Category: Movies

RIP: Suzanne Somers

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Suzanne Somers, born Suzanne Mahoney, died today the result of cancer.  Ms. Somers was 76. Suzanne Somers was a model, actress, singer, author and business woman.

When Suzanne Mahoney was 19, she married Bruce Somers.  They had one child and the couple divorced three years later. Suzanne Somers’ career began with her getting modeling gigs and small, often uncredited parts in television shows and movies.  Her big break came when she landed the role of Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company.  The show was an instant hit and made Suzanne Somers a household name.  Ms. Somers stayed with the series through four seasons.

For the rest of her career Suzanne Somers would act in movies and television.  She became a commercial spokesperson for the exercise product Thighmaster.  Suzanne Somers also authored two autobiographies, a book of poetry as well as four diet books.  In 2001, Ms. Somers was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She elected to have a lumpectomy and radiation.  She declined chemotherapy and instead used alternative cancer treatments.  Although criticized by the American Cancer Society and many doctors, Suzanne Somers became a proponent of alternative treatments to chemotherapy.

Some of Suzanne Somer’s television appearances include: The Rockford Files; Sky Heist; One Day at a Time; The Love Boat; Starsky & Hutch (3 episodes); The Six Million Dollar Man; Zuma Beach; Three’s Company (100 episodes); The Ropers; Hollywood Wives (3 episodes); She’s the Sheriff (44 episodes); Sisters; The Larry Sanders Show; The Simpsons and Step-By-Step (160 episodes).

Some of Suzanne Somer’s feature film appearances include: Bullit; Daddy’s Gone A-Hunting; American Graffiti; Magnum Force; Billy Jack Goes to Washington; Nothing Personal and The Nutty Professor.

I first remember seeing Suzanne Somers in a magazine ad.  She was a hot babe on a beach.  Of course I remember her best from Three’s Company.  Although I didn’t regularly watch the show, her fame brought her magazine covers, feature stories and appearances on other shows.  For a while Suzanne Somers was everywhere!  It’s funny because I probably saw her on The Rockford Files, Starsky & Hutch or The Six Million Dollar Man before Three’s Company ever hit the air waves.  But it’s Chrissy Snow that first comes to mind when I think of Suzanne Somers.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Suzanne Somers family, friends and fans.

“Cape Fear” starring Gregory Peck & Robert Mitchum / Z-View

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Cape Fear (1962)

Director: J. Lee Thompson

Screenwriter: James R. Webb based on The Executioners by John D. MacDonald

Cast: Gregory Peck, Robert Mitchum, Polly Bergen, Lori Martin, Martin Balsam, Jack Kruschen, Telly Savalas, Barrie Chase, Paul Comi, Edward Platt and Will Wright.

Tagline: Now, he had only one weapon left – Murder!…To prevent an even more shocking crime!

The Plot…

Max Cady (Mitchum) was recently released from prison.  Cady served eight years for a sadistic rape.  Now Cady has one thing on his mind, to take revenge on Sam Bowden (Peck).  It was Sam Bowden who stopped Cady’s assault.  It was also Bowden’s testimony that got Cady convicted.

Sam Bowden is a well respected small town lawyer.  But the law is going to be of no help.   Cady is smart and as devious as he is cruel.  Cady stops Bowden on the street.  From all appearances the meeting is cordial.  But Cady lets Bowden know he’s out of prison.  He subtly threatens Bowden, his wife and their young daughter.

Cady increases the threats and intimidation. Bowden realizes that Cady won’t stop until he’s done the sick things he’s threatened.  There may be only one way to stop Max Cady…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

The film covers some very dark topics for 1962.  Despite censors, the movie makes it very clear what Max Cady has done and plans to do.

I like to describe Cape Fear as the best Hitchcock movie not made by Hitchcock.  The score by Bernard Herrmann helps.  J. Lee Thompson was an Alfred Hitchcock fan and it was his intent to film scenes like the master.  Cape Fear is my favorite film directed by J. Lee Thompson.

I’m a Robert Mitchum fan.  Mitchum always adds to a film’s enjoyment factor.  His portrayal of Max Cady is my favorite Robert Mitchum performance.  That’s saying a lot because he’s always good.

