen Ripley (Weaver) to create clone hosts for Xenomorphs.  The current clone, Ripley 8 (Weaver), due to the melding with the alien embryos has increased strength, reflexes and acidic blood.

A group of mercenaries arrives at the space station with cargo for the military.  Soon after two adult Xenomorphs escape.  It then becomes a battle for survival as more adult aliens are released throughout the ship!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I am a huge fan of Alien Resurrection mainly due to the unique characters and actors playing them.  The mercenary crew could be stars of their own movie(s)!  I would love to see some of their adventures.  The mercenary crew consists of…

  • Annalee Call (Ryder) – the newest member of the team.  She’s hiding a secret that will be revealed.
  • Dom Vriess (Pinion) – the mechanic. He’s a paraplegic with a motorized wheelchair (that also has secrets)!
  • Ron Johner (Perlman) – a battle scarred warrior with a bad attitude and short temper.
  • Gary Christie (Dourdan) – the second-in-command who exudes cool.
  • Frank Elgyn (Wincott) – the leader.  He’s cynical and willing to do questionable things to make a buck, but is committed to his team.
  • Sabra Hillard (Flowers) – the co-pilot of the mercenary ship and Elgyn’s woman.

In addition, we have…

  • General Martin Perez (Hedaya) – the commanding officer of the space station.
  • Dr. Jonathan Gediman (Dourif) – one of the scientists experimenting with the adult aliens.  He should know  better than to poke the bear.
  • Vincent DiStephano (Cruz) – one of the space station soldiers who joins the mercenaries in an effort to survive.
  • Larry Purvis (Orser) – a civilian who joins the mercenaries.  Purvis carries a deadly secret.

There is also a subplot which involves Weaver and Ryder.  For me that takes a backseat to the  the characters — the military, mercenaries and civilians in a battle against the aliens on a spaceship heading towards Earth! There are so many fun scenes –

  • The mercenaries entering the ship under military guard.
  • Johner (Perlman) flirting with Ripley 8 (Weaver) and being put in his place.
  • Johner’s (Perlman) interactions with Dom Vriess (Pinion).
  • Dr. Jonathan Gediman (Dourif) as he realizes the adult aliens have outsmarted him.
  • The long shot of a grenade bouncing down a walkway to drop into an escape pod just as an alien does the same.
  • The underwater escape and the discovery that the aliens are following! Plus Gary Christie (Dourdan) and  Dom Vriess’ (Pinion) solution to Dom being unable to swim!

Many people have complained about Ripley 8’s relationship to the aliens as well as the look of the Xenomorph Queen.  I understand the complaints and would agree that these are the weakest parts of the movie.  Still, the things I love about the film far outweigh these concerns.  Alien Resurrection is one that I have watched and enjoyed multiple times.

Alien: Resurrection (1997) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Along Came a Spider” starring Morgan Freeman / Z-View

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Along Came a Spider (2001)

Director: Lee Tamahori

Screenplay:  Marc Moss based on  Along Came a Spider by James Patterson

Stars: Morgan Freeman, Michael Wincott, Monica Potter, Anton Yelchin, Jay O. Sanders, Michael Moriarty,
Penelope Ann Miller and Christopher Shyer.

Tagline: A tangled web of danger and deceit…

The Plot…

When a senator’s daughter is kidnapped, the kidnapper contacts retired Detective and author, Alex Cross (Freeman).  The abductor wants to become famous by taunting the police with the hope that Cross will write a book about the case. Not all is as it seems…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Morgan Freeman and a twist ending are the highlights of this one.

Along Came a Spider (2001) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“The Silence of the Lambs” (1991) starring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins / Z-View

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The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Director: Jonathan Demme

Screenplay: Ted Tally based on The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris

Stars: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn, Anthony Heald, Frankie Faison, Don Brockett, Stuart Rudin, Ted Levine, Roger Corman, Charles Napier and Chris Isaac.

Tagline: Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Brilliant. Cunning. Psychotic. In his mind lies the clue to a ruthless killer. – Clarice Starling, FBI. Brilliant. Vulnerable. Alone. She must trust him to stop the killer.

The Plot…

A serial killer the press calls Buffalo Bill is murdering women.  He then skins them and leaves their bodies in water without any clues. The FBI investigation is at a standstill.

Clarice Starling (Foster), an FBI agent still in training, is personally selected to interview Dr. Hannibal Lector (Hopkins).  Lector, known as Hannibal the Cannibal, is a serial killer with a genius IQ. He murdered and ate his victims.  Now held in a maximum security prison for the criminally insane, Lector may be the only one with insight on catching Buffalo Bill.

But can Lector be trusted?  The clock is ticking…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Silence of the Lambs is an excellent adaptation of Thomas Harris’ best-selling novel.  It is rightully considered one of the finest movies ever made.

The Silence of the Lambs collected Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director (Jonathan Demme), Best Actor (Anthony Hopkins), Best Actress (Jodie Foster) and Best Adapted Screenplay (Ted Tally).

The Silence of the Lambs (1991) rates 5 of 5 stars.