Category: Celebs

“Hollywood Grit” starring Max Martini, Tyrese Gibson, Linda Purl and Patrick Duffy – The Poster & Trailer are Here!

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Here’s the poster and trailer for Hollywood Grit starring Max Martini, Tyrese Gibson, Linda Purl and Patrick Duffy.  It’ll hit selected theaters on August 22nd.

Deal me in.

When his daughter vanishes from a scandalous Hollywood jazz club, a disgraced detective must battle mobsters, starlets, and his own demons to unearth the sinister truth lurking behind LA’s neon lights.

Starring Max Martini, Tyrese Gibson, Linda Purl, Patrick Duffy, Nikki Howard, Linc Hand, David B. Meadows, Caylee Cowan, and Benito Martinez.

“Heads of State” (2025) starring Idris Elba, John Cena and Priyanka Chopra Jonas / Z-View

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Heads of State (2025)

Director:  Ilya Naishuller

Screenplay: Josh Appelbaum, André Nemec, Harrison Query; story by Harrison Query

Stars: Idris Elba, John Cena, Carla Gugino, Jack Quaid, Sarah Niles, Katrina Durden, Ingeborga Dapkunaite, Sharlto Copley,  Steven Cree and Stephen Root.

Tagline:  None.

The Plot…

British Prime Minister Sam Clarke and Will Derringer, the newly elected US President, don’t like each other.  Unfortunately their disdain becomes obvious during a joint press conference.  In order to present solidarity, the two decide to fly together to the NATO summit on Air Force One.

When terrorists attempt to kill Clarke and Derringer, they found themselves forced to trust each other in order to survive.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Heads of State was a better film than I was expecting.  I attribute much of that to the chemistry between Elba and Cena.

Heads of State (2025) rates 4 of 5 stars

“The Fool Killer” (1965) starring Anthony Perkins and Edward Albert / Z-View

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The Fool Killer (1965)

Director:  Servando González

Screenplay: Morton S. Fine, David Friedkin; based on THE FOOL KILLER by Helen Eustis

Stars: Anthony Perkins, Edward Albert, Henry Hull, Salome Jens, Dana Elcar, Arnold Moss and Lana Wood.

Tagline:  All the secret joys, the sudden terrors of being young and free and far from home

The Plot…

Life after the civil war could be tough.  For George Mellish who is twelve years old and an orphan, it is unbearable.  George’s foster parents took him so he could help with chores.  When George accidentally knocks over the butter churn, his step-father beats him.

That’s the final straw for George.  He gathers his few possessions and runs away.  When George hears a train approaching, he attempts to board it.  He throws his few goods onto a car and attempts to follow them.  The train is just too fast.  George trips and falls down as the train speeds away.

Now with just the clothes on his back, George continues walking.  What lies ahead is an incredible journey that may not end well. George will meet strange characters and possibly the legendary serial murderer known as The Fool Killer.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Edward Albert stars and it is his first credited role.  Edward Albert is the son of Eddie Albert. (Funny, but it would seem their names should be switched.)

The Fool Killer feels like a childhood fable.  It has a dreamlike quality with strange characters and a unique pace.  It’s part boyhood adventure, part mystery and part horror.

The Fool Killer (1965) rates 3 of 5 stars

“Total Recall” (1990) directed by Paul Verhoeven; starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside, Rachel Ticotin and Ronny Cox / Z-View

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Total Recall (1990)

Director:  Paul Verhoeven

Screenplay: Ronald Shusett, Dan O’Bannon, Gary Goldman; story by Ronald Shusett, Dan O’Bannon, Jon Povill; based on “We Can Remember It for You Wholesale” by Philip K. Dick

Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside, Rachel Ticotin, Ronny Cox, Marshall Bell, Mel Johnson Jr., Michael Champion, Roy Brocksmith, Ray Baker, David Knell, Alexia Robinson, Debbie Lee Carrington, Lycia Naff, Robert Costanzo and Dean Norris.

Tagline: How would you know after memory implantation if your mind is yours?

The Plot…

The year is 2084.  Mars is now a colonized planet.  The leader of the planet is Vilos Cohaagen.  Cohaagen is a dictatorial ruler who came to power thanks to his management of the mining of turbinium ore.  Cohaagen rules with an iron hand.

Douglas Quaid is a construction worker on Earth.  Quaid continues to have recurring nightmares about being on Mars.  In his dreams Quaid is involved with a woman and on a mysterious mission.  Quaid realizes that a trip to Mars is out of the question.  So he decides to check out Rekall.

