Category: Movies

“The Invisible Man” (1933) starring Claude Rains / Z-View

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The Invisible Man (1933)

Director:  James Whale

Screenplay:  R. C. Sherriff based on The Invisible Man by H. G. Wells

Stars:  Claude Rains, Gloria Stuart, Henry Travers, Una O’Connor, Forrester Harvey, Holmes Herbert, E.E. Clive, Dudley Digges, Harry Stubbs, Edgar Barrier and Walter Brennan

Tagline:   You’ll hardly believe what your eyes won’t see

The Plot…

Dr. Jack Griffin (Rains) perfects a formula that renders him invisible.  The serum also effects his mind making him power hungry as it slowly drives him insane.  Unable to find a cure, Griffin goes on a killing spree.  How can you find a killer that you can’t see?  Many more will die, if the police don’t figure out a solution.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

When I was a kid, The Invisible Man wasn’t one of my favorites of the classic Universal Monsters.  Years later, watching as an adult, I loved it.  The Invisible Man was directed by James Whale, who also helmed Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein.  These three films assured his place in movie history.

The cast consists of players who would have long and notable careers.  Claude Rains plays The Invisible Man in a role where the star is seldom seen on screen!  Gloria Stewart plays Rains’ love interest.  She would have a career that spans 80 years with perhaps her most famous role (in The Titanic) coming when she was 87!  Other familiar faces include Henry Travers, Una O’Connor, Forrester Harvey, Holmes Herbert, E.E. Clive, Dudley Digges, Harry Stubbs, Edgar Barrier and Walter Brennan!

The Invisible Man was based on a novel written over 120 years ago, the film is 90 years old, yet it still resonates.  That’s because the movie is played straight. It doesn’t have a monster with fangs, or a creature that rises from the dead.  What it does have is a brilliant scientist who goes power crazy.  And that is something we can relate to. It has special effects that were ahead of its time. The Invisible Man is one of the classic Universal Monster movies.  If you didn’t like it as a kid, give the film another shot.

The Invisible Man earns 5 of 5 stars.

RIP: Burt Bacharach

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Burt Bacharach died yesterday from natural causes.  Mr. Bacharach was 94.

Burt Bacharach earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Montreal’s McGill University.  He also studied music at the Mannes School of Music, and at the Music Academy of the West in Montecito, California.  Mr. Bacharach was drafted and served two years in the US Army.  This is where he met singer Vic Damone, who was also a soldier.  After they were discharged, Mr. Bacharach worked as a pianist and conductor for Mr. Damone and later other singers such as Steve Lawrence, The Ames Brothers, Joel Gray and Marlene Dietrich.

In 1957, Burt Bacharach met Hal David.  Mr. David was a lyricist and they began writing songs together.  The had back to back hits with The Story of My Life (performed by Marty Robbins) and Magic Moments (performed by Perry Como).  Although Burt Bacharach wrote hits with other lyricists, he is best known for his collaborations with Hal David.

In 1961, Burt Bacharach was impressed with the talents of a session singer.  Her name was Dionne Warwick.  They teamed and over the next twenty years produced 22 Top 40 hits including  “Walk On By”, “Alfie”, “I Say a Little Prayer”, “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again”, and “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?”. 

Burt Bacharach would go on to work with or have his songs performed by  Stan Getz, Dusty Springfield,  Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, B.J. Thomas, The Carpenters, Barbra Streisand, Tom Jones, Stephanie Mills, Carole Bayer Sager (his third wife), Neil Diamond, Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Luther Vandross, Ronnie Milsap, Elvis Costello, Ronald Isley, Adel to name just a few.

Mr. Bacharach’s music would regularly be featured in films.  He was nominated for 5 Academy Awards for Best Music, Original Song (winning two Oscars – for “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” with Hal David; and “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” with Carole Bayer Sager, Christopher Cross, Peter Allen).  He also won an Oscar for Best Music, Original Score for a Motion Picture (not a Musical) for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Other films that featured Burt Bacharach compositions include: The Blob (1958); What’s New Pussycat; Casino Royale (1967); Night Shift; Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice; Arthur 2: On the Rocks; Goodfellas; Madonna: Truth or Dare; Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story; Forrest Gump; Bad Boys; Dead Presidents; Fargo;  Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery; My Best Friend’s Wedding; I Know What You Did Last Summer; Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me; Shaft (2000); Meet the Parents; Austin Powers in Goldmember; Dawn of the Dead (2004) and so many more.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Burt Bacharch’s family, friends and fans.

