“Finestkind” starring Jenna Ortega, Tommy Lee Jones & Ben Foster – The Poster and Trailer are Here!
Deal me in!
FINESTKIND Teaser (2023) Jenna Ortega, Tommy Lee Jones, Ben Foster
Category: Movies
“The Getaway” (1994) starring Alec Baldwin & Kim Basinger / Z-View
The Getaway (1994)
Director: Roger Donaldson
Screenplay by: Walter Hill, Amy Holden Jones based on THE GETAWAY by Jim Thompson
Starring: Alec Baldwin, Kim Basinger, Michael Madsen, James Woods, David Morse, Jennifer Tilly, James Stephens, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Burton Gilliam, Royce D. Applegate, Daniel Villarreal, Alex Colon and Richard Farnsworth.
Tagline: Choosing between love and money is one thing. Getting away with both is something else
The Story:
Carter “Doc” McCoy (Baldwin) was serving time in a Mexican prison after being double crossed on his last job. Thanks to Jack Benyon’s (Woods) influence and cash payoffs, Doc is now a free man. Well, almost. Doc owes Benyon a debt that will be paid off after Doc’s next job.
All goes well until it doesn’t. Before Doc and his accomplices meet to divide the cash, the double crosses begin. Doc doesn’t know who he can trust. After he finds out what his wife, Carol (Basinger), did to get his release from prison, Doc’s not even sure about her,
The cops and Benyon’s men are after them. Doc and Carol need a clean getaway.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)
The two biggest differences in The Getaway directed by Sam Peckinpah, starring Steve McQueen and Ali McGraw and this one are 1) Doc and his wife are more of a team in the remake, and 2) there’s more nudity.
McQueen and McGraw fell in love while filming The Getaway. They later married. Baldwin and Basinger were already married when they starred in the remake. They later divorced.
I’m a fan of both versions of the film. THE GETAWAY is my favorite novel by Jim Thompson.
Baldwin and Basinger are aided by a great supporting cast. Standouts include Michael Madsen, James Woods, David Morse, Jennifer Tilly, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Burton Gilliam and Richard Farnsworth.
There was talk of a sequel, but it never happened. It’s not too late.
“Wintertide” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!
I like the looks of Wintertide. Deal me in.
Release Date: 11/14/2023
Directed by: John Barnard
Starring: Niamh Carolan, Solange Sookram, Jeremy Walmsley, Jesse Nobess, Colleen Furlan, Darcy Fehr, John B. Lowe, Onalee Ames, Michael O’Sullivan
Synopsis: Beth, a volunteer watch person of an isolated northern city battles a plague of depression that transforms the few remaining residents into empty, zombie-like automatons. She discovers that by entering an alternative dimension through her own dreams, she’s able to stave off the illness during the long, possibly endless winter. But will her power be enough to sustain her?
RIP: Richard Roundtree
Richard Rountree died yesterday from pancreatic cancer. Mr. Roundtree was 81.
Richard Roundtree began his professional career as a fashion and ad model. He appeared in off-Broadway plays. His big break came in 1971, when he starred in Shaft. The film made Mr. Roundtree famous. He would go to appear in feature films and television roles for the rest of his career.
Some of Richard Roundtree’s television appearances include: Shaft (7 episodes); Roots; The Love Boat (2 episodes); CHiPs; Magnum P.I.: A.D. (5 episodes); Outlaws (12 episodes); Murder, She Wrote; A Different World (2 episodes); Amen (2 episodes); Beauty and the Beast (3 episodes); 21 Jump Street; MacGyver; Generations (61 episodes); Beverly Hills, 90210; L.A. Law; Roc (4 episodes); Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper (2 episodes); Buddies (6 episodes); The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (2 episodes); Profiler; 413 Hope Street (10 episodes); Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman; Soul Food (6 episodes); Alias (2 episodes); Desperate Housewives (5 episodes); Blade: The Series; Grey’s Anatomy; Heroes (6 episodes); Knight Rider; Lincoln Heights (3 episodes); The Mentalist; Diary of a Single Mom (18 episodes); Chicago Fire (4 episodes); Star (5 episodes); Lethal Weapon; Being Mary Jane (33 episodes); Family Reunion (22 episodes) and Cherish the Day (8 episodes).