Rekall uses the latest technology to implant memories that are no different than one would actually have experienced.  Quaid decides to purchase a memory of Mars.  Because the memories are implanted a customer can be or do anything.  Quaid decides to be a secret agent sent on a mission to save Mars.  Once the memory is implanted, he will believe that everything he remembers is true.

During the implant stage, Quaid begins struggling.  The Rekall techs see that Quaid has had a procedure to repress memories.  Concerned that unlocking these memories would put them at odds with Cohaagen, the Rekall workers shut down the process.  

On the way home Quaid is attacked.  Quaid is surprised to discover he is able to kill his attackers.  Now he’s confused.  Is he a former spy?  Is it just a memory?  If he is a spy, and his cover is blown, who can he trust?  What was his mission?

A trip to Mars will be required to discover the truth.  But can Quaid ever really be sure?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Total Recall (1990) was nominated for three 1991 Academy Awards and won one…

  • Nominee for Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing – Stephen Hunter Flick
  • Best Sound – Nelson Stoll, Michael J. Kohut, Carlos Delarios, Aaron Rochin
  • Winner for Special Achievement Award – Eric Brevig, Rob Bottin, Tim McGovern, Alex Funke

Arnold Schwarzenegger was supposed to star in Robocop, directed by Paul Verhoeven.  But the deal fell through.  When Schwarzenegger saw Robocop, he was determined to do a film with Verhoeven.  Verhoeven was in talks to direct Black Rain. When the film was delayed, Schwarzenegger lobbied to get Verhoeven on board to helm Total Recall.  Since Verhoeven also wanted to work with Schwarzenegger, he passed on Black Rain.

Patrick Swayze was originally set to star with Bruce Beresford as director. When Dino De Laurentis’ company went bankrupt Schwarzenegger convinced Carolco to buy the rights. In early drafts the Quaid character was called Quill and was an accountant.  Once Arnold was on board the named changed as did the occupation.  Quaid was now a muscular construction worker.

Russell “Highlander” Mulcahy had been in talks to direct Total Recall.  Sylvester Stallone wanted Mulcahy to direct Rambo III (1988).  Stallone won out.  Ironically, Mulcahy was fired just a few weeks into filming due to creative differences with Stallone. Peter MacDonald (Rambo III‘s second-unit director) took over.

DC published a Total Recall comic book adaptation written by Elliot S. Maggin and drawn by Tom Lyle.

Total Recall (1990) rates 4 of 5 stars

“Chief of War” starring Jason Mamoa – Two Posters and a Trailer are Here!

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Here we have two posters and the trailer for Chief of War starring Jason Mamoa.

Before the Kingdom, there was war. Chief of War premieres August 1 on Apple TV+ https://apple.co/_ChiefOfWar

Chief of War follows the epic and unprecedented telling of the unification and colonization of Hawai‘I in the late 18th century. Told from an indigenous perspective, Chief of War is a passion project for creators Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, who both share native Hawaiian heritage.

The series features a predominantly Polynesian cast, led by Momoa alongside Luciane Buchanan, Temuera Morrison, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Cliff Curtis, newcomer Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Siua Ikale’o, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka,Te Kohe Tuhaka and Benjamin Hoetjes.

“28 Days Later” written by Alex Garland; directed by Danny Boyle; starring Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Brenden Gleeson and Megan Burns / Z-View

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28 Days Later (2002)

Director:  Danny Boyle

Screenplay: Alex Garland

Stars: Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Megan Burns, Christopher Eccleston, Alex Palmer, David Schneider, Toby Sedgwick, Noah Huntley, Kim McGarrity, Luke Mably, Stuart McQuarrie and Brendan Gleeson.

Tagline: Day 1: Exposure – Day 3: Infection – Day 8: Epidemic – Day 15: Evacuation – Day 20: Devastation

The Plot…

Jim awakens after being in a coma for 28 days.  He’s in a hospital bed, but the hospital is deserted.  Jim throws on some clothes and heads out into the street.  Broad daylight and no one is seen.

Jim goes into a church.  In the sanctuary are dozens of people.  Most show signs of major physical trauma.  They appear to be sleeping.  When a priest sees Jim and begins to attack, the infected come out of their slumber and attack as well.

Jim barely escapes.  Jim comes to realize that while he was in a coma, a fast-acting virus turned normal people into mindless, frenzied, killing machines.  There are few survivors in a city that once held over 7 million souls.  Jim meets and befriends three who have endured: Selena, a young woman about his age, Frank, a middle-aged man and his teenage daughter Hannah.

