Alt “Sinners” Poster by @TyHDesign!
I like the subtlety of this Sinners poster by @TyHDesign.
Category: Horror
“Jurassic World: Rebirth” (2025) starring Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali / Z-View
Jurassic World: Rebirth (2025)
Director: Gareth Edwards
Screenplay: David Koepp; based on characters by Michael Crichton
Stars: Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Luna Blaise, David Iacono, Audrina Miranda, Bechir Sylvain, Ed Skrein, Lucy Thackeray, Billy Smith and Jonny Lavelle.
Tagline: A new era is born.
The Plot…
Martin Krebs, an executive at ParkerGenix, offers Zora Bennett two million dollars to head a dangerous expedition. If Zora accepts, her team will go to an abandoned dinosaur research laboratory located on a remote island somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean. The island was deserted when experiments to mutate dinosaurs got out of hand. Several scientists were killed and the dinosaurs escaped. Now the mutated creatures thrive on the island. It is illegal for anyone to go there.
ParkerGenix scientists believe that dinosaur DNA holds the key to a cure for heart disease. Zora accepts the offer. She recruits fellow mercenaries Duncan Kincaid, LeClerc, Nina and Bobby Atwater. Martin Krebs from ParkerGenix and paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis will round out the team.
Their mission is to sneak onto the island, locate the three dinosaur species, retrieve DNA from each and get back alive. It won’t be easy.
The mission is made even more difficult when nearing the island, they receive and SOS from a sinking sail boat. They arrive in time to save a father, his young daughter, his grown daughter and her boyfriend. Because they are so close to the island, and the clock is ticking, they have no choice but to bring the survivors along.
As their boat nears the island, it is attacked by several Spinosaurus dinosaurs. Several crew members are knocked overboard. The craft is driven ashore but now useless. Those that make it to the island alive will have to survive 24 hours. At that point a rescue helicopter will circle and attempt to pick up survivors.
Getting through the 24 hours alive will be difficult enough. Attempting to complete their mission is still a goal.
The clock is ticking.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
This is the only Jurassic Park sequel to feature all new characters.
Jonathan Bailey who plays Dr. Henry Loomis, can also be heard playing clarinet in several orchestral tracks of the film’s score. Baily also performs the solo heard when his character first touches a dinosaur.
There are plenty of scares and intense scenes as expected.
There is a baby dinosaur that appears throughout the film once the team gets on the island. Its inclusion seemed out of place to me unless they were shooting a children’s movie. Yeah, it is cute, but for me seemed so out of place.
Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo are excellent.
Jurassic World: Rebirth (2025) rates 3 of 5 stars
“Species” (1995) starring Natasha Henstridge, Michael Madsen, Ben Kingsley, Alfred Molina, Forest Whitaker and Marg Helgenberger / Z-View
Species (1995)
Director: Roger Donaldson
Screenplay: Dennis Feldman
Stars: Natasha Henstridge, Michael Madsen, Ben Kingsley, Alfred Molina, Forest Whitaker, Marg Helgenberger, Jordan Lund, Don Fischer, Virginia Morris, Esther Scott, William Utay, Roger Donaldson and Whip Hubley.
Tagline: For three million years, the human race has been at the top of the evolutionary ladder. Nothing lasts forever
The Plot…
SETI (Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence) scientists are elated when they receive a transmission. The message contains alien DNA. So the government funds a laboratory to splice the DNA with that of female human. Scientists are shocked when the baby “girl” begins growing at a rapid rate. They name the child Sil.
Within a short time Sil is the size of a pre-teen. Super smart and strong, the scientists become concerned when Sil displays violent outbursts while sleeping. The decision is made to terminate Sil before she reaches full strength. When the execution fails Sil escapes. Soon she will reach adulthood. At that point, she will be infinitely more dangerous.
The government pulls together a team that includes anthropologist Dr. Stephen Arden, molecular biologist Dr. Laura Baker, “empath” Dan Smithson, and mercenary Preston “Press” Lennox. They are to track and kill SIL. A backup squad will be on standby to assist.
The clock is ticking.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Sil was designed by Swiss artist H. R. Giger. Giger also designed the creatures in Alien. Giger created the “nightmare train” effects used when Sil is dreaming. Interestingly enough, Giger had been attached to an alien on a train film titled Isobar. Isobar was to star Sylvester Stallone, but the film was never made due to Carolco Pictures’ financial troubles.