Some of Richard Roundtree’s film appearances include: Shaft; Embassy; Shaft’s Big Score; Shaft in Africa; Earthquake; Escape to Athena; Inchon; An Eye for an Eye; Q: The Winged Serpent; City Heat; Maniac Cop; Se7en; George of the Jungle; Steel; Shaft (2000) and Shaft (2019).
Like most everyone, when I think of Richard Rountree, I think of Shaft. Looking over Mr. Rountree’s extensive resume, it is clear that he was much more than the man who’d risk his neck for his brother man. I’m not just talkin’ ’bout Shaft. I appreciated any time Richard Rountree’s name appeared in a production.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Richard Roundtree’s family, friends and fans.
“The Devil on Trial” (2023) / Z-View
The Devil on Trial (2023)
Director: Chris Holt
Written by: Chris Holt
Tagline: Did the Devil Do It?
The Story:
In 1981, Arne Johnson stabbed Alan Bono to death. Bono was Johnson’s landlord and had, in the past, dated Johnson’s girlfriend. Although there was no doubt that Johnson was the murderer, he claimed he didn’t remember doing it. When the case went to trial, his defense was that he was possessed by the devil/a demon and therefore wasn’t responsible.
This documentary explores the foundation for that defense and the result of the trial.
In 1980, Arne Johnson was dating Debbie Glatzel. Some of Debbie’s family believed that her younger brother, David was possessed by the devil. On more than one occasion David had to be held down by family members (and Arne) while David cursed, screamed and convulsed. David’s behavior was extreme enough that his mother contacted Ed and Lorraine Warren. The Warrens were famous for their involvement in The Amityville Murders. The Warrens assisted David’s mother in getting the church to conduct an exorcism. During the procedure, as David was struggling, Arne reportedly yelled at the demon, “Leave this little kid alone. Take on me. I’m here.”
So when Arne killed David, he asserted that the devil/demon had made him do it. This documentary uses actual voice recordings. archival footage, home movies and actor recreations to recount the story.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)
While Arne wanted to use the “the devil made me do it” defense, he never got to. The judge ruled that “possession” was not a valid defense. He didn’t allow it. Arne ended up being found guilty of manslaughter.
Now to David Glatzel. Some of David’s family believed that he was possessed. One of David’s brothers said it was an act. He said that during one of David’s sessions while cursing, hitting and yelling, David’s father came into the room. Father grabbed David and slapped him. Dad told David to shut up and sit in a chair. The brother said, “The devil did as he was told”. In other words, it was an act.
David’s mother was a religious woman. She may have believed that David was possessed at the start. By the time the Warrens got involved, it seemed to be more about fame and the money. Also near the end of the documentary a sick allegation against the mother is made. I won’t give it away, but if true indicates mom had serious issues of her own.
As to the Warrens, this film puts them in a very bad light. They took advantage of David’s family. The Warrens kept almost all of the money off book and movie deals in regard to David’s story. Money that had been promised to the Glatzel family. If you’ve seen The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, that’s the Glatzel family’s story.
The Devil on Trial leaves it to viewers to determine if the possessions were real or not, There’s evidence that could support whatever you decide. As to the actions of the Warrens, the evidence points to them not being on the up and up.
“Leave the World Behind” starring Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, Myha’la and Kevin Bacon – The Poster & Trailer are Here!
Deal me in!
When an idyllic getaway suddenly erupts into chaos, trust unravels fast. Leave The World Behind, starring Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, Myha’la and Kevin Bacon comes to Netflix on December 8.
