“North by Northwest” Alt Poster by Dakota Randall!
North by Northwest is a Hitchcock masterpiece worthy of this alt poster by Dakota Randall.
Category: Movies
“Play Dirty” written & directed by Shane Black; starring Mark Wahlberg and LaKeith Stanfield – The Poster and Trailer are Here!
Play Dirty written & directed by Shane Black; starring Mark Wahlberg and LaKeith Stanfield – The Poster and Trailer are Here!
Shane Black has written some bangers in the past. I hope Play Dirty joins the list. It has a decent cast and is based on the Richard Stark Parker novels.
Deal me in.
It’s time to rob the robbers.
Play Dirty starring Mark Wahlberg and LaKeith Stanfield is streaming on Prime Video October 1.
An expert thief rolls out the biggest heist of his life in Play Dirty, an action-packed thriller from director Shane Black. Parker (Mark Wahlberg), along with Grofield (LaKeith Stanfield), Zen (Rosa Salazar) and a skilled crew, stumble onto a score that pits them against the New York mob in this gritty, clever caper.
Starring Mark Wahlberg, LaKeith Stanfield, Rosa Salazar, Keegan-Michael Key, Chukwudi Iwuji, Nat Wolff with Thomas Jane and Tony Shalhoub
Directed by Shane Black
Written by Shane Black & Charles Mondry & Anthony Bagarozzi
Based on The “Parker” Book Series By Richard Stark
“The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear” (1991) starring Leslie Nielsen, Priscilla Presley and George Kennedy / Z-View
The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991)
Director: David Zucker
Screenplay: David Zucker, Pat Proft; based on Police Squad! by David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, Jerry Zucker
Stars: Leslie Nielsen, Priscilla Presley, George Kennedy, O.J. Simpson, Robert Goulet, Richard Griffiths, Jacqueline Brookes, Anthony James, Tim O’Connor, Peter Mark Richman, Peter Van Norden, Gail Neely, Mel Tormé, Zsa Zsa Gabor, ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic and Lloyd Bochner.
Tagline: If you see only one movie this year…you ought to get out more often.
The Plot…
Dr. Albert Meinheimer is an advisor to the President. Meinheimer supports renewable energy sources (solar, wind, etc.) and plans to get the President to move the country in that direction. Quentin Hapsburg, of Hexagon Oil has other ideas. Hapsburg kidnaps Meinheimer and replaces him with a lookalike.
And that’s where Frank Drebin and the police squad come in.
Annnnnnnd action!
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
If you enjoyed Airplane and The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!, then you should get a kick out of The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear.
Lloyd Bochner has a brief cameo. He is seen in a crowd carrying a large book titled TO SERVE MAN, as he yells, “It’s a cookbook! It’s a cookbook!”. This of course refers to the classic Twilight Zone episode, To Serve Man which he starred in.
The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991) rates 4 of 5 stars
Rocky at 50 by John Beatty!
I was diggin’ through the Zablo vault and came across this sketch of Sly Stalloneas Rocky at 50 that John Beatty gifted me waaay back in 1998. John was just messing around with no reference. I love the looseness of the lower part of this sketch. Contrast that with the upper piece that John tightened up. It’s cool to see the foundation and thought process as an artist as he/she moves through a piece.
Who knew that eight years later Sly would make Rocky Balboa? Maybe Beatty did!
“Chinatown” (1974) written by Robert Towne; directed by Roman Polanski; starring Jack Nicholson & Faye Dunaway / Z-View
Chinatown (1974)
Director: Roman Polanski
Screenplay: Robert Towne
Stars: Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Perry Lopez, John Hillerman, Darrell Zwerling, Diane Ladd, Roy Jenson, Richard Bakalyan, Joe Mantell, Bruce Glover, James Hong, Jerry Fujikawa, Rance Howard, Burt Young and Roman Polanski.
Tagline: You get tough. You get tender. You get close to each other. Maybe you even get close to the truth.
The Plot…
The year is 1937. It’s been a hot summer and Los Angeles is going through a terrible drought. The heat is putting folks on edge. Especially farmers.
Jake Gittes is a private detective. His bread and butter is getting the goods on cheating spouses. So when Evelyn Mulwray hires Jake to find out if her husband, Hollis, is cheating he does. Hollis is. Jake gives the photos to prove it to Mrs. Mulwray.