Species features the theatrical movie debut of Natasha Henstridge who played Sil.
Dennis Feldman, Species screenwriter, followed up with a four-issue comic book adaptation drawn by Jon Foster as well as two alternate comic book continuations: Species: Human Race and a one-shot Species: Offspring. Feldman also wrote the sequel film, Species II.
Arnold Schwarzenegger reportedly showed interest in the script but moved on due to budget restrictions.
I loved the idea of the team of diverse talents that included an empath.
Species (1995) rates 4 of 5 stars
“Night of the Living Dead” Alt Poster by Rafał Rola!
One of my all-time favorite horror movies, Night of the Living Dead gets an alt poster by Rafał Rola.
“The Last of Us” Season 2 (2025) starring Pedro Pascal & Bella Ramsey / Z-View
The Last of Us: Season 2 (2025)
Created by: Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann; based on The Last of Us by Naughty Dog
Teleplay by: Craig Mazin (episodes 1-5); Neil Druckmann & Halley Gross & Craig Mazin (episodes 6-7)
Directed by: Craig Mazin (episode 1); Mark Mylod (episode 2); Peter Hoar (episode 3); Kate Herron (episode 4); Stephen Williams (episode 5); Neil Druckmann (episode 6); Nina Lopez-Corrado (episodes 7)
Stars: Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Kaitlyn Dever, Rutina Wesley, Robert John Burke, Tati Gabrielle, Ariela Barer, Danny Ramirez, Catherine O’Hara, Alanna Ubach, Hettienne Park, Tony Dalton, Joe Pantoliano and Jeffrey Wright.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Five years have passed since the events of season one. Although Joel and Ellie have settled in to the Jackson Hole community, some event radically changed their relationship. As the series progresses we will discover the cause. Also, something so tragically unexpected will happen that will change the trajectory of the series.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The Last of Us is based on the popular video game of the same name. I’ve never played it and didn’t know the story ahead of seeing the show.
Every episode contains twists, but none as brutal as in the second episode.
The characters are well cast and well played. Of course not enough can be said about Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. They are supported by an amazing supporting cast. Standouts include Gabriel Luna, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Kaitlyn Dever, Tony Dalton, Joe Pantoliano and Jeffrey Wright.
I’ve never seen a lead character that has irritated me as much as Ellie did in season two.
Season two’s ending leaves me with questions. Since I haven’t played the game or know the story, I’m interested to see what happens in season 3.
The Last of Us: Season 2 (2025) earns 4 of 5 stars.
“War of the Worlds” starring Ice Cube & Eva Longoria – The Poster and Trailer is Here!
The poster and trailer for a re-imagined War of the Worlds (based on H.G. Wells classic novel) is here. War of the Worlds stars Ice Cube and Eva Longoria.
While it hasn’t sold me completely, I’d give it a shot. Who doesn’t love a story about invading aliens trying to take over the world?
War of the Worlds premieres on Prime Video streaming on July 30th.
Ice Cube fights aliens to save his family and the world.
Premieres exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on July 30, 2025.
“I Trapped the Devil” (2019) / Z-View
I Trapped the Devil (2019)
Director: Josh Lobo
Screenplay: Josh Lobo
Stars: Scott Poythress, AJ Bowen, Susan Burke, Jocelin Donahue and Chris Sullivan.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Steve’s got a lot going on. He’s stressed and unsure of what to do next.
Things get worse when his brother, Matt and Matt’s wife Karen, show up unannounced. Steve knows that Matt and Karen have been worried about him. They think that his mental state is deteriorating. Steve knows he’s not crazy.
But how is he going to explain to them that the man trapped in his basement is actually the devil?
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
I Trapped the Devil has a great concept. Sadly the movie never comes close to reaching the potential presented. I made it through the whole thing, so I’ll give it two out of five stars. Truthfully, you’d be better off to watch the Twilight Zone episode, The Howling Man.
I Trapped the Devil (2019) rates 2 of 5 stars
“The Creature from the Black Lagoon” by Andrew Robinson!
Andrew Robinson takes us to the Black Lagoon! And I’m here for it.
