Previews and Reviews that are Z's Views
What do you think of this Ballerina poster? While it does have the feel of being From the World of JOHN WICK, I don’t think it makes Ana De Armas look tough enough. Of course we’re not seeing her in action here.
Ballerina is set to premiere June 6, 2025.
We are on a roll today. Here we have two posters and one trailer for American Primeval. Peter Berg directed this six episode limited series that premieres on January 9, 2025. Starring Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin.
Deal me in.
Only one goal matters: survival. Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin star in American Primeval, a gripping new limited series from director Peter Berg.
Coming Jan. 9, 2025, only on Netflix.
I like the looks of Laws of Man. Two posters and one trailer. January 10, 2025.
Deal me in.
We have the poster and trailer for On Call, the new series which premieres on PRIME VIDEO on January 9th. On Call stars Troian Bellisario, Brandon Larracuente, Lori Loughlin, Eriq La Salle and Rich Ting.
Bellisario and Larracuente play a veteran and rookie teamed to fight crime in Long Beach, California.
On Call looks to be worth a look.
Deal me in.
The Testament of Dr. Mabuse (1933)
Director: Fritz Lang
Screenplay: Thea von Harbou, Fritz Lang
Stars: Rudolf Klein-Rogge, Otto Wernicke, Oscar Beregi Sr., Gustav Diessl
Tagline: Fritz Lang’s masterpiece. The most tremendous film of the present.
The Plot…
Hofmeister, a disgraced ex-police detective, uncovers an underworld criminal organization. Barely escaping with his life, Hofmeister calls police Inspector Karl Lohmann. As Hofmesiter lays out what he’s discovered, the connection is cut. When Hofmeister is found, he’s gone insane.
Inspector Lohmann finds clues indicating that Dr. Mabuse is the mastermind behind the underworld criminals discovered by Hofmeister. Lohmann is puzzled to learn that Dr. Mabuse went mad ten years prior. He’s been housed at Professor Baum’s asylum. Dr. Mabuse, locked in his cell with no outside contact, spends his days writing comprehensive plans for heists. Mabuse’s cell is full of them. Making things even stranger, since no one has access to these plans, is that they’re being used to commit crimes.
How can that be?
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The Nazis banned showing of The Testament of Dr. Mabuse because it might “incite people to anti-social behavior and terrorism against the State”.
Director Fritz Lang said that he was called to a meeting with Joseph Goebbels, Minister of Propaganda for the Nazi Party. Goebbels said that he and Adolph Hitler were fans of Fritz’s earlier movies but his latest films (M and The Testament of Dr. Mabuse) could be interpreted as against the Nazi Party. Goebbels then offered Lang the opportunity to direct films for the Nazis. Lang said he would consider the offer. He left Germany not long after this meeting.
Fritz is a master a direction, use of sound (talkies were still relatively new) and tension building scenes.
The Testament of Dr. Mabuse (1933) rates 5 of 5 stars.
Red 11 (2019)
Director: Robert Rodriguez
Screenplay: Robert Rodriguez, Racer Rodriguez; inspired by REBEL WITHOUT A CREW by Robert Rodriguez
Stars: Roby Attal, Lauren Hatfield
Tagline: THE NEW $7,000.00 FILM FROM ROBERT RODRIGUEZ.
The Plot…
John owes bad people $7,000.00. If they don’t get paid, John will get killed. In order to get the money quickly John joins a clinical study that uses experimental drugs and treatments. Once locked in the treatment center, John discovers he may be in more danger there.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Robert Rodriguez made his first film El Mariachi for $7,000.00. He raised the money, in part, by taking part in medical studies. Rodriguez was inspired by his experiences to come up with this film. He also wanted to see if it was possible to make the film for $7,000.00. It was. Sadly, we didn’t get anything close to a movie as good as El Mariachi.
I’m a Robert Rodriguez fan. Red 11 just didn’t resonate with me. The movie is less than 90 minutes long. I stuck it out for a bit over 50 minutes before tapping out. Your mileage may vary.
Red 11 (2019) rates 1 of 5 stars.
5 Steps to Danger (1957)
Director: Henry S. Kesler
Screenplay: Henry S. Kesler; story by Donald Hamilton, Turnley Walker; based on The Steel Mirror by Donald Hamilton
Stars: Ruth Roman, Sterling Hayden, Werner Klemperer, Richard Gaines, Peter Hansen, John Mitchum, Leonard Bremen, Sidney Clute and Ken Curtis.
