Category: TV

“Catching Killers” Season 2 / Z-View

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Catching Killers: Season 2 (2022)

Produced by :  Simon Dekker and Diana Sole Walko

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Catching Killers is a documentary series focused on the capture of notorious killers as told by the actual investigators who caught them.  There are four episodes in season 2.

Season 2, Episode 1: Bind, Torture, Kill: BTK.  Although I  knew the story of the BTK killer, this episode was exciting and engrossing.  Over the course of nearly two decades the BTK killer violently tortured and then murdered ten people including an entire family of 4.  After the murders BTK w0uld send taunting letters to the media and police describing his kills and threats of more to come,  Despite leaving few clues during his 17 year murder spree, it was a stupid mistake that led to his capture.

Season 2, Episode 2: Thrill Kills: The Phoenix Serial Shooter.  In 2005 through 2006, a pair of serial killers were stalking the streets of Phoenix, Arizona.  These shotgun killers would find people on deserted sidewalks and blast as they drove by.  The final victim count included six fatalities and several dozen people wounded.

Season 2, Episodes 3 & 4: The Toronto Village Killer.  Talk about creepy!  This case involved men who were missing and thought to be the victim of a cannibal killer!  These two episodes produced the most suspense of the series.  The police actually saved a man who was about to become the latest victim.  Unfortunately, there’s a denouncement at the end of the episode that takes a little luster off the capture.

“Murderville” Season 1 (2022) / Z-View

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Murderville: Season 1 (2022)

Directors:  Brennan Shroff (Eps.1 -2); Iain Morris (Eps. 3 – 6)

Teleplay: Marina Cockenberg (Ep.1, 4);  Krister Johnson (Eps. 1 – 2, 4); Kerry O’Neill (Ep. 2); Anna Drezen (Ep. 3); Hannah Levy (Ep. 5); Adriana Robles (Ep. 5); Jack Kukoda (Ep.6)


Starring:  Will Arnett, Haneefah Wood, Lilan Bowden, Phillip Smithey, Conan O’Brien, Marshawn Lynch, Kumail Nanjiani, Annie Murphy, Sharon Stone and Ken Jeong.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Detective Terry Seattle (Arnett) likes to think of himself as rugged, intelligent and capable.  Sadly, he’s not.  In each episode Detective Seattle is teamed with a new guest star who is tasked with solving a murder.  The conceit of the series (and it’s a good one) is that the guest star is never given a script or access to the set until it is time for his/her scene.  If you enjoy improv comedy, you’ll probably like Murderville.

Each episode has a basic framework: Detective Seattle meets his new partner, they’re sent to solve a murder that has three suspects.  After interviewing each potential murderer, everyone is brought together and the guest star has to say who the killer is and the clues that led to that conclusion. Then the actual killer and clues are disclosed.  A cool aspect of the show is that we can play along and see if our suspect is guilty.  I was wrong as often as I was right.

There’s also an overarching mystery that runs throughout the six episodes.  Fifteen years ago, Detective Seattle’s partner (Jennifer Anniston) was murdered.  There were few clues and her murder was never solved,,, (at least until the last episode of the season)!

I enjoyed the mystery aspect as much as the improvisation in each episode.  It was as fun guessing the killer as guessing which actors would break character or try to hide a smile/laugh.  I enjoyed Murderville and hope it gets a second season.  Murderville rates 3 of 5 stars.

RIP: Frank Pesce

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Frank Pesce, the memorable character actor of movies and television, died on February 6th at the age of 75.  Mr. Pesce’s girlfriend, Tammy Scher reported the cause of death to be dementia-related.

Frank Pesce began his career in 1976 with a role on Police Story.  Mr. Pesce then stayed busy alternating between feature films, guest spots on tv series and appearances in movies made for television.

Some feature films that Mr. Pesce appeared in include: Rocky, Paradise Alley, American Gigolo, Flashdance, Beverly Hills Cop, Top Gun, Beverly Hills Cop II, MIdnight Run, Lock Up, Donnie Brasco, Grudge Match, The Expendables, Reach Me and Creed!

Frank Pesce’s television appearances include roles in: Kojak, Knight Rider, The Greatest American Hero, Hardcastle and McCormick, Miami Vice, Airwolf, Cagney & Lacey, Matlock, Who’s the Boss, Jake & the Fatman and Karen Sisco.

What a career Frank Pesce had!  I love that he developed friendships with stars like Sly Stallone, Robert Forester and Tony Danza.  The fact that Mr. Pesce was used so often (and many times repeatedly by stars/directors) speaks to his professionalism.  I always enjoyed a Frank Pesce appearance!

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Frank Pesce’s family, friends and fans.

