Previews and Reviews that are Z's Views
One of my favorite John Carpenter movies is Escape from New York. Nick Charge has created an alt poster worthy of it.
If you’d like to see more of Nick Charge’s art, you can on his Instagram.
“Call me Snake.” – Snake Plissken
Hondo (1953)
Director: John Farrow, John Ford (uncredited, final scenes only)
Screenplay: James Edward Grant; based on The Gift of Cochise by Louis L’Amour
Stars: John Wayne, Geraldine Page, Ward Bond, Michael Pate, Leo Gordon, Tom Irish, Lee Aaker, Paul Fix, Rayford Barnes,Frank McGrath, Chuck Roberson and James Arness.
Tagline: First she was afraid he’d stay—then she was afraid he wouldn’t.
The Plot…
Hondo Lane, a US Calvary dispatch rider, discovers a woman named Angie and her young son living alone on the frontier at the edge of Indian territory. The woman says her husband is due back any day. The truth is her husband has been gone for far too long. He may be dead or perhaps he just took off.
Because the Apache Vittorio is threatening war, Hondo offers to take Angie and her son to the nearest Calvary fort. Angie refuses. She doesn’t believe the Apache will go to war.
She is wrong.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Hondo was nominated for two 1954 Academy Awards.
Louis L’Amour won a nomination for Best Writing, Motion Picture Story. Both L’Amour and the producer of Hondo questioned the honor. They pointed out that the Hondo screenplay was based on L’Amour’s short story. Therefore the nomination was withdrawn and only four films were list in this category on the final Oscar voting ballot.
Pal, the dog that played Sam, was the original screen Lassie.
John Wayne produced Hondo. Wayne wanted Glenn Ford to star. Ford didn’t care for director, John Farrow and turned down the opportunity. So Wayne decided to take on the role.
John Ford directed the battle scenes at the end of the movie. John Farrow had to leave due to another film commitment. Ford, uncredited, took over as a favor to John Wayne.
Hondo was originally released in 3D.
Hondo gets better with every viewing.
Hondo (1953) rates 5 of 5 stars.
The Boys from Brazil (1978)
Director: Franklin J. Schaffner
Screenplay: Heywood Gould; based on THE BOYS FROM BRAZIL by Ira Levin
Stars: Gregory Peck, Laurence Olivier, James Mason, Denholm Elliott, Rosemary Harris, John Dehner, John Rubinstein, Anne Meara, Walter Gotell, David Hurst, Wolfgang Preiss, Michael Gough, Joachim Hansen and Steve Guttenberg.
Tagline: If they survive…will we?
The Plot…
Barry Kohler, a young Nazi hunter discovers that Josef Mengele is still alive. Worse still, Mengele is part of a secret organization to bring back the Third Reich. Kohler reaches out to Ezra Lieberman, an elderly but famous Nazi hunter. Lierberman doesn’t believe Kohler.
But when Kohler is murdered, Lierberman discovers that Kohler was right.
And Mengele’s plan is even more sinister.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The Boys from Brazil was nominated for three 1979 Academy Awards.
George C. Scott was originally cast as Mengele. He dropped out before filming began.
Because of Laurence Olivier’s declining health the fight scene between he and Gregory Peck took several days to film. Both Olivier and Peck that it humorous that at their age they were rolling around on the floor.
Jeremy Black, who played the young Hitler clones, received an “introducing” credit. Ironically, The Boys from Brazil features his first and last acting role.
The Boys from Brazil (1978) rates 3 of 5 stars.
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994)
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Screenplay: Steph Lady, Frank Darabont; based on FRANKENSTEIN: or THE MODERN PROMETHEUS by Mary Shelley
Stars: Robert De Niro, Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hulce, Helena Bonham Carter, Aidan Quinn, Ian Holm, Robert Hardy, Cherie Lunghi and John Cleese.
Tagline: Be warned. It’s alive.
The Plot…
1794. Captain Walton, leading an expedition to the North Pole, is in a bad way. His ship has become trapped in ice. While attempting to free the vessel, the crew hears a frightening scream somewhere in the mist that surrounds them. Suddenly a man appears and calls for the men to grab their weapons and come with him.
