Marv by Jon Haward
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 Jon Haward.
Category: Crime
“Violent City” aka “The Family” (1970) starring Charles Bronson, Telly Savalas & Jill Ireland / Z-View
Violent City (1970)
Director: Sergio Sollima
Screenplay: Sauro Scavolini, Gianfranco Galligarich, Lina Wertmüller, Sergio Sollima, story by Dino Maiuri, Massimo De Rita
Stars: Charles Bronson, Telly Savalas, Jill Ireland and Michel Constantin.
Tagline: CHARLES BRONSON: A murderer whose love for a woman was VIOLENT. TELLY SAVALAS: A man who owns both the woman and the CITY.
The Plot…
Jeff Heston (Bronson) is a hitman who was ambushed and left for dead. Heston believes he was set up by a former boss. Now healed and ready for revenge… Heston discovers the person who set him up may have been his lover!
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Violent City received a second release in the U.S. but retitled as The Family in an effort to cash in on The Godfather‘s success.
Jon Voight and Sharon Tate were considered for the leads. At the time Charles Bronson was a bigger star in Europe and just becoming a leading man in the United States. Bronson agreed to star on the condition that his wife, Jill Ireland would co-star.
Violent City (1970) rates 2 of 5 stars.
“Training Day” (2001) directed by Antoine Fuqua, screenplay by David Ayer, starring Denzel Washington & Ethan Hawke / Z-View
Training Day (2001)
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Screenplay: David Ayer
Stars: Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Scott Glenn, Tom Berenger, Harris Yulin, Raymond J. Barry, Cliff Curtis, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Macy Gray, Eva Mendes, Nick Chinlund, Jaime Gomez, Raymond Cruz, Noel Gugliemi, Samantha Esteban, David Ayer, Peter Greene and Terry Crews.
Tagline: The only thing more dangerous than the line being crossed, is the cop who will cross it.
The Plot…
It’s L.A. police officer Jake Hoyt’s (Hawke) training day. Hoyt has been teamed with the highly decorated narcotics Detective Alonzo Harris (Washington). Hoyt badly wants the promotion. He’s about to discover that Detective Harris is a cop who will cross any lines to make a bust. Very quickly Harris makes it clear that is the expectation for Hoyt if he is to get promoted to the team.
Hoyt is hesitant at first, but is slowly seduced by Detective Harris’ reputation, charisma and results. As the shift continues, Hoyt learns something that puts his life at risk. What do you do when your partner/mentor is worse than the gangbangers you’re after?
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Both of Training Days leads were nominated for Academy Awards with one winning…
- Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role – Denzel Washington (winner)
- Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role nominee – Ethan Hawke
Ethan Hawke had more screen time than Denzel Washington, yet was nominated for an Academy Award in the Supporting Role category.
Training Day was originally set up to be directed by Davis Guggenheim, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Matt Damon.
Actors reportedly considered for Jake Hoyt included Tobey Maguire, Eminem, Paul Walker, Freddy Prinze Jr., Ryan Phillippe, Christian Bale, Mark Wahlberg and Scott Speedman.
Antoine Fuqua filmed in real gang locations. Real gang members from Rollin’ 60 Crips, PJ Watts Crips, and B. P. Stones (a Bloods set) appear on-screen.
The coffee shop where Washington and Hawke first meet has been used in several movies including Se7en, Gone in 60 Seconds, Ghost World, and Catch Me If You Can.
Lights Out (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.
“Lights Out” (2024) starring Frank Grillo, Mekhi Phifer, Jaime King & Dermot Mulroney / Z-View
Lights Out (2024)
Director: Christian Sesma
Screenplay: Chad Law, Garry Charles, story by Brandon Burrows
Stars: Frank Grillo, Mekhi Phifer, Jaime King, Dermot Mulroney, Scott Adkins, Amaury Nolasco, Kevin Gage, Jessica Medina and Donald Cerrone .
Tagline: They started the wrong fight.