Tagline: First she lured him into her car … then she let him taste her lips … and then … THE TERROR BEGAN !
The Plot…
John Emmett has just learned that his car is beyond repair. John sells it to the mechanic and asks about the nearest bus station. Ann Nicholson overheard John’s problem and offers him a ride. She’s driving to Santa Fe. Ann suggests John ride with her. They can split the drive time and motor straight through the night. John agrees.
When they stop for gas, a woman, claiming to be a nurse approaches John. The woman says that Ann has mental issues. The woman claims Ann is a patient of Dr. Frederick Simmons. John isn’t sure what to believe and says nothing to Ann.
Later, Ann and John are pulled over by two cops. They begin to question Ann about a murder in Los Angeles. She argues with a cop and in the struggle the policeman is knocked down the embankment. The other cop handcuffs Ann to John. The cop and John struggle and John knocks him down the hill. Ann and John take off.
On the run from the police, Ann tells John that she accidentally discovered a foreign government’s plot against the US. Ann says that she has important scientific information that she must get to trusted authorities. John is unsure if Ann is mentally unstable, a murderess or a patriot on the run.
One thing John does know, is that he’s now a wanted man. His life may depend on unraveling the mystery that is Ann Nicholson.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Wilder’s Garage in the opening scene was named that as a nod to Billy Wilder who opened Ace in the Hole with a similar scene.
Werner Klemperer went on to fame as Colonel Klink on Hogan’s Heroes. FBI Agent Jim Anderson is played (uncredited) by Ken Curtis who became famous as Festus on Gunsmoke.
5 Steps to Danger (1957) rates 2 of 5 stars.
Brothers (2024)
Director: Max Barbakow
Screenplay: Macon Blair; story by Etan Cohen
Stars: Josh Brolin, Peter Dinklage, Taylour Paige, Jen Landon, Brendan Fraser, Glenn Close, M. Emmet Walsh, Margo Moorer, Joshua Mikel, Nathan Hesse, Taylor St. Clair and Marisa Tomei.
Tagline: Family is a life sentence.
The Plot…
Thirty years ago, Mike and Jady’s mother took off with the cops in hot pursuit. Mom and her boyfriend had stolen emeralds worth millions. Mom was not caught or heard from again. After mom split, Mike and Jady began a life of small time crime. Jady was eventually caught and sent to prison. Mike married and hoped to turn his life around.
When Jady is released from prison, he visits Mike. Jady has a plan for a road trip and one last score. Desperate since he just lost his job, Mike agrees. Had Mike known that it would involve an overly-friendly orangutan, a cop with a vendetta and their long lost mother, he might have reconsidered.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Brothers has a great cast with a story that has potential. Sadly the film falls short. I didn’t care for any of the characters. The go-to for laughs was seeing people fall off roofs, get punched, run over or knocked down. I made it to the end. Barely.
Brothers is M. Emmet Walsh’s last feature film appearance. He deserved better. So did the other talents in this movie. Brendan Fraser and Marisa Tomei are Academy Award winners. Josh Brolin and Glenn Close are Academy Award nominees. Peter Dinklage is a 4 time Emmy Award winner.
Although Marisa Tomei is listed on the movie poster, her name doesn’t appear in the film credits.
Brothers (2024) rates 2 of 5 stars.
Black Dynamite (2009)
Director: Scott Sanders
Screenplay: Michael Jai White, Scott Sanders, Byron Minns, story by Michael Jai White, Byron Minns
Stars: Michael Jai White, Arsenio Hall, Tommy Davidson, Phyllis Applegate, Obba Babatundé, William Bassett and Mykelti Williamson.
Tagline: He’s super bad, he’s outta sight. He’s Black Dynamite.
The Plot…
Black Dynamite (White) is a Viet Nam vet, fung fu expert, ex-CIA, love machine. He’s a mean muther — I’m just talking about Black Dynamite. When Black Dynamite’s brother is killed, evidence leads to an organization that is providing heroin to black orphanages, and poisoning malt liquor headed for the ghetto. The CIA reinstate Black Dynamite so he can make those muthers pay.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Black Dynamite is a love letter to the low-budget blaxploitation movies of the early 1970s. It definitely captured the look, sound and feel of those films. We get split screen, slow-motion, boom mic errors, jump cuts, bad dialogue and music that take us back to those wonderful days of one cool cat willing and able to take down the man in between loving the ladies.