“The Unknown” (1927) directed by Tod Browning, starring Lon Chaney & Joan Crawford / Z-View
The Unknown (1927)
Director: Tod Browning
Screenplay by: Waldemar Young; from a story byTod Browning; Joseph Farnham (titles)
Starring: Lon Chaney, .Norman Kerry, Joan Crawford andJohn George
Tagline: Against a background of colorful circus life, and the sinister shadow of the underworld, is played a drama of love and revenge that will grip you! And through it stalks the mysterious figure of a deformed circus performer- The Unknown – a role just made for the brilliant Lon Chaney!
The Plot:
“Alonzo the Armless” (Chaney) works as a circus stunt performer. He uses his feet to throw knives and shoot a gun with deadly accuracy. Alonzo is not the man’s real name. He goes by it because he’s hiding from the law. The truth is that Alonzo has arms. He keeps them bound tightly to his body. No one (except his trusted partner Cojo) is aware of the deception. Alonzo hides his arms because he was born with a deformed double thumb that the police know about.
Alonzo is in love with the circus owner’s daughter, Nanon (Crawford). Although Namon likes Alonzo, she is unaware of the depth of his affection for her. Malabar, the circus strongman, also has feelings for Nanon. As Alonzo’s obsession with Nanon grows, so does his willingness to cross any line to have her. Before the tale is done, Alonzo will murder multiple people and do something so unexpected, to say more would ruin the twist.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)
Tod Browning and Lon Chaney collaborated on eight films. The Unknown is considered to be their best work. It has been called a “masterpiece of silent cinema” and I couldn’t agree more.
The step that Alonzo takes to win Nanon is so shocking that the audience is still reeling when Browning hits a twist worthy of O. Henry. If you haven’t tried or liked silent films, I’d suggest you give The Unknown a shot.
“They Cloned Tyrone” (2023) starring John Boyega, Jamie Foxx & Teyonah Parris / Z-View
They Cloned Tyrone (2023)
Director: Juel Taylor
Screenwriter: Tony Rettenmaier, Juel Taylor
Cast: John Boyega, Jamie Foxx, Teyonah Parris, Kiefer Sutherland and David Alan Grier.
Tagline: Damn…
The Plot…
Fontaine (Boyega) is a small time drug dealer. When he goes to collect money from a pimp known as Slick Charles (Foxx), Fontaine is ambushed. He’s shot several times and left for dead. Slick Charles and one of his girls, Yo-Yo are shocked to witness the murder.
They are even more amazed the next day. Fontaine comes back to collect the debt. He has no recollection of being shot. He has no wounds. As Slick Charles and Yo-Yo discuss what they saw, some memories come back to Fontaine. The three end up following clues that lead them to discover a widespread government conspiracy.
Fontaine, Slick Charles and Yo-Yo have to figure out a way to quickly expose the powerful cabal behind the conspiracy, If they can’t, well… we all know what happens to people who discover the truth behind big time deceptions.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)
This is the second film I’ve seen with John Boyega. He was excellent in The Woman King and is even better here. Jamie Foxx is always good. I loved seeing Keifer Sutherland and David Allan Grier pop up in supporting roles.
My simple description of They Cloned Tyrone is cross Three the Hard Way with Invasion of the Body Snatchers minus the aliens. Add a touch of humor.
I liked They Cloned Tyrone but think it could have gotten to the conspiracy a bit faster. I also wish that they had leaned into the humor a bit more.
A lot of the film reminded me of a 70s blaxploitation movie. I thought that maybe the film should have been set in that time period. Another thought then occurred, perhaps the folks behind the film wanted us to see the situation as though it takes place now because the issues are still relevant.
They Cloned Tyrone (2023) rates 3 of 5 stars.
Kelley Jones Gives Us a Truly Frightening “Bride of Frankenstein”!
I like Kelley Jones’ take on The Bride of Frankenstein. Often artists want to make her a sexy monster. That’s cool by me. However, if we want to think about a woman made up of different parts of cadavers that is then brought back to life… well, that’s just plain scary. And that is the Bride of Frankenstein that Kelley Jones gives us.