Gregory Peck was an excellent choice to play the good man who discovers that the law isn’t going to save him or his family.   Peck and Mitchum are supported by an outstanding cast. Polly Bergen, Lori Martin, Martin Balsam, Jack Kruschen, Telly Savalas and Barrie Chase all get opportunities to shine.  Look for Edward Platt in a cameo.

Cape Fear (1962) rates 5 of 5 stars.

RIP: Piper Laurie

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Piper Laurie, born Rosetta Jacobs, died today.  Ms. Laurie was 91.

In 1949, Piper Laurie was awarded a contract with Universal Studios.  She changed her name to Piper Laurie and used it from then on.  Throughout her career Piper Laurie acted on television, feature films and on stage.

Ms. Laurie was nominated for three Academy Awards: 1962 – Best Actress in a Leading Role for The Hustler; 1976 – Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Carrie; 1987 – Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Children of a Lesser God.

Piper Laurie was nominated for nine Primetime Emmy Awards, winning in 1987 for her role in Promise.

Some of Piper Laurie’s television appearances include: The Best of Broadway; Studio One; Playhouse 90 (2 episodes); Play of the Week; General Electric Theater (3 episodes); Naked City; The United States Steel Hour (2 episodes); Ben Casey; Skag (6 episodes); The Thorn Birds (3 episodes); St. Elsewhere (3 episodes); Hotel; Murder She Wrote; The Twilight Zone (2 episodes); Matlock; Beauty and the Beast; Twin Peaks (27 episodes); ER (2 episodes); Diagnosis Murder; Touched by an Angel; Frasier (2 episodes); Will & Grace; Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and MacGuyver.

Some of Piper Laurie’s feature film appearances include: Louisa; Francis Goes to the Races; Has Anybody Seen My Gal; Ain’t Misbehavin’; The Hustler; Carrie; Ruby; Children of a Lesser God; The Crossing Guard; The Faculty and White Boy Rick.

I first became aware of Piper Laurie in Carrie. For that role she earned a well deserved Academy Award nomination. A few years later I saw her in another Academy Award nominated performance in The Hustler.  That’s probably my favorite Piper Laurie performance, but I always enjoyed seeing her name in the credits for any production.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Piper Laurie’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Mark Goddard

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It has been announced that Mark Goddard (born Charles Harvey Goddard) died from pulmonary fibrosis on October 10, 2023.  Mr. Goddard was 87.

Mark Goddard played on state championship baseball and basketball teams in high school.  Mr. Goddard thought he might have a career as a professional basketball player.  While in college he turned to acting.  After moving to Los Angeles he quickly got the co-starring role on the television series Johnny Ringo.  It was at this time he changed his name to Mark Goddard.  Mr. Goddard would continue to work on television and feature films for the rest of his acting career.  After 30 years, Mark Goddard returned to college to get his degree.  He then worked as a special education teacher while occasionally taking on acting roles.

Some of Mark Goddard’s television appearances include: Johnny Ringo (38 episodes); The Rebel; The Detectives (64 episodes); The Rifleman (2 episodes); Burke’s Law; The Beverly Hillbillies; The Virginian; Gunsmoke; Perry Mason (2 episodes); The Fugitive; Many Happy Returns (26 episodes); Lost in Space (84 episodes); Mod Squad (2 episodes); Adam 12; Switch; Petrocelli (2 episodes); The Streets of San Francisco; Quincy; Benson; B.J. and the Bear; Barnaby Jones (4 episodes); One Life to Live (10 episodes); The Doctors (6 episodes); The Fall Guy; General Hospital (11 episodes) and Jake and the Fatman.

Some of Mark Goddard’s feature film appearances include: The Monkey’s Uncle; A Rage to Live; Play It Again, Sam; Roller Boogie; Strange Invaders and Lost in Space.

The first role that comes to mind when I think of Mark Goddard is that of Major Don West on Lost in Space.  I watched that show from the premiere episode.  I was six years old and loved it.  I also think it’s cool that Mr. Goddard became a special education teacher.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mark Goddard’s family, friends and fans.

“Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” starring Kurt Rusell & Wyatt Russell – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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Deal me in!