The Plot…
Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield (Grillo) is a drifter. He’s also ex-military who suffers from PTSD. After observing Duffy take apart several guys in a bar fight, Max Bomer (Phifer) sees easy money in his future. Bomer tells Duffy about an underground fight circuit where big money is wagered. Hesitant at first, Duffy agrees.
Soon Duffy and Bomer on the wrong side of gangster, Sage Parker (Mulroney) and the leader of the criminal gang, Detective Ellen Ridway (King). With criminals and crooked cops after them, what chance do Duffy and Bomer have?
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Lights Out is fairly by-the-numbers action, but the cast of Frank Grillo, Mekhi Phifer, Jaime King and Dermot Mulroney add to it’s watchability.
Lights Out (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.
“Boneyard” starring Brian Van Holt, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Nora Zehetner, Michael Sirow & Mel Gibson – The Trailer is Here!
When the skeletal remains of eleven women and girls are discovered in the New Mexico desert, an extensive investigation is launched. Inspired by true crime stories, this chilling crime-thriller follows Detective Ortega (Brian Van Holt), Police Chief Carter (Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson), and Agent Petrovick (Mel Gibson) in a multi-agency effort to identify and apprehend the killer. As each of their agendas and methods clash, a tangled web of intrigue casts suspicion in all directions.
RELEASE DATE: July 2
CAST: Brian Van Holt, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Nora Zehetner, Michael Sirow, and Mel Gibson
Marv by Frank Miller!
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 the legendary artist who created him, Frank Miller!
“The Continental: From the World of John Wick” (2023) starring Mel Gibson, Colin Woodell & Ayo Adegun / Z-View
The Continental: From the World of John Wick (2023)
Developed by Greg Coolidge, Kirk Ward, Shawn Simmon based on John Wick by Derek Kolstad
Director: Albert Hughes (Eps.1, 3); Charlotte Brändström (Ep. 2)
Teleplay: Greg Coolidge & Kirk Ward and Shawn Simmons (Ep. 1); Shawn Simmons and Greg Coolidge & Kirk Ward & Ken Kristensen (Ep. 2), story by Greg Coolidge & Kirk Ward & Shawn Simmons (Ep.2); Greg Coolidge & Kirk Ward & Ken Kristensen (Ep. 3)
Stars: Mel Gibson, Colin Woodell, Mishel Prada, Hubert Point-Du Jour, Nhung Kate, Jessica Allain, Ayo Adegun, Jeremy Bobb, Adam Shapiro, Katie McGrath, Marina Mazepa, Mark Musashi, Kirk Ward, Dan Li, Chris Ryman, Fflyn Edwards, Ben Robinson, Peter Bergin and Peter Greene.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Set in the 1970s, The Continental: From the World of John Wick details how young Winston Scott (Woodell) was pulled into the world of assassins and rose to become the director of The Continental.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The Continental: From the World of John Wick continues, as the title implies, the world-building of the John Wick movie franchise. It is stylish, action-packed with outrageous characters and a welcome addition.
I loved the opening titles which reminded me of the opening credits to Casino Royale (2006).
The Continental: From the World of John Wick features a sweet soundtrack from the 1970s.
In the third episode, KD checks into The Continental. She is given room 818, which is the same room John Wick gets in the first movie.
Kirk Ward plays a creepy huge thug to the hilt. Short white hair, skintight sleeveless t-shirt, a kilt, heavy workboots and black eye makeup make for a scary appearance. Add in his caresses and loving pats to the man he’s about to torture and you have one sick, memorable henchman.
Let’s not forget Katie McGrath as The Adjudicator. She wears a half-mask that covers something so grotesque that it sickens those who get a glance behind the covering. Oh, and what about the strange assassins known as The Twins aka Hansel (Musashi) and Gretal (Mazepa).
Mel Gibson adds gravitas.
I hope we get more adventures in this world.
The Continental: From the World of John Wick (2023) rates 4 of 5 stars.
