Category: Celebs

“Matlock”: Season 1 (2025) starring Kathy Bates / Z-View

Posted on by

Matlock: Season 1 (2025)

Developed by Jennie Snyder Urman, based on Matlock by Dean Hargrove

Directors: Kat Coiro (Eps.1-2, 4, 6, 12, 14, 16, 18-19); Brad Silberling (Ep. 3); Marie Jamora (Ep. 5); Tessa Blake (Ep.7); Yangzom Brauen (Ep. 8); Daniel Willis (Ep. 9); Jennifer Lynch (Ep. 10); Hannah Michielsen (Ep. 11); Jude Weng (Ep. 13); Gina Lamar (Ep. 15); Hanelle Culpepper (Ep. 17)

Teleplay: Jennie Snyder Urman (Eps. 1-2); Nicki Renna (Ep. 3, 19); Jeffrey Lieber (Ep. 4, 14); Michelle Leibel (Ep. 5); Sara Rose Feinberg (Ep. 6, 11); Hennah Sekander (Ep. 7); Sheridan Watson (Ep. 8); John Lowe (Ep. 9); Lizzie Perrin & Nicki Renna (Ep. 10); David Aguilar & Hennah Sekander (Ep. 12); Michelle Leibel & Sheridan Watson (Ep. 13); Nicki Renna & Michelle Leibel (Ep. 15, 18); Jeffrey Lieber & Tommy Cook from a story by Tommy Cook (Ep. 16); Sarah Gertrude Shapiro (Ep. 17)

Starring: Kathy Bates, Skye P. Marshall, Jason Ritter, David Del Rio, Leah Lewis, Eme Ikwuakor, Aaron Harris, Sam Anderson, Beau Bridges, Patricia Belcher, Yael Grobglas, Piper Curda and Andrea Londo.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Retired lawyer, Madeline Kingston learns that someone in the prestigious law firm of Jacobson Moore hid evidence that would have saved her daughter’s life (as well as many thousands of others).  Since the anonymous whistleblower didn’t name names, Madeline decides to take on a new identity as Madeline “Matty” Matlock.

Using her wiles, Matty gets a job at Jacobson Moore.  They believe she is a retired attorney forced to go back to work to raise her grandson.  Truth is, Matty is wealthy, and married.  She and her husband are raising her grandson.  Matty is an excellent lawyer and quickly proves valuable to the firm. Each case provides opportunities to learn the identity of the person who hid the valuable evidence.  As she makes friendships, she sometimes struggles with the lies and deception required to keep her identity secret.  As she gets closer to the truth, her boss begins to suspect something isn’t right with Matty.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I never watched a single episode of the original Matlock, but decided to give this version a try.  I’m glad I did.

I was concerned how they would have Matty’s lies and deceptions play out.  Kudos to the writers for the way it was handled.

Kathy Bates is such a talented actress.  Skye P. Marshall more than holds her own.

Matlock: Season 1 (2025) earns 4 stars.  Bring on Season 2.

Rocky Balboa by Tim Shinn!

Posted on by

Tim Shinn is a freelance artist known for his storyboarding, advertising and comic work. Tim’s done art for Hasbro, Disney, Dark Horse and Fun Publications. Tim takes commissions and regularly posts art for sale.

Earlier this week when I saw this sketch of Sly Stallone as Rocky,  I didn’t hesitate.  It’s my second piece by Tim.  You can see more of Tim Shinn’s art on his Instagram page and his Twitter feed.

“Sinners” (2025) Written and Directed by Ryan Coogler, Starring Michael B. Jordan / Z-View

Posted on by

Sinners (2025)

Director:  Ryan Coogler

Screenplay: Ryan Coogler

Stars: Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Buddy Guy, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, Li Jun Li , Lola Kirke, Tenaj L. Jackson, David Maldonado, Yao, Sam Malone and Delroy Lindo.

Tagline: Dance with the devil.

The Plot…

The notorious SmokeStack twins have returned home after seven years.  In between they served in World War I and worked for Al Capone.  Now flush with cash (that they stole from mobsters), Smoke and Stack plan to open a juke for colored folks.  It will serve food, Irish beer, good whiskey and moonshine.  Their cousin Preacher Boy is gonna be a big time Blues Man.  He’s gonna play. And they’ve got Delta Slim for opening night.  Music, dancing and food.  Word is out.  They’ve thought of everything to make it a night to remember.