Some secrets cannot be contained. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters premieres November 17 on Apple TV+

Following the thunderous battle between Godzilla and the Titans that leveled San Francisco, and the shocking revelation that monsters are real, “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” tracks two siblings following in their father’s footsteps to uncover their family’s connection to the secretive organization known as Monarch.

Clues lead them into the world of monsters and ultimately down the rabbit hole to Army Officer Lee Shaw (played by Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell), taking place in the 1950s and half a century later where Monarch is threatened by what Shaw knows.

Based on the Monsterverse from Legendary, and starring Kurt Russell, Wyatt Russell, Anna Sawai, Kiersey Clemons, Ren Watabe, Mari Yamamoto, Anders Holm, Joe Tippett and Elisa Lasowski, this dramatic saga — spanning three generations — reveals buried secrets and the ways that epic, earth-shattering events can reverberate through our lives.

“The Stone Killer” (1973) starring Charles Bronson / Z-View

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The Stone Killer (1973)

Director: Michael Winner

Screenwriter: Gerald Wilson based on A Complete State of Death by John Gardner

Cast: Charles Bronson, Martin Balsam, Jack Colvin, Paul Koslo, Norman Fell, David Sheiner, Stuart Margolin, Ralph Waite, Alfred Ryder, Walter Burke, Kelley Miles, Eddie Firestone, Charles Tyner,  Byron Morrow, Frank Campanella and Robert Emhardt.

Tagline: Take away his badge and he’d top the Ten Most Wanted list!

The Plot…

Detective Lou Torrey (Bronson) killed a 17 year old hood who fired first.  Torrey’s shooting is justified, but the heat is on.  Torrey is quick with a gun and pushes past what is legal to get the guilty.  So Torrey leaves the New York City to become a member of the LA police force.

When Detective Torrey comes across clues that the Mafia is planning something big, no one believes him.  As he digs deeper, Torrey discovers that mercenaries are working with the mob bosses.  Soon Torrey is in their sights.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

Charles Bronson and Michael Winner hit gold with The Mechanic.  Unfortunately, lightning didn’t strike again with The Stone Killer.  It would however, when they teamed the following year with Death Wish.

The Stone Killer is definitely a ’70s movie.  Detective Torrey is made in the mold of Harry Callahan, but The The Stone Killer is at best a poor man’s Dirty Harry.

If you’re a fan of character actors, you’ll enjoy all of the faces popping up throughout The Stone Killer.  You’ll see Martin “Psycho” Balsam, Norman “Three’s Company” Fell, Stuart “The Rockford Files” Margolin, Ralph “The Waltons” Waite, Alfred “Star Trek” Ryder, Charles “The Outlaw Josey Wales” Tyner, Robert “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” Emhardt to name just a few.

The Stone Killer isn’t one of Bronson’s best, but it does have more high falls than a John Wayne western and a car chase worthy of It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.

The Stone Killer (1973) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Whiplash” (1948) starring Dane Clark, Alexis Smith and Zachary Scott / Z-View

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Whiplash (1948)

Director: Lewis Seiler

Screenwriter: Harriet Frank Jr., Maurice Geraghty, adaptation by Gordon Kahn from a story by Kenneth Earl

Cast: Dane Clark, Alexis Smith, Zachary Scott, Eve Arden, S.Z. Sakall, John Daheim  and Alan Hale.

Tagline: “Sure I know you’re a two-timer!…but I’m going to kiss the two-timing out of you!”

The Plot…

When Michael Gordon (Clark) learns that he’s sold his first painting, he wants to meet the person who bought it.  So he tracks down Laurie Durant (Smith) and invites her to dinner.  There’s an instant attraction between the two.  Dinner leads to an evening swim. Then breakfast the following morning.  When Laurie spots a thugish looking man entering the cafe, she quickly leaves.

Michael learns that she has returned to New York City. He follows.  Mike finds Laurie singing in a nightclub. When she finishes, he goes to her dressing room.  There Mike gets into a fight and knocks out a hood.  Turns out the hood was a middleweight contender who works for Rex Durant (Scott), the owner of the nightclub.  Rex is also Laurie’s husband.  Rex tells Michael he’s got the makings of a champion prize fighter.  Soon Michael is climbing up the ranks and trying to put Laurie out of this mind.

