Marv by Dave Fowler!
Marv from Frank Miller’s Sin City is one of my all-time favorite characters. I love seeing artists do their “take” on the big lug. Today we have Marv by Dave Fowler.
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Category: Celebs
“Legend of Lead Belly” (2013) / Z-View
Legend of Lead Belly (2013)
Director: Alan Ravenscroft
Stars: Huddie Ledbetter (aka Lead Belly), Bob Dylan
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Huddie Ledbetter aka Lead Belly, despite being born in poverty, growing up in a time of extreme racism, and serving several jail/prison terms, became an accomplished musician whose influence spanned music genres and generations. Although crowned the “King of the Twelve-String Guitar”, Lead Belly was an accomplished musician who could also play piano, mandolin, harmonica and violin. His songs have been covered by Frank Sinatra to Nirvana. His influence in music is still felt 75 years after his death. Legend of Lead Belly provides an excellent overview of his life.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Lead Belly was serving time for murder. He wrote and recorded a song asking for clemency from the Governor… and received it!
It’s interesting that late in life, Lead Belly wanted to play a movie singing cowboy. Unfortunately he never achieved that goal.
If you know the name Lead Belly, but don’t know much about him, Legend of Lead Belly is a great starting point.
Legend of Lead Belly (2013) rates 4 of 5 stars.
“The Strain”: Season 4 (2017) / Z-View
The Strain: Season 4 (2017)
Created by: Guillermo del Toro, Chuck Hogan
Directors: J. Miles Dale (eps. 1 – 2, 10); Kevin Dowling (eps. 3 – 4); Norberto Barba (eps. 5 – 6); Thomas Carter (ep. 7); Paco Cabezas (ep. 8); Jennifer Lynch (ep. 9)
Screenplay: Carlton Cruse, Chuck Hogan (ep. 1, 10); Liz Phang (ep. 2, 8); David Weddle, Bradley Thompson (ep. 3, 9); Chuck Hogan (ep. 3); Mickey Fisher (ep. 4); Jeff Wadlow (ep. 5); Paul Keables (ep. 6); Andy Iser (ep. 7)
Stars: Corey Stoll, David Bradley, Jim Watson, Kevin Durand, Jonathan Hyde, Richard Sammel, Natalie Brown, Miguel Gomez, Max Charles, Ruta Gedmintas, Rupert Penry-Jones, Samantha Mathis, Joaquín Cosío, Adriana Barraza.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Nine months have passed since the bombs went off. A nuclear winter envelopes the world. The strigoi have formed a “partnership” with surviving humans. Humans donate blood to feed the strigoi. Despite people disappearing most humans feel the partnership is their only hope.
Setrakian, Fet, Mr. Quinlan, Gus and the others continue to work separately and together to find a way to kill the Master. If they can do that, the strigoi will be mindless and easier to destroy. When the group comes up with a suicide plan, there is little doubt that all will not survive… the real question is will the Master be killed.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan have created a modern day vampire tale with a backstory that extends not just decades, but centuries. The vampires aren’t the classic creatures of the night seen in countless movies. And the stakes aren’t just a beautiful woman’s soul. Here the fate of the world is at risk.
The writers should be commended for creating a huge cast of interesting characters with wonderful backstories. In different episodes, different characters get the spotlight but viewers don’t get the feeling that it is by the numbers. David Bradley as Professor Abraham Setrakian, Kevin Durand as Vasiliy Fet and Miguel Gomez as Augustin “Gus” Elizalde continue to shine. Jonathan Hyde as Eldritch Palmer and Richard Sammel as Thomas Eichhorst, the Nazi vampire acolyte continue to be great villains. Rupert Penry-Jones as Quinlan makes a great anti-hero.
Although Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan wrote a Strain trilogy of novels, the series doesn’t follow them exactly.
The Strain: Season 4 (2017) earns 5 of 5 stars.
“Badland Hunters” (2024) starring Don Lee / Z-View
Badland Hunters (2024)
Director: Heo Myeong Haeng
Screenplay: Kim Bo-tong, Kwak Jae-min
Stars: Ma Dong-seok (aka Don Lee), Lee Joon-young
Tagline: The world has come to an end, The world calls upon the hunter.
