Previews and Reviews that are Z's Views
The full trailer for Badland Hunters starring Don Lee is here.
Hunt or die.
Welcome to the badlands.Don Lee from《Train to Busan》《The Roundup》 and《Eternals》 is now a tough hunter in the dystopian world, who fights for survival and salvation.
Will hunters save us all?
or will villains take us all?2024 Netflix action blockbuster film
Badland Hunters | January 26, only on Netflix
The Creator (2023)
Director: Gareth Edwards
Screenplay: Gareth Edwards, Chris Weitz; story by Gareth Edwards
Stars: John David Washington, Madeleine Yuna Voyles, Gemma Chan, Allison Janney, Ralph Ineson and Ken Watanabe.
Tagline: Humanity evolves.
The Plot…
When a nuclear warhead is exploded over Los Angeles, Artificial Intelligence is blamed. In turn, most Western nations declare war and move to exterminate all A.I. “beings”. One of the end goals is to exterminate Nirmata, the genius behind recent A.I. advancements.
Former U.S. Army sergeant Joshua Taylor (Washington) is called back to duty. Taylor had worked undercover and was married to Nirmata’s daughter. She was thought to have been killed in a US military strike. Recent video has surfaced and she may be alive. Taylor is led to believe that if he participates in the mission, he may find his wife is still alive. The mission is to destroy the next generation of A.I. before it reaches full power.
Taylor agrees. The team is dispatched. Taylor discovers that there has been an advancement in AI. It is in the form of a young girl. Taylor also learns that he and the world have been lied to. Now, Taylor and the “girl” are on the run. The fate of the world could hang in the balance.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
For a film dealing with artificial intelligence, it has a lot of heart.
Allison Janney may surprise a lot of folks in her role as a hardened military commander. She’s excellent.
The Creator (2023) earns 4 of 5 stars.
Patrick Ganino created the huge Rocky mural on the back of the Sly Stallone Shop located at the Rocky Steps in Philly. But before that, he painted the art above and then got it autographed by Sly Stallone, Burt Young and Hulk Hogan. Click here to see it signed by all three!
Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1953)
Director: Charles Lamont
Screenplay: Lee Loeb, John Grant; story by Sid Fields, Grant Garett;inspired by The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
Stars: Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Boris Karloff, Helen Westcott, Reginald Denny, John Dierkes, Harry Cording and Craig Stevens.
Tagline: The Laughs Are Twice as MONSTER-OUS as Ever Before!
The Plot…
A maniacal serial killer stalks the streets of London. Slim (Abbott) and Tubby (Costello), American cops sent over to study England’s police methods, are pulled into the case.
Let the good times roll!
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
In this version, Dr. Jekyll isn’t such a nice guy. In most outings, it isn’t until he becomes Mr. Hyde that he becomes evil.
Boris Karloff appeared with Abbott and Costello four years earlier in Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer.
Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1953) earns 5 of 5 stars.
This looks like a winner.
Deal me in.
Premiering January 29th, the untold story of how the global hit “We are the World” almost didn’t happen! 46 of the biggest pop music stars had only one night to turn chaos into magic. As told by stars who were there, this film reveals the rollercoaster ride to write and record the groundbreaking song that would go on to raise millions for famine relief in Africa, win 2 Grammys and become a global sensation.
Son of Frankenstein (1939)
Director: Rowland V. Lee
Screenplay: Wyllis Cooper based on characters created by Mary Shelley
Stars: Boris Karloff, Basil Rathbone, Bela Lugosi, Lionel Atwill and Josephine Hutchinson.
Tagline: AFTER 20 YEARS Driven by the same crazy ambition that made his father create the terrifying monster that stalks in the night! See his juggernaut of destruction loosed upon the world!
The Plot…
Baron Wolf von Frankenstein (Rathbone), son of Henry Frankenstein, has brought his wife and young son back to live in Castle Frankenstein. Baron hopes to rebuild the family reputation, but is surprised to find that the villagers still harbor deep resentment. The haven’t forgotten the murders and destruction brought about by his father’s creation.
Wolf meets Ygor (Lugosi), a strange, deformed man who survived being hung for robbing graves. When Ygor shows Wolf that his father’s creation lies in a coma below the castle, Wolf decides to revive the creature. The operation is a success. Sadly the creature will on follow the commands of Ygor. Unknown to Wolf, Ygor has scores that he plans to settle using the monster.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Director Rowland V. Lee felt that producers had low-balled Bela Lugosi’s salary. Since the script wasn’t complete as filming started, Lee continued to pad Lugosi’s part. This increased Lugosi’s pay and created one of his best non-Dracula roles.
