Category: Celebs

“The Mask of Dimitrios” (1944) starring Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet and Zachary Scott / Z-View

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The Mask of Dimitrios (1944)

Director:  Jean Negulesco

Screenplay: Frank Gruber; based on THE MASK OF DIMITRIOS by Eric Ambler

Stars: Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet, Zachary Scott, Steven Geray, Eduardo Ciannelli, Kurt Katch, John Abbott, Monte Blue, David Hoffman and Vince Barnett.

Tagline: Thrilling successor to “The Maltese Falcon”

The Plot…

Cornelius Leyden, a mystery writer, is spending a night in Istanbul.  Leyden meets Colonel Haki, a Turkish police offical.  Haki is a fan of Leyden’s books.  Haki shares the story of Dimitrios Makropoulos, a famous international criminal who was recently found murdered.  Leyden is intrigued.  Colonel Haki allows Leyden to see Makropoulos’ corpse.  Haki also gives Leyden background info on the dead man.

Leyden decides to interview those who knew Dimitrios Makropoulos and perhaps write a book about the criminal mastermind.  As Leyden digs deeper he learns just how cunning and brutal Dimitrios Makropoulos was.

Maybe cunning enough to fake his own death.  Maybe cunning enough to kill anyone looking into his life.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Peter Lorre had the most screen time of anyone in the film.  Yet, he was given fourth billing.  Lorre was listed behind Sydney Greenstreet, Zachary Scott (in his first feature film) and Faye Emmerson (who had a small role).  Lorre felt that his lowered status was because Jack L. Warner (one of the studio heads) was not a fan.

Orson Welles played Colonel Haki in Journey into Fear.

The Mask of Dimitrios (1944) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” (2024) directed by Tim Burton, starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Willem Dafoe & Monica Bellucci / Z-View

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Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)

Director:  Tim Burton

Screenplay: Alfred Gough, Miles Millar; story by Alfred Gough, Miles Millar, Seth Grahame-Smith based on characters by Michael McDowell, Larry Wilson

Stars: Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Willem Dafoe, Monica Bellucci, Arthur Conti, Santiago Cabrera, Burn Gorman  and Danny DeVito.

Tagline: The ghost with the most is back.

The Plot…

Thirtysix years ago Betelgeuse, a vulgar, prankster ghost attempted to marry a teenager named Lydia Deetz.  Although unsuccessful, Betelgeuse hasn’t given up.  Confined to the underworld, he still has hopes to escape.

Lydia and her mother struggle to have a healthy relationship.  Lydia and her daughter, Astrid, don’t get along much better.  Astrid doesn’t believe her mom can see ghosts.

When Lydia, her mother and Astrid return to Winter River for a funeral things take a turn.  Astrid accidentally frees Betelgeuse.  Now he can finally force marriage to Lydia.  Meanwhile Betelgeuse’s first wife has “pulled herself together” and has plans for Betelgeuse (and anyone who gets in her way).  And don’t get me started on Astrid’s problems.

The juice is loose indeed.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

While not as fun as the original, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is still a fun ride.  The film is best when Keaton is on screen cutting up.  Jenna Ortega is an excellent choice to play Winona Ryder’s daughter.

My favorite scene was the MacArthur Park wedding scene.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“The Pitt” starring Noah Wyle – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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The poster and trailer for The Pitt, starring Noah Wyle is here!

I like the idea of a 15 hour limited series about 15 hours in a big city emergency room.

Deal me in.

In The Pitt, every hour counts.

#ThePitt, a new Max Original Series from John Wells, Executive Producer of ER and The West Wing, and starring Noah Wyle, premieres January 9 on Max.

“Carriers” (2009) starring Chris Pine, Piper Perabo, Lou Taylor Pucci and Emily VanCamp / Z-View

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Carriers (2009)

Director:  Àlex Pastor, David Pastor

Screenplay: Àlex Pastor, David Pastor

Stars: Chris Pine, Piper Perabo, Lou Taylor Pucci, Emily VanCamp, Kiernan Shipka, Mark Moses, Josh Berry, Tim D. Janis, Dylan Kenin and Christopher Meloni.

Tagline: The rules are simple. You break them, you die…

The Plot…

A highly contagious virus has wiped out most of the human race.  Brian, his girlfriend Bobby, along with his brother Danny and Danny’s friend Kate have joined for a trip.  They hope to make their way to a remote beach house that they know will be empty.  Once there the four plan to enjoy the beach and wait until the virus dies out.  Or a cure is found.