Source: Comic Crusaders.
“The Outlaws” (2017) starring Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee) & Yoon Kye-sang / Z-View
The Outlaws (2017)
Director: Yunsung Kang
Screenwriter: Yunsung Kang
Cast: Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee), Yoon Kye-sang
Tagline: Bare-knuckle cop v/s bloodless butcher. Tonight, things get wild.
The Plot…
The Black Dragon, a Chinese gang led by the sadistic and merciless Jang Chen (Kyesang) moves into a South Korean district. Local business owners are harassed and killed. To make matters worse, it leads to a gang war. Detective Ma Seok-do (Dong-seok) and his team are ordered to take down the gangs.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)
The Outlaws was one of the most popular film in South Korea the year it was released. It came in the top three at the box office. The Outlaws also won multiple South Korean film awards including: Top 10 Film, Best New Director and Best Supporting Actor.
The Outlaws was popular enough to lead to the production of two sequels: The Roundup (2022) and The Roundup: No Way Out (2023).
I’m a huge fan of Ma Dong-seok aka Don Lee. He should be a bigger star in the US.
Kudos to Yoon Kye-sang. He plays a villain that’s charismatic and evil.
The Outlaws is action-packed and violent. Thankfully it doesn’t linger on the gore. I look forward to seeing the two sequels.
The Outlaws (2017) rates 4 of 5 stars.
“Immediate Family” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!
I’ll be watching for this one.
One-night screenings on December 12th, available everywhere December 15th https://www.immediatefamilyfilm.com/
Immediate Family tracks the rise and collaborations of a group of legendary studio musicians through the 1970s and onward, chronicling their illustrious partnerships and their formidable record of hit-making. Directed by Denny Tedesco, whose documentary The Wrecking Crew followed the first wave of studio musicians in the 60s, the film reveals the machinery behind the booming era of the singer-songwriter, when the talents of these four musicians were in furious demand. The foundations of their enduring friendship, formed on the road and in studios, is recalled with dynamite clarity —reminisced with fondness through intimate interviews with the guys themselves, as well as the memories of some of rock’s most iconic voices. Immediate Family is a backstage tour spanning multiple eras of musical history. #documentary #rock #movie #trailer #comingsoon
Starring Carole King, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Keith Richards, Don Henley, David Crosby, Jackson Browne, Lyle Lovett, Phil Collins
Directed by Denny Tedesco
“War of the Worlds: The Attack” (2023) / Z-View
War of the Worlds: The Attack (2023)
Director: Junaid Syed
Screenwriter: Junaid Syed, Tom Jolliffe
Cast: Sam Gittins, Vincent Regan, Alhaji Fofana, Lara Lemon.
Tagline: They Are Here
The Plot…
Three teenagers are at ground zero for one of the Martian landings. Once the Martians begin their takeover the kids fight among themselves, with others as well as the alien invaders in their effort to survive.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)
Take three teenagers, a Cliff notes version of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds and turn it into a low, low budget movie. Then you’ll have War of the Worlds: The Attack.
War of the Worlds: The Attack (2023) rates 2 of 5 stars.
RIP: Burt Young
Burt Young, born Gerald Tommaso DeLouise, died October 8th. No cause of death was given. Mr. Young was 83.
Burt Young, best known for his Academy Award nominated role as Rocky Balboa’s brother-in-law Paulie, was actually a boxer himself. While in the United State Marines, Mr. Young compiled a 32 -2 record!
Burt Young trained at the Actor’s Studio under Lee Strasberg. During the course of his career Burt Young compiled 170 acting credits in films and television. Mr. Young wrote and starred in the feature film Uncle Joe Shannon, wrote and starred in the television movie Daddy, I Don’t Like It Like This, and an episode of Baretta (The Big Hand’s On Trouble) which he guest starred in. Burt Young also wrote the historical novel ENDINGS, as well as two stage plays (SOS and A Letter to Alicia and the New York City Government from a Man With a Bullet in His Head). Mr. Young was also an accomplished painter with gallery showings throughout the world. Some of his paintings appeared in Rocky Balboa when we learned that Paulie also liked to paint.