Surprisingly, this is the first Frankenstein film that shows the electrodes in the monster’s neck being hit with electricity to bring him to life.
Son of Frankenstein (1939) earns 5 of 5 stars.
It has been reported that Cindy Morgan, born born Cynthia Ann Cichorski, was found dead of natural causes at her home in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, on December 30, 2023. Ms. Morgan was 69.
While in college Cindy Cichorski was invited by a local station to report news for them. At that point she took adopted the professional name Cindy Morgan. After graduation she worked as a weather reporter before deciding to move to LA. She became the Irish Spring girl in advertisements and soon landed her first feature film role as Lacey Underall in Caddyshack. Ms. Morgan would continue to work in feature films and television roles for the remainder of her career. When she retired from acting, Ms. Morgan could be found making personal appearances at conventions across the country.
Some of Cindy Morgan’s television appearances include: The Love Boat; Vega$; CHiPs (3 episodes); Bring ‘Em Back Alive (13 episodes); The Fall Guy; Amazing Stories; The Magical World of Disney; Falcon Crest (16 episodes); Matlock (3 episodes); Hunter (2 episodes); Harry and the Hendersons and The Larry Sanders Show.
Some of Cindy Morgan’s feature film appearances include: Caddyshack and Tron.
My favorite Cindy Morgan role was as Lacey Underall in Caddyshack. I met Cindy Morgan at a Tampa Comic Convention back in 2005. As I said then, Ms. Morgan was humble and polite. Fans loved her.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Cindy Morgan’s family, friends and fans.
Lawman: Bass Reeves – Season 1 (2023)
Created by: Chad Feehan
Director: Christina Alexandra Voros (eps. 1-3, 7 & 8); Damian Marcano (eps. 4-6)
Screenplay: Chad Feehan (ep.1 & 8); Jewel Coronel (ep.2); Jacob Forman & Ning Zhou (ep. 3); J. Todd Scott (ep.4); Terence Anthony (ep.5); Jacob Forman (ep.6); Chad Feehan & K.C. Scott (ep.7)
Stars: David Oyelowo, Lauren E. Banks, Demi Singleton, Forrest Goodluck, Barry Pepper, Dennis Quaid, Grantham Coleman, Shea Whigham and Donald Sutherland.
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Tagline: Some legends are true.
The Plot…
Dramatization of the life of Bass Reeves.
Bass Reeves was born a slave, escaped to freedom and became one of the first black Deputy US Marshalls. Over his 30 plus years as a Deputy U.S. Marshal, Reeves arrested approximately 3,000 felons. He killed 14 men without ever being shot himself. He was smart, fearless and relentless.
It’s time his story was told.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Way back in 2013, I did a post called The Life and Times of Deputy U.S. Marshall Bass Reeves. At that time I called for a movie or tv series about Bass Reeves. I’m happy to report that Lawman: Bass Reeves was worth the wait. Everything about the series is first rate.
The writing and direction are top notch. All of the characters are well cast. David Oyelowo who plays Bass Reeves was nominated for a Critics Choice and Golden Globe Award. He deserves every honor available – he’s amazing in this role. Dennis Quaid and Barry Pepper have never been better. Let’s not forget to mention the talents of Lauren E. Banks, Demi Singleton and Shea Whigham.
Bring on season 2.
Lawman: Bass Reeves – Season 1 (2023) earns 5 of 5 stars.
David Soul died yesterday. Mr. Soul was 80.]
David Soul began performing as a founding member of the Firehouse Theater in Minneapolis. In 1967, Mr, Soul had guest appearances on Flipper, I Dream of Jeannie and Star Trek. In 1968, he landed a co-starring role on the series Here Come the Brides. When the series ended, David Soul continued to act in movies and television roles. In 1975, David Soul became a household name with his co-starring role in the hit series Starsky and Hutch. His popularity allowed him to return to his love of singing (in addition to acting). David Soul’s release of “Don’t Give Up on Us” hit number 1 in the US. He also had 5 singles in the top twenty in the UK. During his hiatus from filming Starsky and Hutch and after the series ended, David Soul would perform concerts in the US and around the world.
For the rest of his career, David Soul would perform as a singer, actor and director.