The Plot…
A series of earthquakes have turned Seoul into a wasteland. Nam San (Lee) and his young sidekick, Choi ji-wan (Joon-young) are hunters who provide meat for their settlement. When Dr. Yang Gi-su sends in a team promising the people of the settlement a better life, several families decide to leave.
Dr. Gi-su actually wants the young people for his mad experiments and the adults as slave labor. He has the elders killed. Gi-su’s experiments turn people into thinking zombie-like beings. Nam San and Choi discover what has happened and go to free them.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
I’m a Don Lee fan. He deserved a better film. So did his fans. The story is weak and the effects are okay at best. Still, there is plenty of action… and Don Lee.
Badland Hunters (2024) rates 2 of 5 stars.
“William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill!” – Two Posters & Two Trailers!
We have two posters and two trailers for William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill!
Deal me in.
Directed by the visionary filmmaker Alexandre O. Philippe (78/52: Hitchcock’s Shower Scene, Memory: The Origins of Alien), William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill is an intimate exploration of the life and career of William Shatner. From his unforgettable portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek to his diverse accomplishments of a 70+ year career across film, television, and the arts, the documentary captures the essence of Shatner’s journey and his extraordinary contributions to the entertainment industry.
An intimate portrait of William Shatner’s personal journey over nine decades on this Earth, You Can Call Me Bill strips away all the masks he has worn to embody countless characters, and reveals the man behind it all.
“The Postcard Killings” (2020) starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan / Z-View
The Postcard Killings (2020)
Director: Danis Tanovic
Screenplay: Tove Alsterdal, Ellen Brown Furman, Liza Marklund, Andrew Stern, Tena Štivičić based on THE POSTCARD KILLERS by Liza Marklund and James Patterson
Stars: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Famke Janssen
Tagline: The art of crime
The Plot…
New York Detective Jacob Kanon (Morgan) heads to London when his daughter is brutally murdered while on her honeymoon. Kanon starts an investigation of his own and discovers a serial killer is targeting couples throughout Europe. Kanon is determined to find the killer before he strikes again.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The Postcard Killings didn’t resonate with me. I’m not alone. The movie currently has a 5.8 rating out of 10 on IMDb and 24% reviewers score and 40% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Postcard Killings (2020) rates 2 of 5 stars.
“The Greatest Night in Pop” (2024) / Z-View
The Greatest Night in Pop (2024)
Director: Bao Nguyen
Stars: Lionel Richie, Harry Belafonte, Quincy Jones, Cyndi Lauper, Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Loggins, Huey Lewis, Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick, Sheila E., Kenny Rogers, Dan Aykroyd, Christie Brinkley, Lindsey Buckingham, David Byrne, Kim Carnes, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Bob Geldof, Daryl Hall, James Ingram, Jackie Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Michael Jackson, Randy Jackson, Tito Jackson, Al Jarreau, Billy Joel, Madonna, Bette Midler, Willie Nelson, John Oates, Jeffrey Osborne, Steve Perry, Anita Pointer, June Pointer, Ruth Pointer, Prince, Diana Ross, Paul Simon, Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder and Waylon Jennings
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
The Greatest Night in Pop chronicles everything from the birth of the idea to the night that dozens of the greatest recording stars in the world came together for a single session to create We Are the World. The record went on to raise millions for African famine relief. To this day, the song continues to raise money for the charity.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
It’s amazing that dozens of the biggest singing stars of the era could be brought together for one recording session. Egos had to be left at the door. Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones were able to keep the process moving.
At one point Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles both walked to the restroom together. One of the stars remarked, “That’s truly the blind leading the blind.”
Paul Simon said that if a bomb was dropped on the studio, John Denver would be back on top.
It’s surprising that Madonna wasn’t included. She was a huge star at the time. Dan Aykroyd gets to be on the record, but not Madonna?
At one point Stevie Wonder wanted to include some lyrics Swahili. Quincy Jones and others tried to see if they could make it work. Waylon Jennings got frustrated with the attempts and left the recording. Someone ultimately pointed out that Swahili wasn’t the language of the famine area. The idea was dropped.
