“First Blood” 40th Anniversary Poster by Chris Miller!
Chris Miller created this cool 40th anniversary tribute poster for First Blood! You can see more of Chris Miller’s art on his Twitter or Behance page.
Category: Movies
RIP: Leslie Jordan
Leslie Jordan, the actor, singer, writer and internet sensation, died this morning, the result of a car wreck. Mr. Jordan’s car hit the side of a building. Preliminary results indicate that a medical episode may have led to the crash. Mr. Jordan was 67.
Leslie Jordan moved to Los Angeles in 1982. Standing just 4’11”, speaking with a strong Southern drawl, and openly gay, Leslie Jordan was a memorable character. Although he struggled for a few years, in 1986, Leslie Jordan got his first television role on The Fall Guy. After that ice-breaking role, Mr. Jordan continued to act on television, in feature films, on the stage and he even branched out into writing and singing!
Some of Leslie Jordan television appearances include: The Fall Guy; Night Court; Murphy Brown; Newhart; The People Next Door (10 episodes); Pee-Wee’s Playhouse; Top of the Heap (6 episodes); Perfect Strangers; Reasonable Doubts (16 episodes); Bodies of Evidence (16 episodes); Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman; Hearts Afire (27 episodes); Coach; Star Trek: Voyager; Wings; The Pretender; Dharma & Greg; Ellen; Maximum Bob; Nash Bridges; Alley McBeal; Boston Public (5 episodes); Monk; Reba; Boston Legal (6 episodes); Hidden Palms (5 episodes); Sordid Lives: The Series (10 episodes); 12 Miles of Bad Road (6 episodes); Desperate Housewives; Supernatural; Con Man (6 episodes); American Horror Story (10 episodes); Will & Grace (17 episodes); Fantasy Island and Call Me Kat (36 episodes).
Some of Leslie Jordan’s feature film appearances include: Moving; Hero; Jason Goes to Hell; Sordid Lives; The Help; Lost in the Pershing Point Hotel; The United States vs Billie Holiday and Until We Meet Again.
In addition to being an accomplished stage actor; Leslie Jordan was also a playwright. Some of his plays and stage shows include: Lost in the Pershing Point Hotel; Like a Dog on Linoleum; Hysterical Blindness and Other Southern Tragedies That Have Plagued My Life Thus Far and My Trip Down the Pink Carpet.
Leslie Jordan was also a singer. His gospel album Company’s Comin’ was released in 2021. Mr. Jordan was also a hit on Instagram with 5.9 followers at the time of his death.
Leslie Jordan was probably best known for his recurring role on Will & Grace. Until his popularity reached the level where he was a well known actor/comedian; Mr. Jordan would appear on the screen and you’d instantly recognize “that funny guy”! I never saw Leslie Jordan in a role where I didn’t appreciate his performance. He was especially funny in his many Instagram posts. He was the kind of Hollywood celebrity that appeared genuine. I’m going to miss seeing him pop up in new roles, but I am thankful for his many, many performances that will be around forever.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Leslie Jordan’s family, friends and fans.
“Invisible Ghost” (1941) Starring Bela Lugosi / Z-View
Invisible Ghost (1941)
Director: Joseph H. Lewis
Screenplay: Al Martin, Helen Martin
Stars: Bela Lugosi, Polly Ann Young, John McGuire and Clarence Muse, Laurence Criner and Emil Van Horn
Tagline: THE PHANTOM KILLER STRIKES! Only a terrified woman knows the secret of this ghostly murderer…who strikes in the night and leaves no clues—but his victims!
The Overview: Beware of spoilers…
Dr. Charles Kessler (Lugosi) hasn’t been the same since his wife left him several years ago. Kessler hasn’t seen or heard from her since. His grown daughter, Virginia (Young) and Evans (Muse) their butler accommodate Dr. Kessler’s eccentricities. When one of the Kessler’s servants is killed, Virginia’s fiancée Ralph Dickson (McGuire) is arrested, tried, sentenced to death and executed in the electric chair!
Soon Ralph’s twin brother, Paul shows up. He doesn’t believe that Ralph could have committed the murder… but if Ralph didn’t, who did? As Paul, Dr. Kessler and Virginia follow the clues, they get closer to the unbelievable truth that could get them all killed!
Surprisingly, Invisible Ghost features no one that’s invisible and not a single ghost. Perhaps the title is evidence to how much thought was put into the story. Bela Lugosi deserved better… and so did poor Ralph.
Invisible Ghost earns 2 of 5 stars.
Christopher Reeves’ Superman by Neal Adams!
Check out the great Christopher Reeves/Superman drawing by Neal Adams!