The crew grab their guns and begin to move forward. Their dogs run ahead, disappearing into the mist. Within seconds they hear the cries of their dogs being killed.
The men retreat to the ship. As his crew stands guard Captain Walton and the man talk. The stranger says that he created the creature in the mist, and that his name is Victor Frankenstein.
This is his (and the creature’s) story…
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein earned a 1995 Academy Award nomination for Best Makeup – Daniel Parker, Paul Engelen, Carol Hemming
Francis Ford Coppola bought Steph Lady’s screenplay with the intent to direct the film as a follow-up to his Dracula film. When Coppola decided to just serve as the film’s producer, he insisted that Robert DeNiro play the creature.
DeNiro chose Kenneth Branagh to direct. Branagh brought in Frank Darabont to create a second draft of the screenplay. Branagh wanted the film to include a “recreated bride” which doesn’t happen in Shelley’s novel.
Coppola didn’t like many of the choices Branagh made and their were multiple disagreements during filming. Coppola wanted to recut the film, but Branagh refused. Coppola went on record denouncing the film.
Coppola wasn’t the only creative who worked on the film that didn’t care for the finished movie. Frank Darabont said in interviews that he didn’t care for the movie and that Kenneth Branagh mishandled the material, and made changes to the screenplay.
Kenneth Branagh was married to actress Emma Thompson, but during filming of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, began an affair with his co-star Helena Bonham Carter. Thompson divorced Branagh in 1997 and he continued his affair with Carter until their breakup in 1999.
A four-issue comic book adaptation was published by Topps. It was written by Roy Thomas and drawn by Rafael Kayanan.
DeNiro as the creature didn’t work for me. I could only see DeNiro in make-up and not a creature reanimated from dead bodies.
The screen loves Helena Bonham Carter, so her rebirth as “the Bride” is shocking — especially since she doesn’t (and legally couldn’t) look like the classic Universal Bride.
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994) rates 3 of 5 stars.
Wind River (2017)
Director: Taylor Sheridan
Screenplay: Taylor Sheridan
Stars: Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, Jon Bernthal, James Jordan, Kelsey Asbille, Julia Jones, Teo Briones, Apesanahkwat, Tantoo Cardinal, Eric Lange, Gil Birmingham, Tokala Black Elk, Gil Birmingham, Martin Sensmeier, Austin R. Grant, Ian Bohen and Graham Greene.
Tagline: Nothing is harder to track than the truth.
The Plot…
When Natalie Hanson’s frozen dead body is found on the Wind River Indian Reservation after a brutal snow, rookie FBI Agent Jane Banner is sent in to investigate.
The autopsy reveals signs of rape and blunt trauma, but because Natalie died from a pulmonary hemorrhage caused by breathing subzero air, the coroner can not list the cause of death as murder. That means that Agent Banner is unable to get additional support to investigate Natalie’s death.
Agent Banner knows she’s in over her head. She is new to the area. The customs and ways of life of the Northern Arapaho tribe who live on the reservation are alien to her. So Agent Banner turns to Cory Lambert for assistance. Lambert is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Agent who found Natalie’s body. Lambert is an expert tracker and knows the people having been married to a Northern Arapaho woman.
Banner and Lambert begin to backtrack Natalie’s last hours. The will uncover another murder and conspiracy that leaves them outnumbered and on their own.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Wind River was filmed on location with some scenes filmed in real blizzard conditions.
Wind River is the first screenplay that he didn’t write on spec. Both Sicario and Hell or High Water were written on spec.
Wind River is a bit of a slow burn. But the amazing cast, the ultimate reveal of Natalie’s murder and the explosive gun battle after the sudden standoff are <chef’s kiss>.
Wind River (2017) rates 4 of 5 stars.
Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
Director: James Foley
Screenplay: David Mamet; based on his play Glengarry Glen Ross
Stars: Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alan Arkin, Ed Harris, Kevin Spacey, Jonathan Pryce, Bruce Altman, Jude Ciccolella and Alec Baldwin.
Tagline: Lie. Cheat. Steal. All in a day’s work.