But we all know that’s not going to happen.  Let the love triangle roll…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

Whiplash works better than it should.  It’s got the sensitive artist who’s also a championship caliber fighter.  Two lovers who cannot be together because of a sadistic man.  A mob boss surrounded by thugs to protect him.  Some of the most unrealistic boxing scenes outside of The Three Stooges.  A fighter who refuses to “stay down”.  A secret revealed.  And a mob boss who gets his in the end.  (“Did someone call a taxi?”)

Dane Clark projects just the right amount of cockiness.  While I find him more believable as a sensitive artist, than a tough guy, for some reason he does a fine job playing both here.  The camera likes Alexis Smith and so do I. Zachary Scott is a villain audiences love to hate.  Kudos also to S.Z. Sakall.  His scenes are a joy.

Whiplash (1948) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“The Ledge” (2022) starring Brittany Ashworth / Z-View

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The Ledge (2022)

Director: Howard J. Ford

Screenwriter: Tom Boyle

Cast: Brittany Ashworth, Ben Lamb, Louis Boyer, Nathan Welsh, Anaïs Parello and David Wayman.

Tagline: Don’t Lose Your Grip.

The Plot…

The night before a climb, Kelly (Ashworth) and Sophie (Parello) meet four guys in the cabin across the way.  The guys, less experienced climbers, are going up an easier path of the mountain in the morning.  When the fellas invite the girls over for a drink, they agree to “just one”.  After some small talk and the drink Kelly is ready to head back to their cabin.  Sophie decides to stay longer.

After a few more drinks, Sophie is ready to call it a night.  On the way to her cabin she is attacked by one of the guys.  He tries to rape her.  She scratches his face, In their fight he kicks Sophie. She falls twenty feet onto rocks.  When the other guys show up, they are forced to come up with a cover story.  Sophie was drunk. She fell while showing the guys her climbing skills.  Once they have their alibi, the guys throw Sophie off the side of the mountain.

Kelly had heard Sophie’s cries and arrives in time to see Sophie thrown to her death. The men see Kelly and begin to chase her.  Realizing that there is no help around, Kelly begins to free climb the mountain.  Her only escape is up.  The guys grab gear and head up an easier path.  The rock face is too sheer for Kelly to climb down.  They get ahead of her, trapping her on a ledge just below them.  It’s just a matter of time now…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

The Ledge is an okay way to spend a little less than an hour and a half.  Much of that credit goes to Brittany Ashworth.  She’s believable as a climber and likeable as the character.

What keeps the movie from a 3 star rating are the clichés.  Kelly’s lover, also a climber, fell to his death trying to retrieve her engagement ring.  Now she’s climbing in his memory.  The rapist character is a psycho who has been bullying his three friends since elementary school.  Now as adults they continue to hang with him because they fear him.  He’s so bad that he’s been having sex with one of his friend’s wife on a regular basis for years.  The other friends knew but were so afraid they never told.

Still, the situation of being stuck on a mountain top ledge with a psycho right above you provides an interesting scenario.  If there’s nothing better on, give The Ledge a go.

The Ledge (2022) rates 2 of 5 stars.

Sterling North – New Comic Series from Don Lee, Christopher Priest & Jae Lee!

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Ma Dong-seok aka Don Lee is best known to American audiences for his role in Train to Busan.  Lee, an international movie star is teaming with Christopher Priest and Jae Lee to create a new comic series, Sterling North.  The series will be published through Dynamite Entertainment.  Here’s the lowdown…

The man once known as Jonathon Smith has suffered a horrific accident, and is faced with extensive facial reconstruction surgery and memory loss. What his wife doesn’t know is that he did in fact die, but a top level CIA agent codenamed “Sterling North” has taken his place in order to rout out terrorists and other looming threats. Faced with the challenges of blending into a new life, the complications and conspiracies continue to mount. Sterling North may realize that the true enemies are often those closest to us…

For more details check out Bleeding Cool’s Don Lee, Christopher Priest and Jae Lee’s New Comic, Sterling North.