A radio broadcast repeats the message that protection can be found at a location outside of Manchester.  The four debate if there is truly salvation there.  The broadcast could be outdated.  Everyone there could be dead.  The people there could be as dangerous as the infected.  The journey will require them to pass through multiple congested areas.

Ultimately the group decides to go.  Unexpected dangers await. Not all will survive.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Megan Burns, who plays Frank’s teenage daughter Hannah, had appeared in only one other film prior to 28 Days Later.  Megan retired from acting after 28 Days Later to pursue a career as a musician.  Her stage name is Betty Curse.

28 Days Later re-invigorated the zombie genre.  Although some argue that the infected aren’t zombies, since they have lost control of their bodies and reasoning, I think they fit the definition.

28 Days Later is a classic.  Well written, well directed and well acted.  <Chef’s kiss>

28 Days Later (2002) rates 5 of 5 stars

“Reign of Fire” (2002) starring Matthew McConaughey and Christian Bale / Z-View

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Reign of Fire (2002)

Director:  Rob Bowman

Screenplay: Gregg Chabot, Kevin Peterka, Matt Greenberg; story by Gregg Chabot, Kevin Peterka

Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Christian Bale, Izabella Scorupco, David Kennedy,
Alexander Siddig, Terence Maynard, Alice Krige and Gerard Butler.

Tagline: Fight Fire With Fire

The Plot…

In 2002, workers drilling in the London Underground opened a passage into an undiscovered cave.  A gigantic dragon awoke.  Soon it and other dragons emerged.  In short order, cities and the people living in them were destroyed.  A young boy named Quinn witnessed the first dragon emerging from the underground when it killed his mother.

2020.  Most of the world’s population is long gone.  The few survivors have banded together in small communities.  Quinn is now a leader of a group that took refuge in Bamburgh Castle.  The group is barely hanging on.  The food supply is low. Crops won’t come to harvest for a few weeks.  A dragon recently attacked and destroyed part of the crop when it attacked and killed a community member.

Quinn and the community are shocked when a heavily armored military squad pulls up to the castle entrance.  They request entrance.  The convoy contains a tank, a helicopter and many armed soldiers.  The leader of the troop is Van Zan.  Quinn isn’t sure if the new arrivals are true military or raiders looking to steal whatever they can.  One thing Quinn knows is his community has no chance in a firefight.

He allows them in.  Soon all hell will break loose.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Bale did an excellent job in his role but McConaughey OWNED every scene he was in. The direction, production values, special effects were all top notch.

Gerard Butler has a supporting role as Bale’s friend.  Four years later Butler would become an international star with the release of 300.

Reign of Fire (2002) rates 5 of 5 stars

“28 Years Later” written by Alex Garland; directed by Danny Boyle; starring Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Ralph Fiennes / Z-View

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28 Years Later (2025)

Director:  Danny Boyle

Screenplay: Alex Garland

Stars: Alfie Williams, Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Edvin Ryding, Chi Lewis-Parry, Jack O’Connell and Ralph Fiennes.

Tagline:  Time didn’t heal anything.

The Plot…

2002. In Britain a fast spreading infection turns people into mindless, frenzied, killing machines.  The source is called the Rage Virus.  The virus is passed through bites, blood or saliva.  There is no cure.

As a horde attacks, Jimmy, a twelve-year-old boy sees his mother taken down.  Jimmy runs to the church where his father is minister.  The swarm of infected follows closely behind.  Jimmy’s father gives the boy a small cross and tells him to “run!”.  As the infected burst into the church, Jimmy’s father allows himself to be taken so that Jimmy may escape.

28 years later.  The Rage Virus is contained to the British Isles which are now quarantined from the rest of the world.  Military vessels patrol to make sure no one gets in or out.  The virus has mutated.  Some infected have grown bigger, faster and have limited reasoning.

Survivors either live alone or in small fortified villages.  One such refuge is on a coastal island connected to the mainland by a causeway that is underwater except at low tide.  Sentries stand watch 24 hours a day.

Jamie, his wife Isla and their twelve-year-old son Spike live on this island.  Jamie is a scavenger for the community.  Isla has been sick.  She’s started to hallucinate.  She’s weak and getting worse.

From time to time Jamie goes back to the mainland to search for needed items.  Timing is crucial.  He must leave at low tide and return before the water rises.  If he fails to do so, tides are too strong and deep.  Getting back to the island is then impossible.

Jamie believes that Spike is mature enough for his first trip to the mainland.  The minimum age is usually fifteen.  Going against convention, Jamie takes Spike over.  When Spike learns that a doctor used to live within traveling distance, he wants to take his mother there.  Jamie tells Spike the trip would be much too dangerous.  Worse still, the doctor is out of his mind.