“Law of the Jungle” (1942) / Z-View
Law of the Jungle (1942)
Director: Jean Yarbrough
Screenplay: George Bricker, Edmond Kelso (additional dialogue)
Stars: Arline Judge, John ‘Dusty’ King, Mantan Moreland, Arthur O’Connell, Laurence Criner and Emil Van Horn
Tagline: A Story to Thrill You and Chill You to the Rhythm of Jungle Tom-toms!
The Overview: Beware of spoilers…
Enemy agents attempt to blackmail Nora Brooks (Judge) into transporting important papers out of Africa. Brooks refuses instead running into the jungle. There she meets explorer Larry Manson (King) and his assistant, Jeff Jones (Mantan). With enemy agents leading hostile natives after them, Manson, Brooks and Jones have little chance for survival…
Not even Mantan Moreland’s comedy relief can save Law of the Jungle.
Law of the Jungle earns 2 of 5 stars.
“Samaritan” Starring Sylvester Stallone by Mickaël Journou
Mickaël Journou created the cool Samaritan poster above. You can see more of Journou’s art at his Instagram or Twitter pages.
“Harlem on the Prairie” (1937) Starring Herb Jeffries / Z-View
Harlem on the Prairie (1937)
Director: Sam Newfield, Jed Buell
Screenplay: Fred Myton, F.E. Miller (additional dialogue)
Stars: Herb Jeffries, F.E. Miller, Mantan Moreland, Consuelo Harris, Maceo Bruce Sheffield and Spencer Williams
Tagline: KING OF THE JUKE BOX AND RADIO NOW SEEN IN FULL FEATURE!
The Overview: Beware of spoilers…
Jeff Kincaid (Jeffries) is riding to the next town when he comes across Doc Clayburn’s (Williams) medicine show. Kincaid joins them for dinner and a few songs. Kincaid and Clayburn’s daughter, Connie (Harris) are obviously attracted to each other. What no one knows is that outlaws have their eye on Clayburn. Years ago, Clayburn ran with a group of bank robbers. Clayburn was the only one who wasn’t killed and the outlaws want the gold he has hidden. After some more songs and comedy from Crawfish (Miller) and Mistletoe (Moreland) things will come to gunplay when the outlaws attack.
Herb Jeffries was a popular singing radio star who decided to try acting. Jeffries wanted to play a black singing cowboy leading man along the lines of Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. Harlem on the Prairie is played straight (with some comedic moments) just like a Rogers or Autry film. Jeffries riding a beautiful white stallion makes a serviceable lead. Spencer Williams has great facial expressions telling more of his story without a word. Mantan Moreland and F.E. (Flournoy Eakin) Miller provide comedy relief. If you’re a fan of singing cowboy films, then give Harlem on the Prairie a shot.
Harlem on the Prairie earns 3 of 5 stars.
“Black and Tan” Starring Duke Ellington and Fredi Washington / Z-View
Black and Tan (1929)
Director: Dudley Murphy
Screenplay: Dudley Murphy
Stars: Duke Ellington and his Duke Ellington Orchestra, Fredi Washington, Edgar Connor, Alec Lovejoy and Arthur Whetsol
Tagline: None.
The Overview: Beware of spoilers…
Duke (Ellington) is an out of work jazz musician struggling to make ends meet. When his girlfriend, Fredi (Washington) tells Duke that she’s scored them a job – her dancing and him with his orchestra, Duke reminds her that the doctor said she shouldn’t exert herself because of her heart condition. Despite the doctor’s warnings, Fredi is determined to perform since they need the money…
For a short, the film employs creative camera work. We see many of the dances from the view of a mirrored floor. As Fredi waits to perform and is feeling ill, we see the performers from her perspective. Black and Tan was the film debut of both Duke Ellington and Fredi Washington. Black and Tan was inducted to the National Film Registry in 2015.
Black and Tan earns 4 of 5 stars.
“All Quiet on the Western Front” – The Second Trailer is Here!
Here’s a second trailer for All Quiet on the Western Front. Deal me in.
All Quiet on the Western Front tells the gripping story of a young German soldier on the Western Front of World War I. Paul and his comrades experience first-hand how the initial euphoria of war turns into desperation and fear as they fight for their lives, and each other, in the trenches. The film from director Edward Berger is based on the world renowned bestseller of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque.
“The Ghost Talks” (1949) Starring The Three Stooges / Z-View
The Ghost Talks (1937)
Director: Jules White
Screenplay: Felix Adler
Stars: Moe Howard, Larry Fine, Shemp Howard and Nancy Saunders
Tagline: It’s Historical! It’s Hysterical!
The Overview: Beware of spoilers…
Larry, Shemp and Moe are movers hired to empty out a spooky old castle. A suit of armor contains the ghost of Peeping Tom. Tom tells the boys that 1,000 years ago he heard a commotion outside. When he looked out the window he saw Lady Godiva making her famous ride. Tom was hit in the face with a pie and his ghost trapped in the suit of armor. Tom warns the Stooges that if they try to move the armor, bad luck with follow. You guessed it, they try to move the armor and bad follows… they even are visited by Red Skeleton!