“The Bikeriders” – The 3rd Trailer & Another Poster is Here!
How about a new poster and the third trailer for The Bikeriders?
Check out the latest trailer for The Bikeriders, an upcoming movie starring Jodie Comer, Austin Butler and Tom Hardy, Michael Shannon, Mike Faist with Norman Reedus.
The Bikeriders follows the rise of a midwestern motorcycle club, the Vandals. Seen through the lives of its members, the club evolves over the course of a decade from a gathering place for local outsiders into a more sinister gang, threatening the original group’s unique way of life.
The Bikeriders is produced by Sarah Green, p.g.a., Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, p.g.a, Arnon Milchan. Yariv Milchan, Michael Schaefer, Sam Hanson, David Kern, and Fred Berger serve as executive producers.
The Bikeriders, written and directed by Jeff Nichols, opens in US theaters on June 21, 2024
M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Trap” – The Poster is Here!
I like the poster for M. Night Shyamalan’s The Trap. Simple, but effective.
“The Man Who Knew Too Much”(1934) directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starring Peter Lorre / Z-View
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Screenplay: Charles Bennett, D. B. Wyndham-Lewis, Edwin Greenwood (scenario), A. R. Rawlinson (scenario)
Stars: Leslie Banks, Edna Best, Peter Lorre and Nova Pilbeam.
Tagline: Public Enemy No. 1 of all the world…
The Plot…
Bob (Banks), Jill (Best) and their daughter, Betty (Pilbeam) are on vacation in Switzerland. One evening, a man that they recently met is shot. As the man is dying he tells Jill where he’s hidden information about a terrorist group. She is to get the note to the British consulate.
The criminals kidnap Betty when they learn that Bob and Jill have information about their planned political assassination. It will be up to Bob and Jill to get Betty back and foil the assassination.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Peter Lorre was still learning English when Hitchcock cast him. Lorre had to learn his part phonetically.
The film is in public domain so beware of bad copies.
Alfred Hitchcock has a cameo crossing the street from right to left in a black trenchcoat before Bob and Clive enter the chapel.
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934) rates 3 of 5 stars.
Marv by Brett Parson
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 Brett Parson.
Marv by Pablo De Bonis!
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 Pablo De Bonis.
Source: Nicolas Risso.
“L.A. Confidential” (1997) directed by Curtis Hanson, starring Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger & Danny DeVito / Z-View
L.A. Confidential (1997)
Director: Curtis Hanson
Screenplay: Brian Helgeland, Curtis Hanson based on L.A. CONFIDENTIAL by James Ellroy
Stars: Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger, James Cromwell, Danny DeVito, David Strathairn, Ron Rifkin, Matt McCoy, Paul Guilfoyle, Paolo Seganti, Elisabeth Granli, Sandra Taylor, Steve Rankin, Graham Beckel, Allan Graf, Symba Smith, Brenda Bakke and Simon Baker.
Tagline: Everything is suspect…everyone is for sale…and nothing is what it seems.
The Plot…
The year is 1953. Three L.A. detectives find themselves at odds when investigating a series of murders.
- Straight laced, by-the-book, Ed Exley (Pearce) is the son of a police legend. Exley’s father was killed in the line of duty. The murderer never caught.
- Jack Vincennes (Spacey) is most concerned with his role as technical advisor on a popular cop tv show. Vincennes makes additional cash by providing inside info on celebrity busts to the publisher of a sleazy gossip rag.
- Bud White (Crowe) isn’t above throwing a beat-down on criminals and is willing to cross certain lines to get justice.