“Lucy and Desi” Directed by Amy Poehler – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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This is the Lucy and Desi story that I want to see!

From director Amy Poehler, Lucy and Desi explores the unlikely partnership and enduring legacy of one of the most prolific power couples in entertainment history. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz risked everything to be together. Their love for each other led to the most influential show in the history of television, I Love Lucy.

RIP: Ivan Reitman

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Ivan Reitman, writer, director and producer, died in his sleep on February 12th at the age of 75.  No cause of death was been given.

Ivan Reitman is best known for directing the megahit Ghostbusters, but he also directed 24 other films including: Meatballs, Stripes, Twins and Kindergarten Cop.  Mr. Reitman also served as a producer on over 60 films including: National Lampoon’s Animal House, Ghostbusters, Twins, Kindergarten Cop, Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot and Beethoven to name just a few.

I first became aware of Ivan Reitman because of his involvement with Animal House.  A year later I saw Meatballs, my favorite Ivan Reitman directed film, on it’s initial release.  It’s interesting that Ivan Reitman got his start producing low budget horror films like Cannibal Girls, Shivers, The House by the Lake and Rabid (directed by David Cronenberg and starring Marilyn Chambers) before he found his sweet spot with comedies.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ivan Reitman’s family, friends and fans.

“Reacher: Season 1” / Z-View

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Reacher: Season 1 (2022)

Directors: Thomas Vincent (Ep.1); Sam Hill (Ep. 2); Stephen Surjik (Ep. 3); Christine Moore (Ep.4); Norberto Barba (Ep. 5); Omar Madha (Ep. 6); Lin Oeding (Ep. 7); M.J. Bassett (Ep. 8)

Teleplay: Nick Santora (Showrunner, Executive Producer, Writer); Cait Duffy (Eps. 1 – 8); Aadrita Mukerji (Eps. 1, 3, 6); Scott Sullivan (Ep. 3, 5, 7);  Season 1 based on Lee Child‘s novel The Killing Floor.

Starring:  Alan Ritchson, Malcolm Goodwin, Willa Fitzgerald, Maria Sten, Chris Webster, Bruce McGill and Willie C. Carpenter.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Jack Reacher, an ex-Military Police Investigator, arrives in the small town of Margrove and is immediately arrested for a murder he didn’t commit.  Getting cleared of the charges shouldn’t be a problem.  Getting out of Margrove alive could be.  Corrupt cops, a crooked politician and a rich backer want Reacher dead before he can piece together the puzzle of it all.

If you’re a fan of Lee Child’s Reacher series, you’re going to love this adaptation.  If you haven’t read the novels, but are a fan of thoughtful action thrillers, you’ll still enjoy the series.

Alan Ritchson plays Reacher and he’s physically right for the part.  Reacher is a 6’5″ inch monster of a man.  The books play up Reacher’s size/strength and with Ritchson in the role this adaption does as well.  But Reacher is the opposite of big and stupid — he pays attention to details, has an analytical mind and doesn’t suffer fools.  Ritchson is perfect as Reacher.

The other parts are also well cast and acted.   Malcolm Goodwin is the straight-arrow cop with a secret in his past.  Willa Fitzgerald is as much a partner in resolving the crime as she is a love interest for Reacher.  Maria Sten plays Frances Neagley.  I loved her character and hope we haven’t seen the last of her.

Reacher is lightning in a bottle.  It’s one of those rare shows that everyone seems to love.  Reacher currently has an 8.5 rating at IMDb.com.  6 of the 8 episodes have an 8.6 or higher rating.  The other two episodes are rated 8.4 and 8.5.  At Rotten Tomatoes, Reacher is rated at 88%!  As for me, I give Reacher: Season 1,  5 of 5 stars.

“The Tourist” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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The Tourist is a six episode mini-series streaming on HBOMax.  I like the look of the trailer (the poster is ok).  Deal me in.

After being run off the road, a man wakes up in an Australian hospital with amnesia. A single clue starts him along a frantic journey to remember who he is and why someone wants him dead. In the small town of Burnt Ridge, any news is big news, and not everyone can be trusted. Shifting alliances, uncertain connections, and dark truths lurk just within reach, as the harsh conditions of the Australian outback set the stage for a painful reckoning.

The Tourist is streaming March 1 on HBO Max.

RIP: Bob Wall

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Robert “Bob” Wall, martial artist and actor, died yesterday at the age of 82.  No cause of death was reported.

Bob Wall was a 9th degree Black Belt who began his career as co-owner of the Sherman Oaks Karate Studio in California.  When Mr. Wall’s partner decided to sell his interest in the studio, Chuck Norris became co-owner with Wall.