The Ghost Talks earns 3 of 5 stars.
“Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!
Today we have the poster and trailer for Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power. The trailer drew me in and I’m interested in seeing the film. The line, ““If the camera is predatory, then the culture is predatory,” is a powerful one. Definitely deal me in.
“If the camera is predatory, then the culture is predatory.” In this eye-opening documentary, celebrated independent filmmaker Nina Menkes explores the sexual politics of cinematic shot design. Using clips from hundreds of movies we all know and love – from Metropolis to Vertigo to Phantom Thread – Menkes convincingly makes the argument that shot design is gendered. Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power illuminates the patriarchal narrative codes that hide within supposedly “classic” set-ups and camera angles, and demonstrates how women are frequently displayed as objects for the use, support, and pleasure of male subjects. Building on the essential work of Laura Mulvey and other feminist writers, Menkes shows how these not-so-subtle embedded messages affect and intersect with the twin epidemics of sexual abuse and assault, as well as employment discrimination against women, especially in the film industry. The film features interviews with an all-star cast of women and non-binary industry professionals including Julie Dash, Penelope Spheeris, Charlyne Yi, Joey Soloway, Catherine Hardwicke, Eliza Hittman, and Rosanna Arquette. The result is an electrifying call-to-action that will fundamentally change the way you see, and watch, movies.
“Resistance 1942” starring Cary Elwes & Jason Patric – The Poster and Trailer are Here!
Resistance 1942 starring Cary Elwes, Jason Patric and Judd Hirsch looks good. Deal me in!
A small group of dissident survivors who, caught behind enemy lines, must use a radio to broadcast a message of hope to fellow survivors.
Cast: Cary Elwes, Jason Patric, Judd Hirsch, Sebastian Roché, Greer Grammer
“Dizzy Doctors” (1937) Starring The Three Stooges / Z-View
Dizzy Doctors (1937)
Director: Del Lord
Screenplay: Al Ray from a story by Charlie Melson
Stars: Moe Howard, Larry Fine, Curly Howard and Bud Jamison
Tagline: None.
The Overview: Beware of spoilers…
Larry, Curly and Moe are told by their wives if they don’t get jobs, they will be getting divorces. The boys find work as salesmen of a new potion called Brighto, They mistakenly believe that Brighto is a polish. In attempts to make sales they ruin customers, shoes, jackets and cars. When they learn that Brighto is actually a health aide, the Stooges go to a hospital. Who needs a health aide more than folks in a hospital? What could go wrong… other than Brighto is as good a health aide as it is a polish. Wait, there’s more — the hospital Superintendent is one of the customers who had his car ruined by Brighto!
Dizzy Doctors earns 3 of 5 stars.
“Echo 3” Starring Luke Evans and Michiel Huisman – The Poster and Trailer are Here!
I don’t care for the poster but the trailer for Echo 3 has me on board.
Luke Evans and Michiel Huisman star in Echo 3, a new series about a brilliant scientist kidnapped in Colombia, and her brother and husband who will stop at nothing to bring her home. Stream Echo 3 on November 23 on Apple TV+ https://apple.co/_ECHO3
Echo 3 is an action-packed thriller set in South America that follows Amber Chesborough (Collins), a brilliant young scientist who is the emotional heart of a small American family. When Amber goes missing along the Colombia-Venezuela border, her brother, Bambi (Evans), and her husband, Prince (Huisman) – two men with deep military experience and complicated pasts – struggle to find her in a layered personal drama, set against the explosive backdrop of a secret war. Echo 3 also stars Martina Gusman as Violetta, a prominent political columnist. The series features James Udom, Maria Del Rosario, Alejandro Furth, Juan Pablo Raba and special guest star, Bradley Whitford. Echo 3 is also based on the award-winning series “When Heroes Fly,” created by Omri Givon, and inspired by the eponymous novel by Amir Gutfreund.
“Creed III” – Two Poster and the First Trailer are Here!
Above are the two posters and below the first trailer for Creed III. I’d be more excited if Sly Stallone was involved, even if not appearing in the film. Creed III doesn’t look bad, but for a diehard Stallone fan like me, it’s missing the magic.
There’s no enemy like the past. From director Michael B. Jordan, watch the official #Creed3 trailer now and see the movie in theaters and IMAX 3/3/23.
CREED III
Directed By: Michael B. Jordan
Screenplay By: Keenan Coogler and Zach Baylin
Story By: Ryan Coogler, Keenan Coogler, and Zach Baylin
Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, Jonathan Majors, Florian Munteanu