Yeah, they’ve accounted for everything… except one.

Vampires.

Let the good times roll.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Michael B. Jordan plays identical twins Smoke and Stack.

Director Ryan Coogler said that Robert Rodriguez’s From Dusk Till Dawn and The Faculty were two major influences in making Sinners.  Other influences according to Coogler were ‘Salem’s Lot and The Twilight Zone episode The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank.

Miles Caton makes his film debut.

Writer/Director Ryan Coogler has another winner.  Excellent film all around from start to finish and top to bottom.  Great casting, wonderful special effects and a story that entertains, provides scares, thrills and has a heart.

Sinners (2025) rates 5 of 5 stars

“Maisie Gets Her Man” (1942) starring Ann Sothern and Red Skelton / Z-View

Posted on by

Maisie Gets Her Man (1942)

Director:  Roy Del Ruth

Screenplay: Mary C. McCall Jr., Elizabeth Reinhardt, story by  Elizabeth Reinhardt, Ethel Hill, based characters created by Wilson Collison.

Stars: Ann Sothern, Red Skelton, Leo Gorcey, Allen Jenkins, Donald Meek, Lloyd Corrigan, Walter Catlett, Fritz Feld, Willie Best, Esther Dale and Rags Ragland.

Tagline: Roar with Red Skelton in the Funniest Maisie Hit of All!

The Plot…

Maisie Ravier is an out of work vaudeville performer.  Her former partner, Dr. Orco went crazy when his girl left him.  While looking for work, Maisie meets Hap Hixby.  Hap dreams of being a big time comedian.  Everyone in his small town thought he was the funniest.  So when Hap offers Maisie the opportunity to be his partner she accepts.

Only thing is, it turns out Hap has stage fright.  Good thing Hap has a back-up plan.  He sunk all his saved money in a business guaranteed to succeed.  Bet you can guess the odds it’s a scam.

Maisie is falling for Hap, who has already fallen for Maisie.  About that time, Hap’s former flame shows up.

Poor Maisie… what’s a girl to do?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Maisie Gets Her Man is the sixth in the ten film series.  Ann Sothern played Maisie in all of them.

Rags Ragland and Leo Gorcey show up in small parts!

Maisie Gets Her Man (1942) rates 3 of 5 stars

“Panama Hattie” (1942) starring Red Skelton, Ann Southern and Rags Ragland / Z-View

Posted on by

Panama Hattie (1942)

Director:  Norman Z. McLeod, Roy Del Ruth, Vincente Minnelli

Screenplay: Jack McGowan, Wilkie C. Mahoney (as Wilkie Mahoney), Herbert Fields, Mary C. McCall Jr. (uncredited), Lillie Messginer (uncredited), Vincent Minelli (uncredited), Joseph Schrank (uncredited), based on the 1940 American musical with music and lyrics by Cole Porter and book by Herbert Fields and B. G. DeSylva.

Stars: Red Skelton, Ann Sothern, Rags Ragland, Ben Blue, Marsha Hunt, Virginia O’Brien, Alan Mowbray, Dan Dailey, The Berry Brothers and Lena Horne.

Tagline: Swing as Ann Sings – Laugh as Red Clowns – Thrill to the Navy Stirring Battle-cry

The Plot…

Panama Hattie is Hattie Maloney, a nightclub owner/singer in the Panama Canal Zone.  Hattie has three Navy buddies, Red, Rags and Rowdy.  They want Hattie to perform at big party they are organizing.  Hattie is also getting ready to meet her fiancé’s young daughter for the first time.  Kitty-Belle, an Admiral’s daughter also wants to marry Hattie’s fiancé.  Oh, and Red, Rags and Rowdy think that they’ve discovered some Nazi spies.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Panama Hattie is all over the place.  But considering the movie was based on a play, brought to the screen with eight writers and three directors, it isn’t surprising.  There’s a little something for everyone if you’re looking for music, comedy and dancing.

I like Red Skelton and the under-rated Rags Ragland.  My favorite parts of the movie involve them.  As to the musical aspects, Virginia O’Brien has the best songs (especially about her getting drunk at the Savoy!), and The Berry Brothers the best dance.  Oh, and Lena Horne made her MGM film debut in this film.  Ms. Horne sings in a nightclub.  Her scene was easily cut (without effecting the plot) when the film was shown in the South.