Having stars who are star-struck by being in the same room with their idols is fun. Bob Dylan and others weren’t sure how to sing their solos. Things like that humanized them. Hats off for having the soloists get parts that made the singers instantly identifiable.
The Greatest Night in Pop (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.
“Woman in Hiding” (1950) starring Ida Lupino, Howard Duff & Stephen McNally / Z-View
Woman in Hiding (1950)
Director: Michael Gordon
Screenplay: Oscar Saul, Roy Huggins (adaptation) based on the story “Fugitive from Terror” by James Webb
Stars: Ida Lupino, Stephen McNally, Howard Duff, Peggy Dow, Irving Bacon, Don Beddoe and Joe Besser
Tagline: Hounded for money … pursued for love … hunted by a KILLER.
The Plot…
After her father falls to his death at his mill, Deborah (Lupino) decides to marry Selden Clark (McNally), her father’s second-in-command. Soon Deborah learns that Seldon married her for her father’s business. Seldon has a girl on the side and may have killed her father.
Realizing that Seldon has plans to kill her, Deborah goes on the run… with Seldon in hot pursuit.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Ida Lupino didn’t want to work with co-star Howard Duff. She thought he was arrogant. They married a year after the film’s release.
Look for Joe (The Three Stooges) Besser in a small but important role.
Woman in Hiding (1950) rates 4 of 5 stars.
“Rocky” First Mock Cover for Imaginary Maxie-Series by Dave Santia!
Dave Santia created this cool mock-up cover for an imaginary Rocky movie maxie-series. Santia says he is planning on doing 4 covers for each ROCKY movie! I cannot wait to see them.
“Nefarious” (2023) starring Sean Patrick Flanery & Jordan Belfi / Z-View
Nefarious (2023)
Director: Chuck Konzelman, Cary Solomon
Screenplay: Chuck Konzelman, Cary Solomon based on A Nefarious Plot by Steve Deace
Stars: Sean Patrick Flanery, Jordan Belfi, Jordan Belfi, Mark De Alessandro and Glenn Beck
Tagline: Speak of the devil.
The Plot…
Edward Wayne Brady (Flanery), an infamous serial killer, is on death row, soon to be executed. Brady claims that he’s possessed by a demon (maybe the devil himself). In an effort to determine Brady’s sanity, Dr. Alan Fischer met with the killer and was ready to declare Brady insane. After the interview, but before Dr. Fischer could render his official determination, he committed suicide.
Dr. James Martin (Belfi) is brought in to the prison to interview and determine if Brady is sane enough to be executed. Dr. Martin goes in thinking that Brady is acting possessed in an effort to avoid the electric chair. As the interview progresses, Brady tells Dr. Martin things he should have no way of knowing. Then strange things begin to occur. Brady tells Dr. Martin that before the day is over Martin will kill three people.
Is Brady insane or possessed. Time will tell…
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Nefarious was such a pleasant surprise. It is so good and yet I haven’t heard much buzz about it.
Sean Patrick Flanery gives a performance throughout the film that is simply first rate.
As the interview progresses it’s interesting to see Dr. Martin’s opinion and confidence change. He comes in thinking that Brady is trying to pull a scam to save his life. Then he’s not so sure. One of the best exchanges between the two (and there are many) occurs when Dr. Martin says, “I didn’t know I was in a fight.” Flannery responds, “That’s why you’re losing.”
Nefarious (2023) rates 5 of 5 stars.
“The Strain”: Season 3 (2016) / Z-View
The Strain: Season 3 (2016)
Created by: Guillermo del Toro, Chuck Hogan
Directors: GJ. Miles Dale (eps. 1 – 2); Ken Girotti (eps. 3 – 4); Deran Sarafian (eps. 5 – 6); T.J. Scott (eps. 7 – 8); Vincenzo Natali (ep. 9); Carlton Cruse (ep. 10);
Screenplay: Carlton Cruse, Chuck Hogan (eps. 1, 10); David Weddle, Bradley Thompson (eps. 2, 6); Chuck Hogan (ep. 3); Regina Corrado (ep. 4); Liz Phang (ep. 5); Chuck Hogan, Glen Whitman (ep. 7); Regina Corrado, Liz Phang (ep. 8); Vincenzo Natali (ep. 9)
Stars: Corey Stoll, David Bradley, Jim Watson, Kevin Durand, Jonathan Hyde, Richard Sammel, Jack Kesy, Natalie Brown, Miguel Gomez, Max Charles, Ruta Gedmintas, Rupert Penry-Jones, Samantha Mathis, Joaquín Cosío, Adriana Barraza.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
The battle with the strigoi is in full effect. Police, military and citizens have united. The virus is spreading across the country and throughout the world. Eldritch Palmer considers joining Eph, Fet and Setrakian against the Master.