Bob Wall was also an actor best known for his role as O’Harra in Bruce Lee’s classic Enter the Dragon.  Mr. Wall also had roles with Lee in Way of the Dragon and Game of Death.  Bob Wall also appeared in several Chuck Norris movies (Code of Silence, Invasion U.S.A., Firewalker, Hero and the Terror and Sidekicks) as well as Norris’ Walker, Texas Ranger series.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bob Wall’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Howard Hesseman

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Howard Hesseman, actor and comedian, has died at the age of 81 of complications from colon surgery.  Best known for his starring roles on WKRP in Cincinnati and in Head of the Class, Mr. Hesseman has over 150 credits on his acting resume.

Howard Hesseman alternated between roles on television and feature films.  In addition to the tv shows mentioned, some of Mr. Hesseman’s major television appearances included roles on The Andy Griffith Show, Sanford and Son, The Bob Newhart Show, Soap, One Day at a Time, The New WKRP in Cincinnati, That ’70s Show, Boston Legal and Fresh Off the Boat.  Some feature film appearances include: Billy Jack, The Sunshine Boys, Silent Movie, The Jerk, and Heat.

Surprisingly, I never watched WKRP in Cincinnati or Head of the Class.  I still enjoyed seeing Howard Hesseman whenever he appeared in a tv show or movie.  I first saw (and remembered him from) Billy Jack.  Mr. Hesseman always made whatever show or movie he was in funnier.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Howard Hesseman’s family, friends and fans.

“The Endgame” Directed by Justin Lin – The Trailer is Here!

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The Endgame trailer looks like it was made for a feature film.  Maybe it is because Justin (Star Trek Beyond; F9: The Fast Saga) Lin is directing.  Morena Baccarin and Ryan Michelle Bathé star. The Endgame premieres February 21st.  Deal me in.

Morena Baccarin and Ryan Michelle Bathé star in the ultimate high-stakes showdown between criminal mastermind Elena Federova and FBI Agent Val Turner. When they play Elena’s game, deadly truths are revealed… and everyone bows to the queen.

“Murderville” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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I love the idea behind Murderville the Netflix limited series that premieres on February 3rd.  Will Arnett plays a detective who is joined by celebrity guest stars each week to solve a crime.  The catch is the guest stars aren’t given a script and have to adlib their way through the episode!.  Murderville sounds like fun!  Deal me in.

Solving crimes is hard. Improv comedy is harder. All 6 episodes of Murderville starring Will Arnett stream February 3rd, only on Netflix.

RIP: Louie Anderson

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Louie Anderson, born Louis Perry Anderson, died today at the age of 68, from blood cancer.  Louie was a stand-up comedian, actor, author and game show host.  

Louie Anderson began his career as a stand-up comedian but soon began making appearances with small roles in movies.  A comedy special led to more acting roles, his own animated television show (Life with Louie which ran for three seasons and won two Emmys) and a live action series (The Louie Show).  Louie continued to act on television, in feature films, as well as doing stand-up comedy and game show hosting throughout his career.  Along the way he found time to author four books!

Louie Anderson was such a likeable person that his appearances on talk shows, tv guest spots and movie roles were always welcome.  Louie’s stand-up comedy put him in a league with the very best.  He will be missed.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Louie Anderson’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Meat Loaf

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Meat Loaf, born Marvin Lee Aday, but who later changed his name to Michael, has died at the age of 74.  No cause of death was announced.  Although best known for his record-breaking best selling album Bat Out of Hell, Meat Loaf was also an accomplished actor.  He appeared on Broadway, had notable roles in The Rocky Horror Picture Show,  Black Dog and Fight Club.  

Meat Loaf’s musical career started right after high school when his bands opened for acts such as Van Morrison, Janis Joplin and The Who.  For the next 50 plus years, Meat Loaf did what he loved best – entertaining.  He alternated between touring, putting out new music and acting.

In a time when disco was king, Bat Out of Hell became an international best seller.  It was an album that everyone knew about and most owned.  It was odd that this guy who appeared in The Rocky Horror Picture Show could sing.  And, boy, could he sing!  It was always a pleasure to see Meat Loaf pop up in television and film roles.  One of my favorites is The Salton Sea with Val Kilmer. 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Michael Lee Aday’s family, friends and fans.

“All of Us Are Dead” – The New Poster and Trailer are Here!

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I like the new poster and trailer for All of Us Are Dead.   Deal me in.

“All of us will die. There is no hope.”
The school turned into a bloody battleground and our friends into worst enemies.
Who will make it out alive?

Will you kill
Or let yourself be killed

School’s out for the Apocalypse
All of Us Are Dead | Coming January 28, only on Netflix