When the compromising photos of Hollis and a young woman (definitely not his wife) show up in the paper, the affair is made public. Jake is surprised the pictures were made public, since it wasn’t by him. Jake is even more surprised when the real Mrs. Mulwray shows up at his office threatening legal action. Jake was duped.
But why?
When Hollis Mulwray is found dead in an L.A. reservoir. Jake decides to investigate. That night he heads down to the reservoir. Suddenly water begins rushing through the basin. Jake makes it out only to be confronted by the Water Department Security Chief Claude Mulvihill and a short thug. Mulvihill warns Jake to stop asking questions. The little gangster pulls a knife. He asks Jake if he understands what happens to people who stick their nose where it doesn’t belong. He then shows him.
Jake is even more determined to find answers. Why was he set up? Why was Hollis Mullwray killed? Who killed him? Why are huge amounts of water being wasted nightly in the middle of a drought? Jake wants answers. In his search for the truth, Jake will uncover a sinister secret that had been hidden for years.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Chinatown was nominated for eleven 1975 Academy Awards and won one…
- Nominee for Best Music, Original Dramatic Score – Jerry Goldsmith
- Nominee for Best Film Editing – Sam O’Steen
- Nominee for Best Sound – Charles Grenzbach, Larry Jost
- Nominee for Best Costume Design – Anthea Sylbert
- Nominee for Best Art Direction/Set Decoration – Richard Sylbert, W. Stewart Campbell, Ruby R. Levitt
- Nominee for Best Cinematography – John A. Alonzo
- Nominee for Best Director – Roman Polanski
- Nominee for Best Actress in a Leading Role – Faye Dunaway
- Nominee for Best Actor in a Leading Role – Jack Nicholson
- Nominee for Best Picture – Robert Evans
- Winner for Best Writing, Original Screenplay – Robert Towne
Jack Nicholson actually slaps Faye Dunaway in the movie. They had tried several takes where they faked the slap and they didn’t look real. So Dunaway told Nicholson to really slap her. He did and that is the shot that was used.
Dunaway and director Roman Polanski clashed several times during filming. At one point she asked what her character’s motivation was for a scene. Polanski responded with, “Just say the f***ing words. Your salary is your motivation!”
Ali McGraw was originally scheduled to play Evelyn Mulwray. She lost the role when she left her husband for Steve McQueen. McGraw’s husband was Chinatown‘s producer, Robert Evans.
Phillip Lambro wrote the film’s music score. After a test screening, Robert Evans decided a new score was needed. Jerry Goldsmith was hired with only 10 days to write and record a new score. Goldsmith’s score was nominated for an Academy Award.
Chinatown is a classic. Most reviewers and audiences rate it a 5 out of 5. I liked it a lot, but not as much as most folks. Your mileage may vary.
Chinatown (1974) rates 4 of 5 stars
Killer “Near Dark” Alt Poster by Frederick Cooper!
Check out this killer alt Near Dark poster by Frederick Cooper!
Jack Carter & Massimo Miller – Rich Hennemann Goes Full Tilt!
Rich Hennemann is a freelance artist. A few years ago I picked up his sketchbook and a sketch and I was hooked. Since then I’ve gotten several sketches from Rich. The one above is my most recent.
I requested Sly Stallone as Jack Carter teamed with Massimo Miller from Jason Copland’s FULL TILT (which gets my highest recommendation!). Rich came through like he always does. He absolutely nailed the piece. Great likenesses, atmosphere, attitude and setting. I couldn’t be more pleased.
“Occupation” (2018) / Z-View
Occupation (2018)
Director: Luke Sparke
Screenplay: Luke Sparke
Stars: Dan Ewing, Temuera Morrison, Stephany Jacobsen, Jacqueline McKenzie and Bruce Spence.
Tagline: First contact will be mankind’s last stand.
The Plot…
When a world-wide alien invasion begins a group of small town Australians band together to fight back.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Luke Sparke pitched the movie as “Independence Day crossed with Red Dawn“. Great concept, but poor execution. I tapped out at the 67 minute mark.
Occupation (2018) rates 1 of 5 stars
“Freaky Tales” (2024) starring Pedro Pascal, Ben Mendelsohn and Jay Ellis / Z-View
Freaky Tales (2024)
Director: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck
Screenplay: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck
Stars: Pedro Pascal, Ben Mendelsohn, Too $hort, Jack Champion and Tom Hanks.