“Luther: The Fallen Sun” starring Idris Elba – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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Deal me in!

In Luther: The Fallen Sun — an epic continuation of the award-winning television saga reimagined for film — a gruesome serial killer is terrorizing London while brilliant but disgraced detective John Luther (Idris Elba) sits behind bars. Haunted by his failure to capture the cyber psychopath who now taunts him, Luther decides to break out of prison to finish the job by any means necessary. The film also stars Cynthia Erivo, Andy Serkis and Dermot Crowley, who returns as Martin Schenk.

“The Chinese Ring” (1947) starring Roland Winters & Mantan Moreland / Z-View

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The Chinese Ring (1947)

Director:  William Beaudine

Writer:  Scott Darling based on the character by Earl Derr Biggers

Stars:  Roland Winters, Mantan Moreland, Victor Sen Yung  and Paul Bryar

Tagline:  None

The Plot…

When a Chinese Princess is murdered while visiting Charlie Chan, she leaves behind a note which reads “Captain K”.  As the police work to find the killer, Chan follows the clues as well.  With multiple suspects, and the clock ticking more people will die if the murderer isn’t found.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Chinese Ring was Roland Winters first outing as Charlie Chan.  He would play the character 5 more times.

Mantan Moreland provides comedy relief as usual.  I wish he was given more screen time.

The Chinese Ring earns 3 of 5 stars.

“Solace” (2015) starring Anthony Hopkins, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Abbie Cornish & Colin Farrell / Z-View

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Solace (2015)

Director:  Afonso Poyart

Screenplay:  Sean Bailey, Ted Griffin

Stars:  Anthony Hopkins, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Abbie Cornish, Colin Farrell, Matt Gerald, Jose Pablo Cantillo, Marley Shelton, Xander Berkeley, Kenny Johnson, Joshua Close, Janine Turner  and Jordan Woods-Robinson 

Tagline:  How do you stop a killer who can read your mind?

The Plot…

FBI agents Merriwether (Morgan) and Cowles (Cornish) are coming up empty while working a serial killer case.  Out of desperation, Merriweather reaches out to his friend, Dr. John Clancy (Hopkins).  Clancy reluctantly agrees to assist with the case.  Agent Cowles is skeptical even after Clancy begins to display abilities that assist with the case.

Soon enough Clancy’s paranormal skills alert him to two things: 1) the serial killer is a more powerful psychic; 2) both Agent Merriweather and Agent Morgan have tragic futures.  People will continue to be murdered unless Merriwether, Cowles and Clancy unless they figure how to catch the psychic killer… but there is no changing the future.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Solace has a cool concept – a psychic serial killer who is able to stay a step ahead of the FBI, despite them also having a clairvoyant of their own.  There are a couple of unexpected twists and a killer with a rationale that will keep you thinking.

Solace earns 4 of 5 stars.

“The Lion in the Winter” (1968) starring Peter O’Toole, Katharine Hepburn, Anthony Hopkins & Timothy Dalton / Z-View

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The Lion in the Winter (1968)

Director:  Anthony Harvey

Screenplay:  James Goldman

Stars: Peter O’Toole, Katharine Hepburn, Anthony Hopkins, John Castle, Nigel Terry, Timothy Dalton, Nigel Stock and O.Z. Whitehead 

Tagline: “The Lion in Winter” is about love and hate between a man and a woman and their sons. It’s also about politics, vengeance, greed and ambition. It other words it’s about life.

The Plot…

The year is 1183.  King Henry II (O’Toole) has brought his family together as he prepares to name his successor.  Henry has three sons.  He is leaning towards his youngest son, John (Terry), getting the throne.  King Henry’s estranged wife,  Eleanor of Aquitaine (Hepburn) wants their son, Richard (Hopkins) to be the next king.  Of course all three sons want to be King.  To complicate matters, King Philip II of France (Dalton) arrives with demands of his own.