This film was made during World War II and the entire cast joins to sing the final song about the US joining the fight.  The movie ends and immediately a card for War Bonds appears.

Panama Hattie (1942) rates 3 of 5 stars

“Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid” (1982) directed by Carl Reiner, starring Steve Martin

Posted on by

Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid (1982)

Director:  Carl Reiner

Screenplay: Carl Reiner, George Gipe, Steve Martin

Stars: Steve Martin, Rachel Ward, Reni Santoni and Carl Reiner; archival footage: Alan Ladd, Barbara Stanwyck, Ray Milland, Ava Gardner, Burt Lancaster, Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, Veronica Lake, Bette Davis, Lana Turner, Edward Arnold, Kirk Douglas, Fred MacMurray, James Cagney, Joan Crawford, Charles Laughton, Vincent Price, William Conrad, Charles McGraw, Jeff Corey, Brian Donlevy, Norma Varden, Edmond O’Brien.

Tagline: Laugh… or I’ll blow your lips off!

The Plot…

When Juliet Forrest’s (Ward) scientist father is killed in an auto accident, she hires Private Eye Rigby Reardon (Martin) to investigate.  Searching her father’s lab, Reardon finds two lists of names.  A mystery man wings Reardon and steals the lists.

More determined than ever to solve the case, Reardon will follow clues that lead him down mean streets, into dark alleys, searching for hidden truths, dealing with hard cases, low-lifes, doublecrossers and beautiful dames.  What Reardon discovers is a conspiracy that could be the end of the good-old-USA.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid is a film noir parody that seamlessly integrates characters/scenes from classic noir films into the new story.

Director Carl Reiner says that Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid is the favorite film that he’s directed.

The film is Costume Designer Edith Head’s last feature film and is dedicated to her. It was also the final film of film composer Miklós Rózsa who re-scored music from films he had worked on in the 1940s.

The one city that the Nazi plot destroys is Terre Haute, Indiana.  That is where I was born and lived through eighth grade.

Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid (1982) rates 4 of 5 stars

“My Gun is Quick” (1957) starring Robert Bray / Z-View

Posted on by

My Gun is Quick (1957)

Director:  George White, Victor Saville (as Phil Victor)

Screenplay: Richard Collins, Richard Powell, screen story by Richard Powell, based on My GUN IS QUICK by Mickey Spillane

Stars: Robert Bray, Whitney Blake, Donald Randolph, Richard Garland, Fred Essler, Booth Colman, Pamela Duncan, Patricia Donahue, Peter Mamakos, Claire Carleton, Phil Arnold, George Cisar  and Jan Chaney.

Tagline: The High Society Dame Who Played It Lowdown And Dirty! – The Secretary Who “Worked” After Hours! – The Stripper Who Knew How To Tease! – The Blonde Who Left Her Bedroom Door Open!

The Plot…

Late one evening in a diner, Mike Hammer (Bray) strikes up a conversation with a young prostitute called Red.  When Red’s pimp comes in and begins to berate her, Hammer roughs the punk up and sends him on his way.  Feeling sorry for Red, Hammer gives her money for a bus ticket home.

The next day Hammer learns Red was killed in a hit and run.  A ring she was wearing was stolen.  Hammer begins to dig into the case and learns the ring was part of a cache of Nazi jewels stolen after the war.  Hammer makes it his business to discover Red’s killer and finds himself up against an American Colonel and other thugs looking for the jewels.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

My Gun is Quick is a low budget adaptation of Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer.  Several actors have played Hammer in films/television including Mickey Spillane himself.  My favorite is Armand Assante in I, the Jury.

My Gun is Quick (1957) rates 2 of 5 stars

RIP: Nicky Katt

Posted on by

It was announced today that Nicky Katt died on April 8, 2025.  No cause of death was given.  Mr. Katt was 54.

Nicky Katt began his career as a child actor.  As an adult Mr. Katt worked in both television and feature films.  It’s interesting that Nicky Katt’s best known television role was as a teacher on Boston Public, but in films he often played a heavy.  Mr. Katt was equally adept as a leading man or character actor.