Kudos to Michael Jai White for not only playing the lead, but coming up with the idea and hitting the right mix of homage and parody.
Black Dynamite (2009) rates 4 of 5 stars.
Alfred Hitchcock was the first director I ever knew by name. I love his cameos. Below is a compilation of every one of them!
Cross: Season 1 (2024)
Created by: Ben Watkins; based on the ALEX CROSS novels by James Patterson
Director: Nzingha Stewart (Eps. 1-2); Craig Siebels (Eps. 3-4); Stacey Muhammad (Eps. 5-6); Director X (Ep. 7); Carl Seaton (Ep. 8)
Teleplay: Ben Watkins (Ep. 1); Aiyana White (Ep. 2); Ron McCants & Sam Ernst (Ep. 3); Blaize Ali-Watkins & Jim Dunn (Ep. 4); Gary Lundy (Ep. 5); Ali Salerno; story by Ali Salerno & Sonja Perryman (Ep. 6); Sam Ernst & Jim Dunn (Ep. 7);Ben Watkins & Aiyana White (Ep. 8)
Stars: Aldis Hodge, Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, Jennifer Wigmore, Eloise Mumford, Ryan Eggold, Stacie Greenwell, Sharon Taylor, Karen Robinson, Mercedes de la Zerda, Siobhan Murphy and Johnny Ray Gill.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
D.C. Detective Alex Cross (Hodge) and (his best friend since childhood) Detective John Sampson (Mustafa) are assigned the case of a well known Black Lives Matter activist, Emir Goodspeed, found dead in his car. Initial reports indicate an accidental drug overdose. Cross examines the evidence and believes it was murder. The powers that be want the case quickly wrapped up.
Chief Anderson orders Cross to quit making waves. Cross digs deeper. He finds evidence that Goodspeed was the victim of a serial killer. Chief Anderson, not convinced, orders Cross to stand down. Only Cross’ partner, John Sampson and one other person believe Cross is right. The other person is the serial killer.
Cross doesn’t know how connected and powerful the serial killer is. He’s about to find out.
Cross also doesn’t realize the killer who murdered Cross’ wife (and was never caught) is coming back for more revenge.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
I absolutely loved this season. Alex Cross isn’t a perfect hero by any stretch. He’s suffering from the unresolved murder of his wife. Often deaths in movies/television shows have little ramifications for the heroes. That isn’t the case here.
Cross is populated with characters and a great cast. Standouts are Aldis Hodge, Isaiah Mustafa (who plays my favorite character), Ryan Eggold and Johnny Ray Gill.
The story feels grounded in reality which makes us more willing to accept the connections of the serial killer. I loved the twists and the secondary story that doesn’t immediately become clear that it’s not part of the main crime.
I am looking forward to season 2.
Cross: Season 1 (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.
Salem’s Lot (1979)
Director: Tobe Hooper
Screenplay: Paul Monash based on ‘SALEM’S LOT by Stephen King
Stars: David Soul, James Mason, Lance Kerwin, Bonnie Bedelia, Lew Ayres, Julie Cobb, Elisha Cook Jr., George Dzundza, Ed Flanders, Kenneth McMillan, Fred Willard, Marie Windsor, Barbara Babcock, Bonnie Bartlett, Joshua Bryant, Reggie Nalder and Geoffrey Lewis.
Tagline: Salem’s Lot… where no one rests in peace…
The Plot…
A vampire has come to the small remote town of Salem’s Lot, Maine.
One vampire bites a human and you have two blood suckers. Two turn others and now there are four. As the number of vampires grow, only a few people realize (believe) what is happening. Ben Mears (Soul), his new girlfriend Susan (Bedelia), aging school teacher Jason Bruke (Ayers) and young Mark Petrie (Kerwin).
What chance do they have against the living dead?
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Salem’s Lot was nominated for three 1980 Primetime Emmy Awards…
Salem’s Lot was originally developed as a feature film with George “Night of the Living Dead” Romero set to direct. When Dracula (1979) and Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979) were announced, Warner Bros. decided to make Salem’s Lot as a two episode mini-series. Romero then dropped out.
Tobe Hooper came on board as a director. He realized as a tv project, he would be severely limited to the amount of blood/gore. He therefore focused on creating atmosphere and tension. Salem’s Lot is better for it. (As it turned out Salem’s Lot was released theatrically in Europe with a slightly different cut.)