If Spike survives his first trip to the mainland, he is determined to take his mother to the doctor.

That is IF he survives…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

28 days later upped the ante with the zombie genre. (And let’s not quibble if the rage-infected are zombies.)

There is a nice surprise twist near the end of the film.

The final scenes have a different feel than the rest of the film.  Many will find/have found the change jarring.  These scenes set up the next film in the series.

I’ve always contended that the best part of zombie/apocalyptic films is at the very beginning when people are unsure of what is happening or how to best respond.  Having the virus mutate and having Spike make the mainland journey for the first time was a smart move.  The audience is learning about the changes along with Spike.  I hope the next film doesn’t make the infected blasé.

28 Years Later (2025) rates 4 of 5 stars

“Lockout” (2012) directed by Stephen Saint Leger, James Mather; starring Guy Pearce & Maggie Grace / Z-View

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Lockout (2012)

Director:  Stephen Saint Leger, James Mather

Screenplay: Stephen Saint Leger, James Mather, Luc Besson; story by Luc Besson; based on Escape from New York by John Carpenter, Nick Castle and Escape from L.A. by John Carpenter, Debra Hill, Kurt Russell

Stars: Guy Pearce, Maggie Grace, Peter Stormare, Vincent Regan, Joe Gilgun, Tim Plester, Peter Hudson, Nick Hardin and Lennie James.

Tagline:  Take no prisoners.

The Plot…

2079.  When Agent Snow discovers an unknown operative within the CIA is selling government secrets, he is framed for murder.  Sentenced to 30 years, Snow will be sent to the United States first space prison.  The worst killers, deviants and psychos are sent to MS One, where they spend their sentences in suspended animation.

Critics of this form of punishment claim the prolonged periods of stasis leads to mental psychosis and derangement.  The President’s daughter Emilie has come to MS One to check out conditions at the prison.

As Snow is prepped for transport to MS One, word comes that a riot at the penitentiary has left the convicts in charge.  The leader of the prisoners has warned that if an armed response is mounted, all the hostages will be killed.  The inmates don’t yet know that the President’s daughter is one of their captives.

Soon they will.

It is determined that the best chance to rescue Emilie is to sneak in one well-trained soldier. Chance fits the bill.  If Snow is successful in getting Emilie safely out, he’ll receive a full pardon.

What chance does one man have against a prison full of the worst of the worst?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

If you think the plot of Lockout sounds like John Carpenter’s Escape from New York and Escape from LA, you’re not alone.  John Carpenter thought so as well.  He sued for  plagiarism  and won.

The prisoners who lead the takeover are brothers named Alex and Hydell.  Lee Harvey Oswald,  the assassin who killed John F. Kennedy, used the alias Alex Hydell.

At the end of the film, Snow’s first name is revealed to be Marion.  In Sylvester Stallone’s Cobra, we learn Cobretti’s first name is also Marion.  No wonder they go by their last names (or a variation).

Lookout is so underrated.  A bulked-up Guy Pearce has the look and attitude of a great anti-hero.  I would have loved to have seen more films with this character.

Peter Stormare and Lennie James are always welcome additions to any project.  Lockout is no exception.

When I first saw Lockout I rated it as a solid 4.  Over the years it has grown on me.  Every time I revisit the film, I enjoy the ride.  Therefore I am upping my rating to a 5.  Your mileage may vary.

Lockout (2012) rates 5 of 5 stars

“Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning” (2025) directed by Christopher McQuarrie; starring Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Esai Morales and Pom Klementieff / Z-View

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Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning (2025)

Director:  Christopher McQuarrie

Screenplay: Christopher McQuarrie, Erik Jendresen; based on Mission Impossible by Bruce Geller.

Stars: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Henry Czerny, Holt McCallany, Janet McTeer, Nick Offerman, Hannah Waddingham, Tramell Tillman, Angela Bassett, Greg Tarzan Davis, Charles Parnell, Rolf Saxon, Katy O’Brian, Sydney Cole Alexander and Shea Whigham.

Tagline:  None.

The Plot…

Ethan Hunt is contacted by the President of the United States.  The Entity (a powerful artificial intelligence) has  started taking control of each country’s nuclear arsenal.  In just a short period of time, the Entity will command every nuclear weapon in the world.  Including all those held by the United States.

The Entity, once secure in a bunker safe from nuclear and electromagnetic fallout will launch every country’s nuclear bomb.  This will wipe out almost all of humanity.  The few who survive will restart the world under the direction of the Entity.

Ethan Hunt has a key to the Entity’s source code.  But that is just part of the potential solution.  The President wants the source code key.