“Deadsight” (2018) / Z-View
Deadsight (2018)
Director: Jesse Thomas Cook
Screenplay: Liv Collins, Kevin Revie
Stars: Liv Collins, Adam Seybold.
Tagline: You’ll never see them coming.
The Plot…
A man with no memory how he got there, wakes up handcuffed to a gurney in an ambulance. No one else is in the vehicle. Worse still, the man’s eyes are bandaged. When he pulls back the wraps, his vision is practically nothing.
The man works himself lose although still handcuffed to a rail of the gurney. He’ll have to use it for a cane. When he exits the ambulance, he discovers that a zombie apocalypse has started. Through sheer luck the man comes across a deserted (he hopes) farm house.
Meanwhile, pregnant police officer Mara Madigan is looking for shelter. She spots a deserted (she hopes) farm house.
Soon a pregnant woman and blind man will join forces in an effort to survive the zombie apocalypse.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
I tapped out after about thirty minutes. Your mileage may vary.
Deadsight (2018) rates 1 of 5 stars
“Alien Earth” – Trailer 2 – Greener Earth is Here!
Alien Earth – Trailer 2 – Greener Earth is Here!
FX’s Alien: Earth. OFFICIAL TRAILER 2: GREENER WORLD.
Prepare. Before it’s too late.
Premieres August 12 on @FXNetworks | @hulu and with #HuluOnDisneyPlus.
When the mysterious deep space research vessel USCSS Maginot crash-lands on Earth, “Wendy” (Sydney Chandler) and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers make a fateful discovery that puts them face-to-face with the planet’s greatest threat.
FX’s Alien: Earth is created for television and executive produced by Noah Hawley.
“The Woman in the Yard” (2025) starring Danielle Deadwyler / Z-View
The Woman in the Yard (2025)
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Screenplay: Sam Stefanak
Stars: Danielle Deadwyler, Okwui Okpokwasili, Peyton Jackson, Estella Kahiha, Russell Hornsby and Chad Pitter.
Tagline: Don’t Let Her In
The Plot…
Ramona is still recovering from an auto accident that killed her husband. Ramona is barely holding it together. If not for her teenage son Taylor, Ramona would be in a much worse situation. Taylor is making sure that mom and Annie are fed and the house is in order. Still, life on a remote farm is difficult in the best of times. Then the power goes out.
How could things be worse?
Then one morning a woman veiled in black from head to toe shows up. The woman is seated in a chair in the front yard. When Ramona approaches, the woman will only say, “Today’s the day.”
Unable to call for help, the car unusable because of the wreck that killed her husband, and Ramona still on crutches, the family is worried about the woman in the yard.
Then the woman begins to move closer.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The Woman in the Yard has an interesting set-up and a creepy factor. At the start. Sadly, as the movie progresses it loses both momentum and creepiness.
The Woman in the Yard (2025) rates 2 of 5 stars
“Dead Zone” (2022) starring Michael Jai White / Z-View
Dead Zone (2022)
Director: Hank Braxtan
Screenplay: Michael Klug, Tim Ogletree; story by Michael Lurie, Jeffrey Giles
Stars: Michael Jai White, Antuone Torbert and Jeff Fahey.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
A squad of soldiers are sent into a zombie-infested town. Their fate of humanity depends on their success.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
I was hoping for a much better film. I barely made it through so I will barely rate it 2 stars.
Dead Zone (2022) rates 2 of 5 stars
“Night of the Hunter” (1955) directed by Charles Laughton; starring Robert Mitchum, Lillian Gish, Shelley Winters, Billy Chapin and Sally Jane Bruce / Z-View
Night of the Hunter alt poster by Laurent Carbonelle
Night of the Hunter (1955)
Director: Charles Laughton
Screenplay: James Agee; based on THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER by Davis Grubb
Stars: Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, Lillian Gish, James Gleason, Evelyn Varden, Don Beddoe, Billy Chapin, Sally Jane Bruce, Gloria Castillo, Corey Allen, Paul Bryar and Peter Graves.
Tagline: The scenes…the story…The stars BUT ABOVE ALL – THE SUSPENSE!
The Plot…
The Great Depression has a stranglehold on the country.
Harry Powell is the proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing. Powell claims to be a traveling preacher. In truth Powell is a psychotic serial killer.