On of the eeriest scenes is Ralphie Glick floating outside a second story window. Ralphie scratches the glass to awaken his sleeping brother. Part of the scene was filmed in reverse making it even more surreal.
Reggie Nalder played the main vampire Barlow. It’s hard to believe that he has less than 90 seconds of screen time! Believe it or not, this works as it makes each appearance more frightening. Nalder expressed disappointment that additional filmed scenes didn’t make the final cut. He also said that the contact lenses and heavy make-up he had to wear was very uncomfortable.
Bonnie Bedelia and Julie Cobb really shine.
I remember the anticipation leading up to the original television showing. It was an event. This was in the days when you had to be in front of the tv to see the show. My date (and later my wife) and I made a point to be home both nights. We weren’t disappointed.
Salem’s Lot (1979) rates 4 of 5 stars.
It was announced that Earl Holliman died today, at the age of 96.
When Earl Holliman was a teenager he saved his money from his jobs as a theater usher, paperboy and magician’s assistant. He then went to Hollywood. He lasted a week before his money ran out and he returned to his home in Louisiana.
His adoptive mother had remarried after her first husband died. Earl didn’t get along with his new stepfather. World War II was underway. Earl lied about his age and went into the Navy. A year into his enlistment, the Navy discovered Earl’s true age and he was sent home. Earl finished his high school education, graduated with honors and was his senior class president.
Now old enough to enlist, Earl reupped with the Navy. While in the Navy, Mr. Holliman was cast in the lead of several Norfolk Navy productions. After leaving the navy, Mr. Holliman moved to California. He studied acting and graduated from UCLA.
Mr. Holliman bluffed his way onto the Paramount lot. Over time he made some connections and got his first part. After that Earl Holliman continued to work in feature films, television and stage roles until he retired.
Television projects that feature Earl Holliman include: Matinee Theater; Kraft Theater (2 episodes); Studio One; Playhouse 90 (2 episodes); Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse; The Twilight Zone (1st episode); Hotel de Paree (32 episodes); The Dick Powell Theater; Westinghouse Presents: The Dispossessed; Bus Stop; Alcoa Premiere; General Electric Theater; Checkmate; Wide Country (28 episodes); The Great Adventure; Bonanza; 12 O’Clock High; Dr. Kildare; The Virginian; Slattery’s People; The Fugitive; Custer; Judd for the Defense; Insight; Marcus Welby MD; Smoke; The Tribe; Ironside; Cannon; Alias Smith & Jones (2 episodes); The Rookies; Gunsmoke (3 episodes); Medical Center (2 episodes); The Magical World of Disney (4 episodes); The FBI (4 episodes); The Streets of San Francisco; The Six Million Dollar Man: Wine, Women and War; Doberman Patrol; Cry Panic; Police Story; Police Woman (90 episodes); The Solitary Man; CHiPs (2 episodes); Country Gold; The Thorn Birds (3 episodes); Hotel; American Harvest; Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge; Empty Nest; PSI Luv U (13 episodes); The Larry Sanders Show; In the Heat of the Night; Delta (17 episodes); Murder, She Wrote (2 episodes); Captain Planet and the Planeteers; Caroline in the City (3 episodes); Nightman (24 episodes) and Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Feature films that Earl Holliman appeared in include: Destination Gobi; Scared Stiff; East of Sumatra; Broken Lance; The Bridges at Toko-Ri; The Big Combo; I Died A Thousand Times; Forbidden Planet; Giant; The Rainmaker; The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral; Trooper Hook; Don’t Go Near the Water; Hot Spell; The Trap; The Last Train from Gun Hill; Visit to a Small Planet; Summer and Smoke; The Sons of Katie Elder; Anzio; Sharky’s Machine and The Perfect Tenant.
Earl Holliman starred in the first episode of the first season of The Twilight Zone. Talk about an impressive first credit. When I think of Earl Holliman the first role that comes to mind is Sgt. (and later Lt.) Bill Crowley on Police Woman. Then his part in Forbidden Planet. As an adult I’ve loved seeing Earl Holliman in noirs such as The Big Combo and I Died a Thousand Times. Whatever he was in, Mr. Holliman made it better.
Out thoughts and prayers go out to Earl Holliman’s family, friends and fans.
Trap (2024)
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Screenplay: M. Night Shyamalan
Stars: Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, Saleka Shyamalan, Alison Pill, Marcia Bennett, M. Night Shyamalan, Lochlan Miller and Hayley Mills.