Getting there will be dangerous.  Breathing the air or contact with an infected person means sure death.  Uninfected  people are just as dangerous.  Food, water and gasoline is scare.

Not everyone will survive.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I liked that Carriers had a virus that didn’t turn people into zombies.  THAT was a different angle from most movies.

Carriers was filmed in 2006, but the studio held it from release.  Then when Chris Pine hit big with Star Trek, it was released.  Pine ended up getting top billing, even though Lou Taylor Pucci’s character was the first lead.

Christopher Meloni (who plays the father of an infected child) and Mark Moses (who plays a doctor who has lost all hope) have characters/scenes that will stay with you.

I saw Carriers when it was first released and again yesterday.  I liked it better the second time.  I wanted more action on my first viewing.  The second time, I realized that Carriers should be seen as more of a psychological thriller.

Carriers (2009) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Alarum” starring Scott Eastwood, Sylvester Stallone, Willa Fitzgerald and Mike Colter – The Poster & Trailer are Here!

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Alarum starring Scott Eastwood, Sylvester Stallone, Willa Fitzgerald and Mike Colter.  The poster and trailer are here.

Deal me in.

Alarum – Watch the trailer now! In Theaters, On Digital and On Demand January 17. Starring Scott Eastwood, Sylvester Stallone, Willa Fitzgerald and Mike Colter

Academy Award® nominee* Sylvester Stallone, Scott Eastwood, Mike Colter, and Willa Fitzgerald star in this explosive action-thriller about two married spies caught in the crosshairs of an international intelligence network that will stop at nothing to obtain a critical asset. Joe (Eastwood) and Lara (Fitzgerald) are agents living off the grid whose quiet retreat at a winter resort is blown to shreds when members of the old guard suspect the two may have joined an elite team of rogue spies, known as ALARUM.

“28 Years Later” – The Second Poster and First Full Trailer is Here!

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The second poster and first trailer for 28 Years Later is here!

Danny Boyle and Alex Garland reunite for #28YearsLater – only in theatres 6.20.25.

Academy Award®-winning director Danny Boyle and Academy Award®-nominated writer Alex Garland reunite for 28 Years Later, a terrifying new story set in the world created by 28 Days Later. It’s been almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, and now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected. One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When one of the group leaves the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well.

Directed by:​​ Danny Boyle​​​
​Written by:​​​​ Alex Garland​​​
Produced by: ​​​​Andrew Macdonald, Peter Rice, ​​​​​Bernard Bellew, Danny Boyle, Alex Garland
Executive Producer:​​​ Cillian Murphy

Cast:​ Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams and Ralph Fiennes

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (2020)starring Viola Davis & Chadwick Boseman / Z-View

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Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)

Director:  George C. Wolfe

Screenplay: Ruben Santiago-Hudson; based on Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom by August Wilson

Stars: Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, Glynn Turman, Colman Domingo, Colman Domingo, Jeremy Shamos, Jonny Coyne, Taylour Paige, Joshua Harto and Quinn VanAntwerp.

Tagline: Everything Comes Out in the Blues.

The Plot…

In 1927, Ma Rainey is a radio sensation.  Her blues renditions are in demand.  Ma Rainey is in demand and is going to make the best of it.  Ma suffers no fools.  Although black in an age of Jim Crow, Ma Rainey defers to no one.

Ma Rainey has contracted to make a record for white producers.  Her regular band members show up early and begin getting ready.  As they warm up, Levee Green, the band’s trumpeter arrives.  Mel Sturdyvant, the white record producer is getting nervous since Ma isn’t there.  Levee sees an opportunity and talks to Mr. Sturdyvant about recording Leeve’s songs.  The rest of the band sees that as in insult to Ma.  Ma will not be happy if she learns Leeve is trying to undercut her.  She’ll be even more upset if she learns Leeve is putting the moves on Ma’s girl, Dussie Mae.

Finally Ma arrives.  When Ma sees that some of her requests for performing weren’t honored, she becomes irritated.  Mr. Sturdyvant and Ma begin to butt heads.  Ma says she won’t perform until she is satisfied.  Tensions rise.