As King Henry contemplates who will be the next king, family members are plotting against him and each other. A confrontation exposes the alliances, schemes and long held secrets.  Who will be the next king takes a backseat to who will survive the face-off when King Henry confronts all three sons about their conspiracies against him.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Lion in the Winter is an amazing film.  It was nominated for 7 Academy Awards (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor <O’Toole>; Best Actress <Hepburn – won>; Best Screenplay – Based on Material from Another Medium; Best Costume Design; Best Original Score for a Motion Picture (Not a Musical) <John Barry – won>.  It was also nominated for 8 British Academy Awards (winning two – Best Actress <Hepburn> and Best Film Music <John Barry>); 7 Golden Globe Awards (winning two – Best Drama Motion Picture and Best Actor <O’Toole>.

The Lion in the Winter is outstanding in all areas – from story to direction, acting, music, and editing.  It’s deserving of all the awards and accolades it received.  As it came time for my rating, I settled on 4 stars.  I really liked the film, but didn’t love it.  So keep in mind, your mileage may vary.  And if someone said the movie deserves five of five stars, I wouldn’t argue.  My mileage may vary as well.

The Lion in the Winter earns 4 of 5 stars.

“The Trap (1946) starring Sidney Toler & Mantan Moreland / Z-View

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The Trap (1946)

Director:  Howard Bretherton

Screenplay:  Marl Derr Biggers based on the character created by Miriam Kissinger

Stars: Sidney Toler, Mantan Moreland, Victor Sen Yung, Larry J. Blake, Kirk Alyn and Howard Negley 

Tagline: GORGEOUS SHOWGIRLS DOOMED TO DEATH!

The Plot…

Cole King (Negley) is vacationing with his troupe of showgirls at a beach house.  When one of the girls is found strangled, it isn’t long before Charlie Chan (aided by his son, Jimmy (Yung) and valet, Birmingham (Moreland) are called in to determine the murderer or murderess!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

This was Sidney Toler’s last outing as Charlie Chan.  Toler had been suffering from cancer and passed away within 3 months of the film’s release.

The Trap follows the same format as all Charlie Chan films. There is a murder with multiple suspects and Chan is brought in to investigate.  He’s assisted by his son and valet (for comedy effect).  Chan determines who the killer is (and it’s usually not one suspected by the audience).  Everything wraps up in about an hour or a little more.  Charlie Chan films are a great way to end an evening.

My main reason for checking out the Charlie Chan films is Mantan Moreland.  He’s one of the most underrated comedians of his era.  The more screen time Moreland gets, the better the film.

The Trap earns 3 of 5 stars.

“Higher Than a Kite” (1943) starring The Three Stooges / Z-View

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Higher Than a Kite (1943)

Director:  Del Lord

Screenplay:  Monte Collins, Elwood Ullman

Stars: Curly Howard, Larry Fine, Moe Howard, Vernon Dent and Dick Curtis 

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Our boys are mechanics and want to be pilots to fight Nazis.  When they find themselves behind enemy lines, Curly and Moe disguise themselves as German officers.  Larry is forced to disguise as a woman.  When German Generals become enamored with the beautiful  fraulein, what else could go wrong?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Any time the Stooges go up against Nazis a fun time is guaranteed.

Higher Than a Kite earns 5 of 5 stars.

RIP: Melinda Dillon

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Melinda Dillon’s family has announced that Ms. Dillon died on January 9, 2023 at the age of 83.  No cause of death was given.  Melinda Dillion was a two-time Academy Award Best Supporting Actress Award nominee (for Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Absence of Malice).

It’s hard to determine what role Melinda Dillon was best known for because she played in many fan favorite films.  Prior to acting on television and in movies, Melinda Dillon was a stage actress.  She was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play for her first major role on Broadway.  The play was Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolfe.  Ms. Dillon’s television career began in 1963, in an episode of The Defenders.  She went on to act on both television and in feature films for the rest of her career.

Some of Melinda Dillon’s television appearances include: The Defenders; Bonanza; The Jeffersons; The Twilight Zone; The Shadow Box; Fallen Angel; Right of Way and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Some of Melinda Dillon’s feature film appearances include: Bound for Glory; Slap Shot; Close Encounters of the Third Kind; F.I.S.T.; The Muppet Movie; Absence of Malice; A Christmas Story; Harry and the Hendersons and The Prince of Tides.

It’s hard to pick a favorite Melinda Dillon role.  If push came to shove my favorites include her work in F.I.S.T. and A Christmas Story.  I was excited when I learned Ms. Dillon would play Sly Stallone’s love interest in F.I.S.T.. (she was coming off a Academy Award Best Supporting Actress nomination).  Her role in A Christmas Story provides a great counterpoint to Ralphie’s dad (and in doing so make him more loveable). She was excellent in both.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Melinda Dillon’s family, friends and fans.