I’m a Don Lee fan.  Sterling North will be on my pull list for my local comic shop. As for Don Lee movies, in addition to Train to Busan, I highly recommend The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil,

“The Adjustment Bureau” (2011) starring Matt Damon & Emily Blunt / Z-View

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The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

Director: George Nolfi

Screenplay: George Nolfi based on “Adjustment Team” by Philip K. Dick

Stars: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Michael Kelly, Anthony Mackie, Terence Stamp and Pedro Pascal.

Tagline: Your Future Has Been Adjusted

The Plot…

David Norris (Damon) was the leading candidate for a Senate seat.  A foolish college prank that Norris pulled years ago blew up on Social Media and cost him the race.  As Norris, thinking he’s alone, goes over his concession speech he meets Elise Sellas (Blunt).  There’s an instant attraction between the two.  He gets her first name and phone number before she has to run off and he has to give his speech.

The next day, Norris plans to call Elise.  He’s surprised to discover that a group of well dressed men are going to do everything in their power to keep the two apart.  Norris is told that if he and Elise get together it will ruin “the plan”.  As crazy as it sounds, this plan will change the world.  Norris sees enough to realize he’s not dealing with humans.  He also realizes that he’s got to see Elise again… no matter the cost.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

The Adjustment Bureau crosses into several genres (sci-fi, romance, drama) and works well in each. 

The Adjustment Bureau will leave the viewer thinking about free will, destiny and how far would he/she would go to be with someone… even at the expense of the “greater good”.

Matt Damon and Michael Kelly are excellent. Emily Blunt, Anthony Mackie and Terence Stamp give performances that take the film to another level.  Watch for Pedro Pascal.  He has a cameo as a Maitre D’.

The Adjustment Bureau (2011) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“GEORGE A. ROMERO’S RESIDENT EVIL” – The Poster & Trailer for The (NEW 2024) Documentary is Here!

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George Romero directing a Resident Evil movie was announced.  It should have been a no-brainer to combine Romero with the Resident Evil property.  Yet, it never happened.  I’m looking forward to this documentary to find out why.

Deal me in.

In 1998, Constantin Film set out to adapt the greatest horror video game franchise of all time, hiring legendary film director George A. Romero. Now, Key 13 Films, in association with Point Five Films and director Brandon Salisbury set out to uncover the mystery behind why Romero’s vision was never produced.

George A. Romero’s Resident Evil is a stylized documentary, utilizing archived footage, unearthed documents, and newly filmed interviews with a wide variety of personalities. The documentary combines elements from Capcom’s hit video game series and the raw, visceral style of George A. Romero to full immerse the audience in a cinematic horror aesthetic.

Now, audiences everywhere will experience the “darkest day of horror the world will never know”, as they uncover the unrequited vision of… George A. Romero’s Resident Evil

DIRECTOR: Brandon Salisbury

“Strays” (2023) starring Ashley Madekwe / Z-View

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Strays (2023)

Director: Nathaniel Martello-White

Screenplay: Nathaniel Martello-White

Stars: Ashley Madekwe, Samuel Paul Small, Maria Almeida and Justin Salinger.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

The movie opens with a Cheryl, young bi-racial woman, discussing concerns about racial discrimination and finances with her sister.  Cheryl places a note for her husband on the refrigerator and leaves. Later we see her ignore calls from her husband.

We then shift forward several years.  Neve is a bi-racial woman married two a white man.  They have two bi-racial high-school aged children.  The family is well off.  Neve works as the Deputy Headmistress at the elite private school her children attend.  Neve is very high strung. Her world seems to be coming apart.  Neve has issues with “blackness”.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

Strays is described as a horror thriller. I gave up looking for horror or thrills after 32 minutes.  The movie moved at a snail’s pace.  It was obvious that Cheryl and Neve are the same person.  Neve’s character is unlikable and that didn’t help.  Ashley Madekwe was excellent in the role.  I look forward to seeing her in better productions in the future.

Strays currently has a 4.8/10 rating on IMDb.  It has a 2.1/5 audience rating.  As for me…

Strays (2023) rates 1 of 5 stars.