Some of David Soul’s television appearances include: Flipper; I Dream of Jeannie; Star Trek; Here Come the Brides (52 episodes); The Young Rebels; Dan August; Ironside; All in the Family; The FBI; The Streets of San Francisco; Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law (7 episodes); Cannon (2 episodes); The Rookies; McMillan & Wife; Medical Center; Gunsmoke; Starsky and Hutch (92 episodes); Salem’s Lot; The Manions of America (3 episodes); World War III (2 episodes); Casablanca (5 episodes); The Yellow Rose (22 episodes); The Key to Rebecca; Crime Story; Secret of Sahara (4 episodes); Unsub (8 episodes); The Young Riders (2 episodes); Jake and the Fatman (2 episodes); Murder She Wrote (2 episodes) and Sandra the Rebel Princess (7 episodes);
Some of David Soul’s feature film appearances include: Johnny Got His Gun; Magnum Force and Appointment with Death.
I first remember seeing David Soul in Here Come the Brides. However, I may have seen him first in Flipper, I Dream of Jeannie or Star Trek since I regularly watched these shows as a kid. When I was in high school Starsky & Hutch premiered and it was must-see tv. I’m also a fan of David Soul in Salem’s Lot.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to David Soul’s family, friends and fans.
Bye Bye Barry (2023)
Director: Paul Monusky, Micaela Powers. Angela Torma
Stars: Barry Sanders, Tim Allen, Jeff Daniels, Eminem, Jemele Hill, Calvin Johnson, Dan Patrick, Rodney Peete, Jalen Rose, Emmitt Smith and Bill Belichick.
Tagline: The Greatest Mystery in Sports History.
The Plot…
Barry Sanders played college football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. In his junior year, Sanders rushed for 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns in just 11 games. He was a unanimous choice for the All American team and he won the Heisman Trophy.
The following year, Barry Sanders went into the NFL draft and was selected by the Detroit Lions. Sanders made an immediate impact and was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Barry Sanders went on to play ten years for Detroit. He led the league in rushing four times and in rushing touchdowns once. Barry Sanders was selected for the Pro Bowl every year that he played. He was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player (1997), the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year (1994, 1997), and led the league in rushing touchdowns (1991).
Barry Sanders had earned 15,269 rushing yards (the most ever by any NFL player in a 10-year span). He was just 1,457 rushing yards short of Walter Payton’s career rushing record. Fans everywhere knew that if Sanders had a healthy year, he would become the new NFL rushing king. But just one day before the Lions opened their training camp, Barry Sanders announced his retirement.
By a fax.
Barry Sanders was healthy and in the prime of his career. Yet, he walked away from his multimillion dollar contract and never looked back.
Why?
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Barry Sanders is arguably the best running back to ever play the game. He was humble and cared more about the team than individual records. Although I’m a lifelong Chicago Bears fan, I always enjoyed watching Barry Sanders play. He was so good. And so likeable.
After watching Bye Bye Barry, I found reasons to admire him even more.
Bye Bye Barry (2023) earns 5 of 5 stars.
Finestkind (2023)
Director: Brian Helgeland
Screenplay: Brian Helgeland
Stars: Ben Foster, Toby Wallace, Jenna Ortega, Tommy Lee Jones, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Lolita Davidovich, Clayne Crawford, Meghan Leathers, Celeste Oliva and Tim Daly.
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Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Charlie (Wallace) and Tom (Foster) are half-brothers. They have the same mother, but different fathers. Because of this, they come from opposite worlds. Charlie’s father is a rich attorney. Tom’s dad is a working class fisherman. At one time Charlie and Tom had a great relationship. But they drifted apart.
Now that Charlie’s graduated college he wants to spend the summer fishing with Tom. Despite some bad luck at first, Charlie’s summer is looking up. He and Mabel (Ortiz) have hit it off. Tom and his fishing crew have accepted him. Now if Tom and his dad could just patch up their differences. Things go sideways when Tom gets greedy.
Really sideways. Losing Tom’s dad’s boat bad.
So they decide to do a “one-time” drug deal. What they don’t know is that someone has a plan of their own. One that will lead to betrayal and murders.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
I’m a Brian Helgeland fan. As a writer we can thank him for L.A. Confidential, Man on Fire, Mystic River, Assassins, Payback and more. He also directed films such as Payback and 42. With Finestkind, Helgeland served as both screenwriter and director.
Finestkind doesn’t follow the typical Hollywood screenplay format. Some reviewers have complained that Finestkind can’t decide if it’s a family drama or a crime story. I find that a silly complaint. The guy who wrote it, directed it. He knew exactly what he wanted, a family drama that involves a crime story. Others have nitpicked that the movie takes too long to get to the crime, twists and action. I like that Finestkind doesn’t follow the expected movie timeline.