Tagline: In 1987, Oakland was hella freaky.
The Plot…
Freaky Tales features four fictionalized interconnected stories about real events that took place in Oakland, California in 1987.
- “Strength in Numbers: The Gilman Strikes Back” – A group of skinheads attacks kids attending a punk rock nightclub. It’s not the first time. It won’t be the last. But the kids have had enough. Next time they’ll be prepared to strike back. Hard.
- “Don’t Fight the Feeling” – Two young women, Barbie and Entice leave the punk rock nightclub just before the skinheads attack. Barbie and Entice are rappers who preform under the stage name Danger Zone. They want to be stars. And they will get an opportunity… if they can rise to the occasion.
- “Born to Mack” – Clint wants to end his life of crime. His wife is pregnant and will deliver his first child soon. Unfortunately Clints bosses want him to perform one last job — something to do with a pro basketball player.
- “The Legend of Sleepy Floyd” – While Sleepy Floyd, a pro basketball player, is having a record setting game, his house is being robbed by a group of skinheads. During the robbery his girlfriend is murdered. Little do the skinheads know, they picked on the wrong guy. Sleepy not only has super martial arts skills, he has supernatural powers. And he will have his revenge.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Freaky Tales has it’s moments, but it was just a little too, freaky for me.
Freaky Tales (2024) rates 2 of 5 stars
“Goodfellas” Alt Poster by Tony Stella!
I never get tired of seeing a Tony Stella painting. This alt poster for Goodfellas is an excellent example of “why”.
“Long Distance” (2024) starring Naomi Scott & Anthony Ramos / Z-View
Long Distance (2024)
Director: Josh Gordon, Will Speck
Screenplay: Spenser Cohen
Stars: Anthony Ramos, Naomi Scott, Kristofer Hivju and Zachary Quinto.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
A spaceship carrying off-world miners is hit by asteroid. As the ship begins to explode, escape pods are jettisoned. One carrying Andy lands on a nearby planet. Andy has a small air supply and his AI-equipped spacesuit. When radioing for other survivors, Andy hears back from only one. Her name is Naomi and she’s trapped in her escape pod.
Andy sets out to free her unaware of the creatures and dangerous terrain ahead.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Long Distance starts with a literal bang.
Although Naomi Scott gets top billing, she doesn’t appear on screen until about halfway through the movie.
Zachary Quinto voices Andy’s spacesuit AI.
Long Distance (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars
“The Creature from the Black Lagoon” by Francesco Francavilla!
Francesco Francavilla said he never gets tired of drawing The Creature from the Black Lagoon. And I never get tired of seeing the results.
“Operation Undead” (2024) / Z-View
Operation Undead (2024)
Director: Khom Kongkiat Khomsiri
Screenplay: Khom Kongkiat Khomsiri
Stars: Thawatchanin Darayon, Akkarat Nimitchai.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
1941. World War II rages. In Chumphon Province, Thailand, a squad of rookie soldiers find themselves fighting against well armed Japanese invaders. Then a zombie outbreak starts.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
I like well made zombie films. One set during World War II has a lot of potential. I tapped out at the 35 minute mark. Your mileage may vary.
Operation Undead (2024) rates 1 of 5 stars
“The Pickup” (2025) starring Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, Eva Longoria and Keke Palmer / Z-View
The Pickup (2025)
Director: Tim Story
Screenplay: Matt Mider, Kevin Burrows
Stars: Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, Keke Palmer, Jack Kesy, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Eva Longoria, Jef Holbrook, Enoch King, Nelson Bonilla, Joe Anoa’i (aka Roman Reigns), Ray Murphy Jr., Keith Adams, Regina Ting Chen, Marshawn Lynch and Andrew Dice Clay.
Tagline: They’re armed but she’s dangerous.
The Plot…
Russell Pierce, an armored car driver nearing retirement, cannot wait to finish his day. He’s got dinner plans with his wife for a celebration. When Russell learns his driving partner for the day is the crazy rookie, Travis Stolly, Russell hopes for an easy route.
But that’s not to be.
Instead their given a long drive through a radio dead zone. And they’ll be carrying millions.
Of course as soon as they hit the dead zone, a trio of well armed thieves make their move.