Some of the television projects that feature Nicky Katt include: CHiPs; Fantasy Island; Father Murphy (2 episodes); Code Red; Herbie the Love Bug (5 episodes); Voyagers; Trapper John, M.D.; Quincy, M.E.; V (2 episodes); The Get Along Gang (7 episodes); CBS Schoolbreak Special; The Facts of Life; Lifestories; Dear John (2 episodes); Uncle Buck; Love & War; Knight Ride 2010; Double Rush; Friends; Kindred: The Embraced; Astoria; Boston Public (49 episodes); The Guardian (2 episodes); King of the Hill (3 episodes); Monk; Love Monkey; law & Order and Casual.

Some of Nicky Katt’s feature film appearances include: Underground Aces; Gremlins; The ‘Burbs; Sister Act; Dazed and Confused; The Cure; Strange Days; A Time to Kill; SubUrbia; Batman & Robin; One True Thing; The Limey; Boiler Room; Rules of Engagement; Way of the Gun; Waking Life; Insomnia; Secondhand Lions; School of Rock; Sin City; World Trade Center; Snow Angels; Planet Terror; Death Proof; The Brave One; The Dark Knight and Behind the Candelabra.

My favorite Nicky Katt role is in Way of the Gun. I enjoyed him in Boston Public and in so many films.  Some favorites include Boiler Room, Sin City and the Grindhouse double feature Planet Terror and Death Proof.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Nicky Katt’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Ted Kotcheff

Posted on by

Ted Kotcheff died on April 11, 2025, just three days after his 94th birthday.

Ted Kotcheff graduated from University College, University of Toronto, with a degree in English Literature.  When he was just 24, he joined the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.  He was the youngest director there.  Mr. Kotcheff directed Tiara Tahiti, his first feature film in 1962.  Although best known as a director, Ted Kotcheff branched out and did occasional writing, acting and producing.

Some of the television projects that feature Ted Kotcheff’s direction include: On Camera; Hour of Mystery; I’ll Have You to Remember; BBC Sunday Night Play (2 episodes); ITV Television Playhouse; Espionage; First Night (2 episodes); Drama 61-67; Armchair Theater (28 episodes); The Human Voice; ABC Stage 67 (2 episodes); The Desperate Hours; ITV Playhouse; Lights Out; Play for Today (2 episodes); Performance; Red Shoe Diaries (2 episodes); Borrowed Hearts; Buddy Faro; Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (7 episodes).

Some of Ted Kotcheff’s feature films include: Tiara Tahiti; Life at the Top; Of Mice and Men; Wake in Fright; The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz; Fun with Dick and Jane; Who is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe?; North Dallas Forty; First Blood; Uncommon Valor; Weekend at Bernie’s and Folks!.

My favorite Ted Kotcheff film is First Blood.  I had been a fan of David Morrell’s novel since it came out in paperback.  Sylvester Stallone was (and is) my favorite actor.  Ted Kotcheff at the helm made one of my all-time favorite films.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Ted Kotcheff’s family, friends and fans.

“Dawn of the Dead” (2002) directed by Zack Snyder / Z-View

Posted on by

Dawn of the Dead (2002)

Director:  Zack Snyder

Screenplay:  James Gunn; based on Dawn of the Dead by George A. Romero

Stars: Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Mekhi Phifer, Jake Weber, Ty Burrell, Michael Kelly, Kevin Zegers, Lindy Booth, Jayne Eastwood, Boyd Banks, Inna Korobkina, Louis Ferreira, Bruce Bohne, Scott H. Reiniger, Tom Savini, Ken Foree and Matt Frewer.

Tagline: When there’s no more room in hell, the dead will walk the earth.

The Plot…

At the onset of a zombie apocalypse a group of diverse strangers take refuge in a mall.  In the group is a nurse, a cop, a married couple with a baby on the way, a tv salesman, a rich jerk and three mall security guards.  As the zombie horde outside the mall tensions rise.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

This is Zack Snyder’s feature film debut.  He hit a homerun with his first at bat.

The introduction of the zombie apocalypse from Anna’s viewpoint is genius.  Escaping from the zombie in her house in the early morning to seeing helicopters, neighbors getting attacked, and then driving away from the madness into more chaos is perfect.

When Ana is driving down a highway there is a nod/Easter egg to Night of the Living Dead.  A truck crashes into a gas station/diner causing a big explosion.  In Night of the Living Dead Ben says he was in diner parking lot when a truck crashed into the gas pumps.