“Righteous Thieves” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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Righteous Thieves looks fun.  Deal me in!

In this ultimate heist thrill-ride, Annabel (Lisa Vidal), a leader of a secret organization engaged in the recovery of priceless artwork, assembles a ragtag crew of art thieves to recover a Monet, Picasso, Degas, and Van Gogh stolen by Nazis during WWII and now in the possession of neo-Nazi billionaire oligarch Otto Huizen (Brian Cousins). As the planned heist approaches, loyalties are tested when the crew learns the real reason behind Annabel’s search for the long-lost paintings.

“Bruiser” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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I like the looks of Bruiser.  Since it is on HULU, checking it out will be a no-brainer.

In director Miles Warren’s searing feature debut about fathers, families and the effects of toxic masculinity, 14-year-old Darious (Jalyn Hall) explores the boundaries of his manhood through tumultuous interactions with Malcolm (Shamier Anderson), his strict but loving father, and Porter (Trevante Rhodes), a charismatic drifter. When Darious learns Porter’s true identity, he is thrust into a conflict between the two men that may rip his family apart and threaten his safety. Premiering February 24, only on Hulu.

ABOUT BRUISER
During summer break, 14-year-old Darious explores the boundaries of his manhood through tumultuous interactions with Malcolm his strict father and a burgeoning mentorship with mysterious drifter Porter.

“The Raven” (1963) starring Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, Boris Karloff and Jack Nicholson / Z-View

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The Raven (1963)

Director:  Roger Corman

Screenplay:  Richard Matheson based on “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe

Stars: Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, Boris Karloff, Hazel Court, Jack Nicholson and Leo Gordon (voice uncredited)

Tagline: Wits and wizardry run a-fowl!

The Plot…

A talking raven shows up at the castle of Dr. Erasmus Craven (Price).  It turns out the raven is actually Dr. Adolphus Bedlo (Lorre)!  Bedlo was transformed into a raven by Dr. Scarabus (Karloff) when the two had a duel of magic.  Craven is able to restore Bedlo to human form.  They decide to go to Scarabus’ castle for a confrontation.  Bedlo wants revenge for being turned into a bird.  Craven is on a mission to find his missing wife Lenore.

Before it is over Bedlo, Craven and Scarabus will be in a battle of magic with the losers facing certain death!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Raven is very loosely based on Edgar Allan Poe’s poem.  Director, Roger Corman, and writer, Richard Matheson wanted more humor and less terror for this film.  It was shot in just 15 days and Corman allowed the actors to play loose with their dialogue.  This suited Peter Lorre, who improvised many of his lines.  Boris Karloff didn’t enjoy this method, while Vincent Price caught on quickly.  It’s interesting to note that Peter Lore and Jack Nicholson reportedly didn’t get along when the cameras weren’t rolling.

The highlight is the duel between Price and Karloff.  It’s an extended sequence that kids of all ages will enjoy.

The Raven earns 3 of 5 stars.

“Three Little Sew and Sews” (1939) starring The Three Stooges / Z-View

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Three Little Sew and Sews (1939)

Director:  Del Lord

Screenplay:  Ewart Adamson

Stars: Curly Howard, Larry Fine, Moe Howard, Ned Glass, Charles Dorety, Lane Chandler, Vernon Dent, Bud Jamison, Al Thompson and Cy Schindell

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Our boys are Navy tailors getting ready for shore leave.  As they clean up, Curly gets the bright idea to “borrow” an Admiral’s uniform.  Using Curly’s new identity the boys get into a high class party.  Nazi spies decide to take advantage of “the Admiral and his two escorts”.  It will be up to our boys to save a US submarine.  What could go wrong?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Three Little Sew and Sews uses the tried and true gag of a spring getting attached to a person’s rear.  In this case it is Curly’s and is the funniest example of them all.  Curly really shines in this one.  He has a scene where he’s taunting Moe and Larry while they are in jail.  It’s a simple scene but Curly makes it work.  Of course the same could be said of his other moments.

This is also one of the few Stooges shorts where they die at the end… the good news is they earn their wings.  ; )

The Little Sew and Sews earns 5 of 5 stars.