Some of Burt Young’s television appearances include: The Doctors; MASH; Little House on the Prairie; Baretta (3 episodes); The Rockford Files; Daddy, I Don’t Like It Like This; Miami Vice; The Equalizer; Vendetta: Secrets of a Mafia Bride (6 episodes); Tales from the Crypt; Law & Order; The Last Don (2 episodes); Walker, Texas Ranger (2 episodes); The Sopranos and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Some of Burt Young’s feature film appearances include: Carnival of Blood; The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight; Across 110th Street; Cinderella Liberty; Chinatown; The Killer Elite; Rocky; Twilight’s Last Gleaming; The Choirboys; Convoy; Uncle Joe Shannon; Rocky II; All the Marbles; Rocky III; Once Upon a Time in America; The Pope of Greenwich Village; Rocky IV; Back to School; Rocky V; Mickey Blue Eyes and Rocky Balboa.
I probably saw Burt Young first on MASH, Baretta or The Rockford Files, but it was his role in Rocky that I always think of first. From all accounts Burt Young was a kind and gentle soul. He was a true renaissance man – an actor, author and painter. He made every production he was in better.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Burt Young’s family, friends and fans.
“The Mystery of the 13th Guest” (1943) / Z-View
The Mystery of the 13th Guest (1943)
Director: William Beaudine
Screenwriter: Tim Ryan, Charles R. Marion, Arthur Hoerl based on THE 13TH GUEST by Armitage Trail
Cast: Helen Parrish, Dick Purcell, Bill Pullman, Dean Norris, Mik Scriba, J.T. Walsh, Herb Mitchell and Bill Nunn.
Tagline: IT’S MURDER! An Unseen terror holds an entire family in fear!
The Plot…
When Marie Morgan was eight years old she attended a gathering called by her dying grandfather. In attendance were Marie’s aunts, uncles, cousins and her grandfather’s lawyer. Grandfather tells everyone that Marie is to return on her 21st birthday by herself to read his will. It’s clear that Grandpa doesn’t much care for any of them except Marie.
Thirteen years have passed. Marie returns to the old house. It hasn’t been lived in for over a decade. As Marie thinks back she remembers that there was an empty seat next to her grandpa. Twelve people were in attendance. She wonders who the empty seat was for. Marie opens the sealed will. As she does someone enters the house and a gunshot is fired.
When the police arrive they find Marie dead… but not from a gunshot. But wait, that’s not really Marie. And now another person who was at the original meeting is found in his seat murdered!
How many will die before the Mystery of the 13th Guest is discovered?
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)
The Mystery of the 13th Guest is a low budget quickie typical of many “B” pictures of the era. It’s directed by William “One Shot” Beaudine who knocked out over 400 films during his career. They didn’t call him “one shot” for nothing. If you’ve seen a Bowery Boys flick, odds are you’ve seen his work.
If you know what you’re getting going in, and you have an hour to kill, you won’t be disappointed.
The Mystery of the 13th Guest (1943) rates 2 of 5 stars.
“NAPOLEON” directed by Ridley Scott, starring Joaquin Phoenix – The 2nd Official Trailer is Here!
Deal me in.
Joaquin Phoenix takes the crown. Watch the new trailer for #Napoleon, from acclaimed director Ridley Scott. See it in Premium Large Formats, Screen X, 70mm and IMAX this Thanksgiving.
Napoleon is a spectacle-filled action epic that details the checkered rise and fall of the iconic French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, played by Oscar®-winner Joaquin Phoenix. Against a stunning backdrop of large-scale filmmaking orchestrated by legendary director Ridley Scott, the film captures Bonaparte’s relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his one true love, Josephine, showcasing his visionary military and political tactics against some of the most dynamic practical battle sequences ever filmed.
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Written by: David Scarpa