Tagline: 30,000 fans. 300 cops. 1 serial killer. No escape.
The Plot…
From all appearances Cooper (Harnett) is a great guy. He’s a firefighter, outgoing and friendly. Cooper is married with two kids. A real family man.
Because his daughter, Riley (Donoghue) earned great grades on her last report card, Cooper takes her to a Lady Raven (S, Shyamalan) concert. As they enter the arena, Cooper notices a huge police presence. When they get inside, there are even more cops. They seem to be everywhere. Well, safety should be a priority for events this well attended.
Once the concert starts, Cooper notices men are being escorted out by the police. Now curious and concerned, Cooper tells his daughter he’s going to the restroom. Then using his charm, Cooper learns a secret. The police are there because they got a lead that the serial killer known as The Butcher is in attendance. Every exit is covered. Police and FBI are there in force. They have a description of The Butcher and anyone fitting it, will be questioned before he is allowed out.
Cooper is concerned. Not because a serial killer is at the concert. No. Cooper is concerned because he is The Butcher.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Saleka Shyamalan makes her film debut. She is M. Night Shyamalan’s daughter and a singer/songwriter. Saleka wrote and performed all of the songs in the movie. The official Trap movie soundtrack is titled Lady Raven and features all of the songs from the movie.
The concert feels real. Kudos to M. Night, Saleka and all involved.
Some aspects come off as very contrived, but M. Night Shyamalan is adept at keeping things moving. This way viewers go with the flow. I was expecting Cooper to get caught or escape then fade to credits. M. Night Shyamalan had a different idea. There’s no big twist (as in some of his films) but there are some unexpected turns. I enjoyed the ride.
Trap (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.
JFK (1991)
Director: Oliver Stone
Screenplay: Oliver Stone, Zachary Sklar based on ON THE TRAIL OF ASSASSINS by Jim Garrison and CROSSFIRE: THE PLOT THAT KILLED KENNEDY by Jim Marrs
Stars: Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Sally Kirkland, Jay O. Sanders, Kevin Bacon, Tommy Lee Jones, Michael Rooker, Sissy Spacek, Joe Pesci, Donald Sutherland, Ed Asner, Brian Doyle-Murray, John Candy, Wayne Knight, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Vincent D’Onofrio, Dale Dye, Lolita Davidovich, John Larroquette, Ron Rifkin and Martin Sheen (narration).
Tagline: He’s a District Attorney. He will risk his life, the lives of his family, everything he holds dear for the one thing he holds sacred… the truth.
The Plot…
New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison (Costner) has doubts about the Warren Commission’s findings that Lee Harvey Oswald (Oldman) acted alone in the assassination of President Kennedy. Garrison puts together a team to investigate. The team discovers new evidence, witnesses that were ignored, and more.
Garrison will ultimately indict a New Orleans business man, Clay Shaw (Jones) for his role in the assassination of President Kennedy. Was Garrison a hero or a conspiracy nut?
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
JFK was nominated for eight 1992 Academy Awards and won two…
JFK is riveting cinema. The story is compelling. The direction, editing, use of various film stocks, vintage real footage mixed with recreations is movie-making at it’s best. Director Oliver Stone was at the top of his game. He was supported by an amazing cast.
The scene where Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested in the theater was filmed in the actual theater where the real arrest took place. Money from the film was used to restore the theater.
The scene of Jack Ruby killing Lee Harvey Oswald was shot in the Dallas City Hall basement where the actual murder took place.
The scenes of Lee Harvey Oswald shooting from the sixth floor window of the Texas School Book Depository were filmed in the real building, but from the fifth floor window. The sixth floor is now a museum. Views as seen from the sixth floor window were actually taken from that window. Only the cameraman, Stone and a couple of others were allowed at the window.
Woody Harrelson’s father, Charles Harrelson, was convicted of killing federal judge John H. Wood Jr. (and two others). Charles Harrelson claimed that he took part in the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Harrelson claimed he was one of the three “tramps” questioned the day of the murder. Harrelson drew diagrams and claims he can be seen in photos taken that day. The FBI has discounted his claims.
JFK is Oliver Stone’s favorite of all the films he directed.
In response to criticism that he made up much of the “facts” presented, Oliver Stone published an annotated version of his screenplay, in which he proved attribution for every claim made in the film.
JFK (1991) rates 5 of 5 stars.