Who would have thought that a simple recording session would lead to murder.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom was nominated for five Academy Awards and won two…

  • Nominee Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role: Chadwick Boseman
  • Nominee Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role: Viola Davis
  • Nominee Best Achievement in Production Design: Mark Ricker (production design), Karen O’Hara (set decoration), Diana Stoughton (set decoration)
  • Winner Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling: Sergio Lopez-Rivera, Mia Neal, Jamika Wilson
  • Winner Best Achievement in Costume Design: Ann Roth

Denzel Washington was one of the film’s producers and had mentored Chadwick Boseman since Boseman’s college days.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is Chadwick Boseman’s final film.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is a rare film where it all comes together.  A great screenplay, adapted from a superb play, with an excellent director leading a wonderful cast.  I’m surprised Viola Davis didn’t win the Oscar for Best Actress.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Hurricane Heist” (2018) directed by Rob Cohen / Z-View

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Hurricane Heist (2018)

Director:  Rob Cohen

Screenplay: Scott Windhauser, Jeff Dixon; story by Anthony Fingleton, Carlos Davis

Stars: Toby Kebbell, Maggie Grace, Ryan Kwanten, Ralph Ineson, Jamie Andrew Cutler, Ed Birch, James Barriscale, Erik Rondell, Mark Rhino Smith, Brooke Johnston  and Ben Cross

Tagline: The storm of the century… the heist of a lifetime.

The Plot…

A well organized group of thieves plan to rob a Federal Reserve money shredding facility in the small town of Gulfport, Alabama.  The crooks are going to do so under the cover of a Category 5 Hurricane heading for the evacuated city.

Standing in their way are two individuals: Treasury agent Casey Corbyn (Grace) and a National Weather Service meteorologist named Will (Kebbell).  If the thieves don’t kill them, the hurricane might.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Hurricane Heist isn’t as bad as reviews might lead you to believe.  It has excellent effects/scenes/stunts, but they get crazier as the movie goes on.  Still, I enjoyed it.  As always, your mileage may vary.

Hurricane Heist (2018) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Legend of the Lost” (1957) starring John Wayne & Sophia Loren / Z-View

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Legend of the Lost (1957)

Director:  Henry Hathaway

Screenplay: Ben Hecht, Robert Presnell

Stars: John Wayne, Sophia Loren, Rossano Brazzi and Kurt Kasznar.

Tagline: Wayne Tangles with Loren…In the Adventure that’s Hotter than 1000 Suns!

The Plot…

Paul Bonnard comes to Timbuktu looking for a guide.  Bonnard’s father left him a map to a lost city full of gold and jewels.  Bonnard hires Joe January, an experienced guide.  The day before they are to leave, Bonnard meets Dita.  She’s beautiful, but is willing to steal or use her looks to make money from men.  Bonnard and Dita talk through the night.  The next day she asks to go with Bonnard and Joe.  Both men refuse to take her. The trip is much too dangerous.

Dita finds a way to join Bonnard and Joe.  Once she is discovered they are too far into the desert to take her back.  There’s no denying the attraction between Joe and Dita.  This coupled with low rations and even less water will lead to dangers no one saw coming.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

When director Henry Hathaway was asked why John Wayne’s character dresses like a cowboy, Hathaway replied John Wayne’s characters always dress like cowboys.

Legend of the Lost (1957) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“The Gorge” starring Miles Teller, Anna Taylor-Joy and Sigourney Weaver – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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The poster and trailer for The Gorge starring Miles Teller, Anna Taylor-Joy and Sigourney Weaver have won me over.

Deal me in.

The world’s most dangerous secret lies between them.

Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy star in The Gorge — premiering February 14 on Apple TV+
https://apple.co/_TheGorge

Two highly-trained operatives (Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy) are appointed to posts in guard towers on opposite sides of a vast and highly classified gorge, protecting the world from an undisclosed, mysterious evil that lurks within. They bond from a distance while trying to stay vigilant in defending against an unseen enemy. When the cataclysmic threat to humanity is revealed to them, they must work together in a test of both their physical and mental strength to keep the secret in the gorge before it’s too late.

An Apple Original Film, “The Gorge” is directed by Scott Derrikson and written by Zach Dean. Hailing from Skydance Media, “The Gorge” is produced by David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger for Skydance, alongside Scott Derrickson, C. Robert Cargill and Sherryl Clark through Crooked Highway as well as Adam Kolbrenner, Zach Dean and Gregory Goodman. Miles Teller executive produces.

“American Primeval” directed by Peter Berg, starring Taylor Kitcsch & Betty Gilpin – Two Posters and a Trailer are Here!

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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.