The Plot…
Richard “Ricky” Roma, George Aaronow, Shelley “The Machine” Levene, and Dave Moss are real estate salesmen in a small office for a company that makes big promises. Despite lies and questionable tactics by all the men, sales are down. Of late only Ricky Roma has been able to close deals.
With one week in the month left, the office manager John Williamson, says that the company is sending in Blake, their top salesman to inspire them. Blake arrives and immediately begins talking. Blake insults and attacks each worker’s salemenship and manhood. Blake says that in one week, the top saleman for the office will win a car. Second place gets a set of steak knives. Third and fourth place winners will be fired.
And he’s serious.
Blake then leaves. Ricky, George, Shelley, and Dave Moss are shocked. Then angry. Each man complains that the leads Williamson gives them are crap. The leads have been repeatedly used. The people on the leads have no money or no interest and have been called on several times. Williamson doesn’t disagree. You get what you get. BUT, the two men show survive the month will next month get new leads. These leads will be for the new Glengarry development.
The Glengarry development is sweet. It almost sells itself. Those leads are worth their weight in gold.
Ricky is in a great position to win the car. George, Shelley and Dave are all in danger of losing their jobs. Each man has reason to do whatever it takes to survive.
And one will.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Al Pacino was nominated for a 1993 Best Supporting Actor Oscar.
Jack Lemmon gives the performance of a lifetime. Same could be said for Alec Baldwin. Kudos also to Alan Arkin, Ed Harris, Kevin Spacey and Jonathan Pryce who more than hold their own.
Glengarry Glen Ross is a showcase for great acting. Jack Lemmon said Glengarry Glen Ross featured the greatest acting ensemble he had ever been part of. High praise indeed.
Glengarry Glen Ross gets my highest recommendation.
Glengarry Glen Ross (1992) rates 5 of 5 stars.
Bruce Lee vs Chuck Norris by Rudy Ao. Many fans consider this fight in Way of the Dragon, Lee’s finest.
“Move number 4: “Little dragon seeks the path.” HI-YAH! Big dragon whips its tail!” – Tang Lung
Love seeing A Fistful of Dollars getting some love from David Ball.
“You see, I understand you men were just playin’ around, but the mule, he just doesn’t get it. Course, if you were to all apologize…” – Joe
Honey Don’t (2025)
Director: Ethan Coen
Screenplay: Ethan Coen, Tricia Cooke
Stars: Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Evans, Charlie Day, Kristen Connolly, Don Swayze, Christian Antidormi, Billy Eichner, Kinna McInroe and Gabby Beans.
Tagline: She only has two desires, and one of them is justice.
The Plot…
Honey O’Donahue learns that Mia Novotny was found stabbed to death. Honey is a private investigator who Mia had planned to meet the following day. When Mia called Honey she said she couldn’t go to the police and was afraid.
Obviously for good reason.
Honey is determined to find Mia’s killer. The clues will lead to the Four-Way Temple led by Reverend Drew Devlin. Devlin is interested in a lot more than saving souls. Devlin also has another money-making enterprise that could have something to do with Mia’s murder.
Honey won’t rest until she finds Mia’s assassin… even if it kills her.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
I loved the film’s creative use of opening credits.
Margaret Qualley, the star of Honey Don’t, is the daughter of actress Andie MacDowell. They look so much alike they could be twins.
The film earns an “R” rating because it doesn’t shy away during the lesbian sex scenes.
Honey Don’t (2025) rates 3 of 5 stars.
If you’re following Rich Davies, you might have already seen his haunting Sinners art. Even so, it’s worth another look.
“You keep dancing with the devil… one day he’s gonna follow you home.” – Jedidiah
Chuck (born Carlos Ray) Norris died yesterday at the age of 86. No cause of death was given.
Surprisingly, Carlos Ray Norris described himself growing up as a shy, nonathletic and mediocre student. His parents divorced when Carlos was 16. His family suffered financially, since his father didn’t always work and had a drinking problem.
When Carlos was 18 he joined the Air Force. That move changed his life. Carlos was was sent to Osan Air Base, South Korea. That’s where he folks began calling him Chuck (which stuck) and he started learning the martial arts.