Powell’s hatred for women consumes him. He says to himself, “There are things you do hate, Lord. Perfume-smellin’ things, lacy things, things with curly hair…There’s too many of them. I can’t kill the world.” Powell travels the countryside taking advantage of the weak. He steals and kills without regret. Then moves on to find the next victim.
Powell is caught in a stolen car. Sent to prison, he is celled with Ben Harper. Harper and a friend, unable to find jobs become desperate enough to rob a bank. Two men and Harper’s friend were killed in the theft. Harper made it home to hid the bank’s $10,000. As the police came to arrest him, he told his two small children where the money was hidden, and made them swear to never tell.
Harry Powell learns of the $10,000 robbery and attempts to get Harper to tell where he hid the loot. Harper takes the secret to his grave when he is hanged for his crimes. When Powell is released from prison he decides to call on Harper’s widow.
Powell plans to woo and wed widow Harper. Once he finds the hidden cash, he’ll kill the woman and her little children too.
“It’s a hard world for little things.”
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Night of the Hunter is based on Davis Grubb’s novel THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER.
Night of the Hunter is sadly the only film ever directed by Charles Laughton.
When Mitchum’s character is seen in silhouette in the distance riding a horse, it is actually a dwarf on a pony. The scene was filmed in forced perspective.
Robert Mitchum said that Charles Laughton was his favorite director and Night of the Hunter was the favorite film that he starred in.
The Harry Powell character was based on a real serial killer named Harry Powers. Powers found his victims through “lonely hearts” advertisements. Powers killed women and their children then stole their money and valuables. When Powers was caught, police found many letters from women wanting to meet him. Powers was convicted and hung for his crimes.
There’s a shot of Winters that is haunting. It will stay with you forever.
Stephen King has called Night of the Hunter the scariest film of all time.
Night of the Hunter is a classic. Everyone should watch it at least once.
Night of the Hunter (1955) rates 5 of 5 stars
The Creature from the Black Lagoon by Greg Staples!
Who does love a great looking Creature from the Black Lagoon painting? You know, like the kind created by Greg Staples!
Source: Body Snatchers
“28 Days Later” written by Alex Garland; directed by Danny Boyle; starring Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Brenden Gleeson and Megan Burns / Z-View
28 Days Later (2002)
Director: Danny Boyle
Screenplay: Alex Garland
Stars: Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Megan Burns, Christopher Eccleston, Alex Palmer, David Schneider, Toby Sedgwick, Noah Huntley, Kim McGarrity, Luke Mably, Stuart McQuarrie and Brendan Gleeson.
Tagline: Day 1: Exposure – Day 3: Infection – Day 8: Epidemic – Day 15: Evacuation – Day 20: Devastation
The Plot…
Jim awakens after being in a coma for 28 days. He’s in a hospital bed, but the hospital is deserted. Jim throws on some clothes and heads out into the street. Broad daylight and no one is seen.
Jim goes into a church. In the sanctuary are dozens of people. Most show signs of major physical trauma. They appear to be sleeping. When a priest sees Jim and begins to attack, the infected come out of their slumber and attack as well.
Jim barely escapes. Jim comes to realize that while he was in a coma, a fast-acting virus turned normal people into mindless, frenzied, killing machines. There are few survivors in a city that once held over 7 million souls. Jim meets and befriends three who have endured: Selena, a young woman about his age, Frank, a middle-aged man and his teenage daughter Hannah.
A radio broadcast repeats the message that protection can be found at a location outside of Manchester. The four debate if there is truly salvation there. The broadcast could be outdated. Everyone there could be dead. The people there could be as dangerous as the infected. The journey will require them to pass through multiple congested areas.
Ultimately the group decides to go. Unexpected dangers await. Not all will survive.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Megan Burns, who plays Frank’s teenage daughter Hannah, had appeared in only one other film prior to 28 Days Later. Megan retired from acting after 28 Days Later to pursue a career as a musician. Her stage name is Betty Curse.
28 Days Later re-invigorated the zombie genre. Although some argue that the infected aren’t zombies, since they have lost control of their bodies and reasoning, I think they fit the definition.
28 Days Later is a classic. Well written, well directed and well acted. <Chef’s kiss>
28 Days Later (2002) rates 5 of 5 stars