Helgeland takes his time. We come to understand the characters, their lives and the choices they’ve made. Helgeland is supported by an excellent cast. Tommy Lee Jones is always great and I’d put his performance here near the top of his resume. Ben Foster always delivers. Jenna Ortega is a powerhouse. The camera and audiences love her. With good reason. Toby Wallace is new to me, but I’ll be watching for his future films. Kudos to Clayne Crawford for a smaller but important role. He nails it.
Finestkind (2023) earns 4 of 5 stars.
I’m a Don Lee fan so I’ll check out Badland Hunters. But after looking at the poster and trailer, I have to see that he deserves better.
“The world has come to an end.
The world calls upon the hunter.”Don Lee from《Train to Busan》,《The Roundup》, and《Eternals》is now a hunter in the dystopian world, who fights for survival and salvation.
Ready, Set, Hunt.
The Lair (2022)
Director: Neil Marshall
Screenplay: Neil Marshall, Charlotte Kirk
Stars: Charlotte Kirk, Jonathan Howard and Neil Marshall.
Tagline: Unlocked. Unleashed.
The Plot…
Shot down in Afghanistan, Royal Air Force pilot Captain Kate Sinclair (Kirk) is attacked by enemy forces. Gunfire forces Sinclair to break into an abandoned underground bunker. Sinclair’s battle with the enemy awakens deadly creatures that begin attacking. She survives and is picked up by a unit stationed near the bunker.
Sinclair is unable to convince the soldiers that the monsters exist. That’s about to change since the creatures have tracked her to the camp.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Director Neil Marshall is hit or miss for me. Hits include Dog Soldiers and The Descent. Doomsday and Hellboy fall into the latter category. Unfortunately so does The Lair.
The Lair starts off well enough. It has an interesting plot. There’s action galore. The acting is okay. It goes off the rails when the creatures begin shooting tentacles out of their eyes and mouths. If you’re looking for a way to spend a mindless hour and 37 minutes, then The Lair may fit the bill.
The Lair (2022) earns 2 of 5 stars.
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 Christopher Hack.
Master of Dark Shadows (2019)
Director: David Gregory
Stars: Dan Curtis, Nancy Barrett, Ben Cross, Roger Davis, Jonathan Frid, Ian McShane, William F. Nolan, Lara Parker, David Selby, Barbara Steele and Whoopi Goldberg.
Tagline: The Gothic World of Dan Curtis
The Plot…
Dan Curtis’ soap opera, Dark Shadows, was scheduled for cancellation in six weeks. When Curtis was told this, he decided to take his traditional daytime melodrama in a new direction, He added a vampire! Surprisingly the show soared to the top of the ratings. Kids and young adults made it must-see tv and the show was saved. Dark Shadows ended up running for six seasons. Spin-offs included two feature films, comic books, trading cards, board games and more.
Although Dan Curtis became best known for films in the horror genre he wanted to break out into other genres. Master of Dark Shadows is his story.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Dan Curtis produced and directed the two Dark Shadows feature films. He also wrote the second. Then when the series ended, Dan Curtis was considered the go-to guy for horror. He produced The Night Stalker. It became the highest rated tv movie of its time. Curtis followed that up by producing and directing The Night Strangler, The Norliss Tapes, Scream of the Wolf, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, The Turn of the Screw, Trilogy of Terror, Burnt Offerings, Dead of Night and Curse of the Black Widow. Although Dan Curtis did produce and direct other films, he was still best known for horror.
That all changed when Curtis produced and directed the television adaptation of Herman Wouk’s Winds of War. The seven episode mini-series became the highest rated television event of its time. The series was nominated for eleven Emmy Awards, winning three (Outstanding Cinematography for a Limited Series or a Special; Outstanding Individual Achievement – Costumers; Outstanding Individual Achievement – Special Visual Effects).
Dan Curtis followed with War and Remembrance, a continuation of Winds of War. War and Remembrance received 15 Emmy Award nominations. It won for best miniseries, special effects, and single-camera production editing.
I’m happy that Dan Curtis was able to break out from the horror genre and make big budget, award winning projects. But the truth of the matter is, I will always remember the thrill of running home from school to catch the latest adventures of Barnabus and Quentin Collins. Five days a week on Dark Shadows we got vampires, werewolves, and a taste of horror. I read the novelizations, comic books, collected the cards and saw the feature films. The excitement we had as kids talking about Dark Shadows is a highlight of this kid’s elementary years.
If you’re of the right age, Master of Shadows will take you back to that time. If you’re too young, then you’ll get a taste of something that will never be replicated.
Master of Dark Shadows (2019) earns 5 of 5 stars.