When the stigoi begin winning the battle, police force prisoners, even those who committed misdemeanors into battle. Gus and Angel find themselves in a no-win situation when they are placed in one of the groups forced to go underground into a strigoi stronghold.
The Ancients, who fear the Master’s reach is growing make an uneasy alliance with Quint. The Master reveals himself as the battle nears the end. Humanity may not survive.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan have created a modern day vampire tale with a backstory that extends not just decades, but centuries. The vampires aren’t the classic creatures of the night seen in countless movies. And the stakes aren’t just a beautiful woman’s soul. Here the fate of the world is at risk.
The writers should be commended for creating a huge cast of interesting characters with wonderful backstories. In different episodes, different characters get the spotlight but viewers don’t get the feeling that it is by the numbers. David Bradley as Professor Abraham Setrakian, Kevin Durand as Vasiliy Fet and Miguel Gomez as Augustin “Gus” Elizalde continue to shine. Jonathan Hyde as Eldritch Palmer and Richard Sammel as Thomas Eichhorst, the Nazi vampire acolyte continue to be great villains. Rupert Penry-Jones as Quinlan makes a great anti-hero.
Although Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan wrote a Strain trilogy of novels, the series doesn’t follow them exactly.
The Strain: Season 3 (2016) earns 5 of 5 stars.
“Grandma’s Boy” (1922) starring Harold Lloyd / Z-View
Grandma’s Boy (1922)
Director: Fred C. Newmeyer
Screenplay: Hal Roach, Sam Taylor, Jean Havez, H.M. Walker
Stars: Harold Lloyd, Mildred Davis, Noah Young
Tagline: See the boy who shied at his shadow shake off his fear and capture a desperate criminal, subdue a bully and—oh, most courageous thing of all!—win the girl of his heart
The Plot…
Grandma’s Boy aka Harold Lloyd has grown up believing he’s a coward. He’s afraid to tell His Girl (Davis) that he loves her. He’s even more afraid of the rival for her affection. When a tramp comes to town causing trouble, the men of the town go looking for him. Grandma tells Harold a story about his Grandpa. She then gives him Grandpa’s lucky charm that will provide him with courage. Harold then goes off to prove himself a hero by confronting the tough tramp. Little does Harold know that Grandma made up the story about Grandpa and the lucky charm
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Grandma’s Boy was Harold Lloyd’s first full length feature. It was one of the top grossing movies of 1922.
Grandma’s Boy (1922) rates 3 of 5 stars.
“Son of Dracula” (1943) starring Lon Chaney, Jr. / Z-View
Son of Dracula (1943)
Director: Robert Siodmak
Screenplay: Eric Taylor story by Curt Siodmak
Stars: Lon Chaney Jr., Evelyn Ankers, Frank Craven, Samuel S. Hinds
Tagline: LON CHANEY — MORE THRILLING! MORE TERRIFYING! As History’s Blackest Curse Strikes Again!
The Plot…
Katherine Caldwell, the daughter of a rich New Orleans plantation owner, has fallen under the spell of Count Alucard (Chaney). Little does anyone know that Alucard is Dracula spelled backwards and more importantly, Alucard is a vampire!
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
When I was a kid, I thought that Dracula going by the name Alucard was so clever. As an adult, not so much. When I was a kid, I didn’t much care for Lon Chaney, Jr. as Dracula. As an adult I still feel that way.
Son of Dracula shows the first man-into-bat transformation ever seen on screen.
Son of Dracula (1943) rates 2 of 5 stars.