Ethan has another plan.  A plan that, if it works, would render the Entity powerless.  But, and this is a HUGE (pardon the pun) but, the odds of Ethan’s plan working are minute.  The lives of every person on the planet hang in the balance.

Light the fuse…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

With Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, Tom Cruise earned his second Guinness World Record.  The first was for being the actor with the most consecutive $100-million grossing movies.  The second was for the most burning parachute jumps by an individual (16).

The action is all-out and way over the top.  It matches the plot.  The expectation for every Mission Impossible movie is it ups the ante on both.  Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning succeeds.  Unless Ethan Hunt was to save the entire universe, it is appropriate that the series ends here.

Esai Morales makes a great villain.  He’s one cocky scoundrel.

Shea Whigham is always good.

Congratulations to Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie the driving forces behind the success of the Mission Impossible franchise.  It was a great run.

Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning features breathtaking stunts, repeated last minute “saves”, a lot of running, ever mounting problems and death-defying solution after death-defying solution.  Too much of a good thing?  Maybe for some.  But just what I expected for the franchise finale.  They stuck the landing.

Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning (2025) rates 5 of 5 stars

RIP: Michael Madsen

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It was announced that Michael Madsen died today from cardiac arrest. Mr. Madsen was 67.

Michael Madsen’s mother Elaine Madsen was an author and Emmy-winning filmmaker. Michael and one of his sisters, Virginia went into showbusiness.  Virginia Madsen became an award-winning actress.  Mr. Madsen’s other sister, Cheryl became a business woman.

Michael began his career at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago.  There he appeared in a a production of Of Mice and Men.  In 1982, Mr. Madsen began to get roles in television and feature films.  The roles kept coming for the rest of his career which was still going strong at the time of his death.  Michael Madsen had over 325 roles on his acting resume.

Some of the television projects that feature Michael Madsen include: St. Elsewhere (2 episodes); Special Bulletin; Diner; Cagney & Lacey; Miami Vice; The Hitchhiker; Our Family Honor (13 episodes); Crime Story (2 episodes); War and Remembrance; Almost Grown; Tour of Duty; Jake and the Fatman; Quantum Leap; The Outsiders; Gabriel’s Fire; Vengeance Unlimited (16 episodes); 44 Minutes: The North Hollywood Shootout; Tilt (9 episodes); Big Bug Man; CSI: Miami; 24 (4 episodes); Bob’s Burgers; Blue Bloods; The Mob Doctor (3 episodes); Golden Boy (2 episodes); Axe Cop; Hawaii Five-O;  Telltale’s the Walking Dead (3 episodes); Big Time in Hollywood, FL. (5 episodes); Real Detective; Those Who Can’t; Powers (10 episodes) and Explosion Jones.

Some of Michael Madsen’s feature film appearances include: Against All Hope; War Games; Racing with the Moon; The Natural; Kill Me Again; The Doors; Thelma & Louise; Reservoir Dogs; Free Willy; The Getaway; Wyatt Earp; Species; Free Willy 2; Mulholland Falls; Donnie Brasco; Species 2; Die Another Day; Kill Bill Vol. 1; Kill Bill Vol. 2; Sin City; Scary Movie 4; Hell Ride; Desperate Endeavors; The Hateful Eight; Papa; Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood; Outlaw Johnny Black and A Christmas Gamble.

I probably first saw Michael Madsen when he appeared on St.  Elsewhere.  If not there, then it would have been Miami Vice.  My favorite Michael Madsen roles were in Reservoir Dogs; The Getaway and both Sin City movies.  I loved seeing Mr. Madsen’s name in the credits of any movie or television show.  With well over 300 acting credits on Michael Madsen’s resume, I wasn’t the only one who felt that way.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Michael Madsen’s family, friends and fans.

“Trouble Man” directed & starring Michael Jai White; co-starring Cliff Method Man Smith, La La Anthony and Orlando Jones – Two Posters & a Trailer are Here!

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How about two posters and a trailer for Trouble Man directed and starring Michael Jai White; co-starring Cliff Method Man Smith, La La Anthony and Orlando Jones?

I like the first poster best.  Looks like a fun ride.

Deal me in.

TROUBLE MAN is in theaters and on digital platforms August 1.

Directed by Michael Jai White
Starring: Michael Jai White, Cliff Method Man Smith, La La Anthony and Orlando Jones

Jaxen, a former cop turned Atlanta PI, is hired to find missing R&B star Jahari. His investigation uncovers her disappearance is connected to a larger conspiracy, forcing him to question those around him and his own past.