Russell is going to be a little late.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
I was hoping for better. But I have to say Keke Palmer is easy on the eyes.
The Pickup (2025) rates 2 of 5 stars
“Capricorn One” written & directed by Peter Hyams; starring Elliott Gould, James Brolin, Brenda Vaccaro, Sam Waterston, O.J. Simpson, Hal Holbrook, Karen Black & Telly Savalas / Z-View
Capricorn One (1978)
Director: Peter Hyams
Screenplay: Peter Hyams
Stars: Elliott Gould, James Brolin, Brenda Vaccaro, Sam Waterston, O.J. Simpson, Hal Holbrook, Karen Black, David Huddleston, David Doyle, Lee Bryant, Denise Nicholas, Robert Walden, James Sikking, Alan Fudge, James Karen, Barbara Bosson and Telly Savalas.
Tagline: Would you be shocked to find out that the greatest moment of our recent history may not have happened at all?
The Plot…
Capricorn One is set to be the first manned mission to Mars. Mission Commander Charles Brubaker will be joined by Peter Willis and John Walker. Just minutes before liftoff, the crew is secretly taken out of the capsule and driven to a remote desert military base.
In the meantime the launch proceeds as normal. The world as well as mission control believe the crew is onboard.
The Capricorn One crew is met by NASA head Dr. James Kelloway. Kelloway explains that it was recently discovered that Capricorn One’s life support system contained a fatal flaw. Had the crew been sent up, they would have died in route to Mars.
There was too much riding on the mission to cancel. A contingent of politicians already felt that the money to support the Mars mission and other NASA projects could be better spent elsewhere. If Capricorn One failed, all funding would be cut off. Private contractors and powerful politicians would lose billions.
So a secret plan was developed. The mission to Mars would continue. The crew would perform their scheduled activities from a soundstage. The audio/video would be sent via relays to appear that it was coming from Capricorn One. Very few people in the world would know.
Charles Brubaker isn’t buying it. He believes that the public would understand. Peter and John agree. They don’t want to fake the trip. Funding need not be lost. Kelloway says that powerful people aren’t willing to take the chance. If Charles, Peter and John don’t agree to play along, not only are their lives in danger, but so are the lives of their families.
Reluctantly Charles, Peter and John agree to the charade. Secretly Charles informs Peter and John when they return and their families are safe, he is going to come clean.
All goes well on Capricorn One’s trip to Mars. The crew’s videos have everyone fooled. The return flight to Earth is by the book. Then on re-entry, the ship’s heat shield fails. The ship explodes. The crew could not survive.
Meanwhile back at the remote military base, Charles, Peter and John realize if they are thought to have died on the mission, there is no way that they can ever be seen again alive.
Miles from nowhere… in the middle of a desert… unsure where the closest city is, the three begin a run for their lives.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
NASA provided mock-up spacecraft, sets, vehicles and other technical assistance.
Capricorn One was the most successful independently produced movie of 1977.
Writer/director Peter Hyams wanted Robert Hooks or Bernie Casey for the role that went to O.J. Simpson. Simpson was the producers’ choice and they wouldn’t budge.
Peter Hyams also wrote and directed Outland (1981). The corporation Con Amalgamate appears in both films. In Capricorn One, it is the company that cut corners and made the faulty life-support system. In Outland, it is the corporation that runs mining on Io.
The scenes of the crop duster with Brubaker hanging on to the wing as it is chased by two military helicopters works!
Stunt pilot, Frank Tallman, said that the scenes with the crop duster chased by two military helicopters and all flying low to the ground through zig-zagging canyons was the most dangerous flying he ever did.
There were two different novelizations written for Capricorn One. Each had a different author. Ron Goulart wrote the version published in the United States. Bernard Ross’ (aka Ken Follett!) take was published in the United Kingdom. The U.K. version puts more emphasis on the reporter than the U.S. novel.
Capricorn One‘s two stars, Elliott Gould and James Brolin were both married to the same woman in real life. Gould was married to Barbra Streisand from 1963 to 1971. Brolin married Streisand in 1998.
Capricorn One is my favorite film written by Peter Hyams. It is also my favorite film directed by Peter Hyams. It also features my favorite Elliott Gould performance.
Capricorn One is under-rated.
Capricorn One (1978) rates 5 of 5 stars