“The Strain”: Season 2 (2015) / Z-View
The Strain: Season 2 (2015)
Created by: Guillermo del Toro, Chuck Hogan
Directors: Gregory Hoblit, Guillermo del Toro (ep. 1); T.J. Scott (ep. 2); Guy Ferland (ep. 3); PJ. Miles Dale (eps. 4 – 5); Howard Deutch (eps. 6 – 7); Kevin Dowling (ep. 8 – 9); Phil Abraham (ep. 10 – 11); Vincenzo Natali (eps. 12 – 13)
Screenplay: Carlton Cruse, Chuck Hogan (ep. 1, 13); David Weddle, Bradley Thompson (ep. 2, 8, 12); Regina Corrado (ep. 3, 9); Chuck Hogan (ep. 4, 7); Liz Phang (ep. 5, 10); Carlton Cruse, Regina Corrado (ep. 11); Justin Britt-Gibson, Chuck Hogan (ep. 11); Carlton Cruse, David Weddle, Bradley Thompson (ep. 12)
Stars: Corey Stoll, David Bradley, Jim Watson, Mía Maestro, Kevin Durand, Jonathan Hyde, Richard Sammel, Jack Kesy, Natalie Brown, Miguel Gomez, Max Charles, Ruta Gedmintas, Rupert Penry-Jones, Samantha Mathis, Joaquín Cosío, Adriana Barraza and Sean Astin.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
As the strigoi (vampire) virus spreads, most of the world remains clueless. Eph and Nora continue to search for a biological response to kill the virus. The Master has a plan to use Eph’s son to get to Eph. Fet and Dutch grow closer as they clear surrounding buildings.
Gus and Vaun rebel against Eldritch Palmer. Councilwoman Justine Faraldo realizes the strigoi threat is real. She uses her security force to fight the strigoi as she rallies the community to join their efforts. Eph and Nora have success with a biological response to the strigoi, but will anyone in power outside of New York City believe the threat is real?
Setrakian and Fet learn the whereabouts of an ancient book known as the Lumen that may have the answer on how to kill the strigoi. They attempt to purchase it, but learn that Eichhorst is also trying to get it.
As the strigoi’s numbers increase, the Master’s plans move forward. The team becomes aware of Quinlan, a half-vampire, who claims he wants to destroy the Master. Can he/it be trusted?
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan have created a modern day vampire tale with a backstory that extends not just decades, but centuries. The vampires aren’t the classic creatures of the night seen in countless movies. And the stakes aren’t just a beautiful woman’s soul. Here the fate of the world is at risk.
The writers should be commended for creating a huge cast of interesting characters with wonderful backstories. Dr. Ephraim “Eph” Goodweather played by Corey Stoll is the lead. It isn’t often the “star” is given so many character flaws. Several members of the supporting cast have lived up to the title co-star. Kudos to David Bradley as Professor Abraham Setrakian, Kevin Durand as Vasiliy Fet and Miguel Gomez as Augustin “Gus” Elizalde for playing characters that make the show sing. Jonathan Hyde as Eldritch Palmer, the sickly billionaire who aides the Master and Richard Sammel as Thomas Eichhorst, the Nazi vampire acolyte who has served the Master for decades deserve kudos as well. Season two welcomes Rupert Penry-Jones as Quinlan and Samantha Mathis as Justine Feraldo the tough councilwoman who refuses to run from the crisis.
Although Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan wrote a Strain trilogy of novels, the series doesn’t follow them exactly.
The Strain: Season 2 (2015) earns 5 of 5 stars.
“Love Lies Bleeding” – The Second Trailer is Here!
Earlier today we got the two new Love Lies Bleeding posters and now we get the second trailer.
From writer/director Rose Glass and starring Kristen Stewart, Katy O’Brian, Jena Malone, Anna Baryshnikov, with Dave Franco, and Ed Harris. LOVE LIES BLEEDING – In select theaters March 8, everywhere March 15.
RELEASE DATE: March 15
DIRECTOR: Rose Glass
CAST: Kristen Stewart, Katy O’Brian, Jena Malone, Anna Baryshnikov, with Dave Franco, and Ed Harris