When a police scandal known as Bloody Christmas, puts the reputation of the L.A. police force in jeopardy, Exley devises a solution. This gets Exley a promotion, but puts him at odds with most of the force. Then a multiple killing at a coffee house that includes one of the disgraced police officers is assigned to Exley. Evidence leads to three African-American ex-cons. A shootout ensues and Exley kills them in self-defense. Exley is cited for bravery and the case closed…
However inconsistences compel Exley to take a closer look. Were he, as well as the suspects, set up? The evidence points to police and political corruption. Still an outcast, despite his medal of valor, if Detective Exley refuses to back down, he will be the next targeted for murder.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
L.A. Confidential is based on the novel by James Ellroy.
L.A. Confidential was nominated for 9 Academy Awards and won two:
- Best Picture (nominee) – Arnon Milchan, Curtis Hanson, Michael G. Nathanson
- Best Actress in a Supporting Role (winner) – Kim Basinger
- Best Director – Curtis Hanson (nominee)
- Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published (winner) – Brian Helgeland, Curtis Hanson
- Best Cinematography (nominee) – Dante Spinotti
- Best Art Direction-Set Decoration (nominee) – Jeannine Oppewall (art director), Jay Hart (set decorator)
- Best Sound (nominee) – Andy Nelson, Anna Behlmer, Kirk Francis
- Best Film Editing (nominee) – Peter Honess
- Best Music, Original Dramatic Score (nominee) – Jerry Goldsmith
Kevin Spacey asked director Curtis Hanson who he would dream cast in the role of Jack Vincennes if the film had been shot in the 1950s. Hanson surprised him. Dean Martin, because of his slick, loose style and questionable character was his choice. (Although that choice surprised me as well, I like it! – Craig)
Simon Baker, perhaps best known for his television series The Mentalist, made his feature film debut in L.A. Confidential.
Kevin Spacey got top billing but had less screen time than the other two leads.
L.A. Confidential (1997) rates 5 of 5 stars.
“Midnight” (1934) aka “Call It Murder” (1947) featuring Humphrey Bogart
Midnight (1934) aka Call It Murder (1934)
Director: Chester Erskine
Screenplay: Chester Erskine
Stars: Humphrey Bogart, Sidney Fox, O.P. Heggie, Henry Hull, Margaret Wycherly, Richard Whorf and Granville Bates.
Tagline: One woman was to die at midnight!…another woman was to kill at the same hour…why?
The Plot…
On the night of a woman’s scheduled execution, the jury foreman is having trouble dealing with the verdict. Then something happens that brings the decision home.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Midnight was originally released in 1934. Humphrey Bogart was listed 8th in the credits. Then in 1947, after Bogart became a big star, the film was re-released with the title Call It Murder. Bogart was given a more prominent role in ads despite his small role.
Richard Whorf who plays Arthur Weldon, would continue acting, but also branch out into directing television and feature films.
Midnight aka Call It Murder (1934) rates 2 of 5 stars.
“Doomed to Die” (1940) starring Boris Karloff / Z-View
Doomed to Die (1940)
Director: William Nigh
Screenplay: Hugh Wiley, Ralph Gilbert Bettison, Michael Jacoby
Stars: Boris Karloff, Marjorie Reynolds, Grant Withers, Henry Brandon, Richard Loo, Melvin Lang and Dick Fleming.
Tagline: The master of crime cleans up the dirty game of murder!
The Plot…
Cyrus Wentworth (Lang) was dealing with the aftermath from the fire and sinking of one of his ships. Four hundred lives were lost. It’s not a good day. When William Stelling (Fleming) shows up, they can be heard arguing in Wentworth’s office. Stelling is the son of one of Wentworth’s competitors and his daughter’s fiancé.
Suddenly a gunshot rings out. Stelling is seen standing over Wentworth’s dead body. A gun lies near the body. Police arrive and arrest Stelling. It appears to be an open-and-shut case.
Then, the famous James Lee Wong (Karloff) is hired to determine the real killer.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The scenes of the burning ship were taken from newsreel footage of a real ocean liner that burned and sunk with tremendous loss of life.
This is Boris Karloff’s fifth (and last) outing as detective James Lee Wong.
Doomed to Die (1940) rates 2 of 5 stars.