Ken Foree, Scott H. Reiniger and Tom Savini appeared in the original Dawn of the Dead and have cameos in this one.  One of the stores in the mall is named “Gaylen Ross”. Gaylen Ross was one of the stars of the original film.

Zack Snyder plays the last zombie seen at the end of the opening credits.

Scott Frank (Get Shorty) and Michael Tolkin (The Player) did uncredited work on the screenplay.

Be sure to watch through the credits!

Dawn of the Dead (2002) rates 5 of 5 stars

“Sisu” (2022) written & directed by Jalmari Helander, starring Jorma Tommila / Z-View

Posted on by

Sisu (2022)

Director:  Jalmari Helander

Screenplay:  Jalmari Helander

Stars: Jorma Tommila, Aksel Hennie, Jack Doolan, Mimosa Willamo.

Tagline: Vengeance is golden.

The Plot…

World War II is in its last days.  Aatami Korpi lives a solitary life panning for gold in the wilderness.  Although a decorated vet who earned the nickname “the Immortal” because of suicide missions where he took out scores of enemy soldiers, Aatami is done with war.  Aatami’s entire family was killed while he was on an assignment.  Now he just wants to be left alone.

Aatami’s luck changes when he hits a vein of gold.  He fills two saddlebags full and heads for the nearest town.  Still in the wilderness, he encounters a platoon of Nazis.  They are heading back to the fatherland with scorched-earth orders.  When the Nazis discover Aatami has gold they decide to steal it.

Big mistake.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Sisu is a lean mean action film that would be at home in the 80s.

Sisu (2022) rates 4 of 5 stars

“Unit 234” starring Don Johnson, Isabelle Fuhrman and Jack Huston – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

Posted on by

Here’s a new trailer for Unit 234 starring Don Johnson, Isabelle Fuhrman and Jack Huston.  It looks like fun.

Deal me in.

US Release Date: May 9, 2025
Starring: Don Johnson, Isabelle Fuhrman, Jack Huston
Director: Andy Tennant
Synopsis: After the discovery of an unconscious man in a locked unit, the lone employee of a remote storage facility must fight to survive the night.

“5 Minutes to Live” aka “Door-to-Door Maniac” (1961) starring Johnny Cash & Vic Tayback / Z-View

Posted on by

5 Minutes to Live aka Door-to-Door Maniac (1961)

Director:  Bill Karn

Screenplay:  Cay Forrester

Stars: Johnny Cash, Donald Woods, Cay Forester, Midge Ware, Merle Travis, Vic Tayback, Norma Varden, Hanna Landy, Howard Wright and Ron Howard.

Tagline: Introducing JOHNNY CASH, America’s top-recording star, as a lusty, romantic, guitar singing powerhouse

The Plot…

Fred Dorella and cold-blooded killer Johnny Cabot have a fool-proof way to rob a bank.  Johnny will take the bank Vice-president’s wife, Nancy hostage.  If the bank’s VP gives Fred $70k, Fred will call Johnny who will release Nancy.  If the bank’s VP doesn’t turn over the cash, Fred will call Johnny who will kill Nancy.

What Fred and Johnny didn’t count on, is the bank’s VP having an affair.  If the crooks kill his wife, he’ll be free!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

5 Minutes to Live was rereleased in 1966 as Door-to-Door Maniac.

Cay Forester, the female lead, wrote the screenplay.

Johnny Cash (in his film debut) teamed with Vic Tayback (of the television comedy Alice fame) as the bank robbers.  Ronnie Howard who played Opie on The Andy Griffith Show plays the son of bank vice president.

If you enjoy low budget crime thrillers, then give 5 Minutes to Live a shot.

5 Minutes to Live aka Door-to-Door Maniac (1961) rates 3 of 5 stars

“Havok” directed by Gareth Evans, starring Tom Hardy, Jesse Mei Li, Timothy Olyphant & Forest Whitaker – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

Posted on by

We have the poster and trailer for Havok directed by Gareth Evans, starring Tom Hardy, Jesse Mei Li, Timothy Olyphant, Forest Whitaker.  Man, oh man, does this thing kick ass?

Deal me in.

No law, only disorder.

When a drug heist swerves lethally out of control, a jaded cop fights his way through a corrupt city’s criminal underworld to save a politician’s son.

Watch HAVOC, coming to Netflix on April 25.