Upon his discharge, Chuck Norris opened a chain of martial arts schools and he began entering martial arts competitions. Mr. Norris competed from 1968 to 1974 compiling a 183 win, 10 loss, 2 draw record. Chuck Norris was a six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate champion. He held multiple black belts in serveral different martial arts forms. It was during this time, that Chuck Norris met Bruce Lee. They became friends and occassionally trained together.
Mr. Norris’ martial arts schools attracted several celebrities including Steve McQueen, Bob Barker, Priscilla Presley, as well as Donny and Marie Osmond.
Chuck Norris’ first acting role was in a small part in the Dean Martin film, The Wrecking Crew. It was his role in Bruce Lee’s Way of the Dragon (titled Return of the Dragon in the US) that brought Chuck Norris to the attention of Hollywood. Chuck Norris became a star, headlining dozens of feature films as well as Walker, Texas Ranger the hit television series that ran for nine seasons and several made-for-tv movies.
Some of the television projects that feature Chuck Norris acting include: Room 222; Chuck Norris: Karate Kommandos (5 episodes); Wind in the Wire; Walker, Texas Ranger (196 episodes); Logan’s War: Bound by Honor; Sons of Thunder (4 episodes); Martial Law; The President’s Man; The President’s Man: A Line in the Sand; Walker Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire; The Goldbergs and Hawaii 5-0.
Some feature films that Chuck Norris appeared in include: The Wrecking Crew; The Way of the Dragon; Breaker! Breaker!; Good Guys Wear Black; A Force of One; The Octagon; An Eye for an Eye; Silent Rage; Forced Vengeance; Lone Wolf McQuade; Missing in Action; Missing in Action II: The Beginning; Code of Silence; Invasion USA; The Delta Force; Firewalker; Braddock: Missiing in Action III; Hero and the Terror; Delta Force 2: The Columbian Connection; The Hitman; Sidekicks; Dodgeball: A True Underdog’s Story and The Expendables 2.
I first saw Chuick Norris acting in Way of the Dragon. What an impression he made! I was always excited to see each film when Mr. Norris began starring in action movies. Favorites include A Force of One and The Octagon. Of course I loved when Chuck Norris showed up in Expendables 2. Chuck Norris is one of the few actors that I like as much off screen as on.
Out thoughts and prayers go out to Chuck Norris’ family, friends and fans.
Leo Leibelman is a freelance artist who has provided art for comics, trading cards, novels, instructional materials, film storyboards and more. Leo Leibelman takes commissions.
Leibelman presents the movie that launched a franchise and made Arnold Schwarzenegger a star!
“Listen, and understand! That Terminator is out there! It can’t be bargained with. It can’t be reasoned with. It doesn’t feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop… ever, until you are dead!” – Kyle Reese
Dead of Winter (2025)
Director: Brian Kirk
Screenplay: Nicholas Jacobson-Larson, Dalton Leeb
Stars: Emma Thompson, Judy Greer, Marc Menchaca, Laurel Marsden and Brían F. O’Byrne.
Tagline: Wrong place. Wrong crime.
The Plot…
Barb and Karl had their first date ice fishing on Lake Hilda in Northern Minnesota decades ago when they were young. They fell in love, were married and had a great life. Now that Karl has passed, Barb has returned to the remote lake to spread his ashes.
It’s the dead of winter. Lake Hilda is still a wilderness location. No cell service. No people.
Barb is shocked when she sees in the distance a woman with her hands bound trying to run from a man. The man catches the woman and takes her away. Barb follows them to a cabin.
If the woman is to survive, it will be up to Barb.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Emma Thompson’s daughter, Gaia Wise, plays young Barb.
Dead of Winter (2025) rates 3 of 5 stars.
I absolutely love Thobias Daneluz’s take on Sly Stallone as Rocky Balboa. It would be so cool to see Thobias adapt all of the Rocky films. Well, one can dream, right? Check out Thobias’ Instgram to see more of his art.
“Nobody’s ever gone the distance with Creed, and if I can go that distance, you see, and that bell rings and I’m still standin’, I’m gonna know for the first time in my life, see, that I weren’t just another bum from the neighborhood.” – Rocky Balboa
This sweet John Wick: Chapter 3 – Paradbellum alt poster was created by Mark Levy.
“Are services still off limit to me?”
