Category: Movies

“The Gorge” (2025) written by Zach Dean; directed by Scott Derrickson; starring Miles Teller, Anya Taylor-Joy and Sigourney Weaver / Z-View

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The Gorge (2025)

Director:  Scott Derrickson

Screenplay: Zach Dean

Stars: Miles Teller, Anya Taylor-Joy, Sigourney Weaver, William Houston, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Julianna Kurokawa, Samantha Coughlan, Alessandro Garcia and Ruta Gedmintas.

Tagline: They’re not keeping you out. They’re keeping them in.

The Plot…

Levi Kane (Teller), a retired Marine Sniper is hired for a mysterious job that will last one year.  Kane is taken to an undisclosed location where he receives his orders.

His mission is to guard one side of a deep gorge.  Automated weapons line the rim of the gorge.  Mines are strung along the walls of the chasm.  Kane will be housed in a tower with equipment to oversea everything.  He will have no contact with the outside world except for monthly radio check ins with his employers.  A Russian operative is one the other side of the gorge with the same mission.  Kane is to have no contact with her.

When Kane asked who they are keeping out of the gorge, he is told, “You’re not keeping anyone out, you’re keeping the creatures that live in there from coming out.”

As the weeks pass, the Russian operative, Drasa (Taylor-Joy) begins communicating with Kane.  Short messages turn into conversations, long-distance chess matches and more.  A friendship develops.

When things go sidesways Kane and Drasa can depend only on each other to survive the hellish creatures from the gorge.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy have the chemistry needed to make their on-screen relationship work.

Sigourney Weaver was an excellent choice for the role of the corporate boss.

Kudos to writer Zack Dean for creating an action-horror-romance that is original and works.  Hats off also to director Scott Derrickson and the team that made the world in the gorge feel like something from one of Dante’s rings of Hell.

Don’t sleep on The Gorge.

The Gorge (2025) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Burial” (2022) / Z-View

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Burial (2022)

Director:  Ben Parker

Screenplay: Ben Parker

Stars: Harriet Walter, Charlotte Vega

Tagline: Some secrets should stay buried

The Plot…

1945.  A small squad of Russian soldiers is ordered to retrieve Hitler’s remains.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The description that got me to tune in said that a small squad of Russian soldiers transporting Hitler’s remains go up against Nazi werewolves.  Turns out there are no werewolves.  The description was talking about Nazis working behind enemy lines that were called Werwolf units.

I tapped out at 44 minutes.

Burial (2022) rates 1 of 5 stars.

RIP Peter Jason

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Peter Jason died on Thursday, February 20, 2025.  The cause of death was cancer.  Mr. Jason was 80.

Peter Jason caught the acting bug when he was cast in the lead for his senior high school play.  He attending Orange Coast College where he continued to study acting.  A role in the tv movie A Bell for Adano was his first professional credit.  Following that roles on television and feature films led to over 265 credits on his acting resume.

Some of the television projects that feature Peter Jason include: A Bell for Adano; The F.B.I.; Cimarron Strip (2 episodes); Judd for the Defense; Here Come the Brides; Daniel Boone; Land of the Giants; Hawaii 5-0; Kung Fu; Gunsmoke (3 episodes); One Day at a Time (2 episodes); Starsky and Hutch (2 episodes); BJ and the Bear; The Incredible Hulk; Hart to Hart (2 episodes); Filthy Rich; Silver Spoons; The Blue and the Gray; Cagney and Lacey; Seven Brides for Seven Brothers; For Love and Honor; Mister Roberts; Cover Up; Riptide; Izzy & Moe; Amazing Stories; Remington Steele (2 episodes); The Golden Girls; Scarecrow and Mrs. King; The Betty Ford Story; The New Mike Hammer; Hard Knocks (2 episodes); Billionaire Boys Club; Webster (2 episodes); Knots Landing; Quantum Leap; Perfect Strangers; A Different World; Batman: The Animated Series; Dear John; Roseanne; Married with Children; Body Bags; Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman; Coach; Murder She Wrote (2 episodes); Kung Fu: The Legend Continues; Pinky and the Brain; Murder One; Murder One: Diary of a Serial Killer (6 episodes); Mike Hammer: Private Eye (26 episodes); The New Batman Adventures (2 episodes); Batman Beyond: The Movie; Nash Bridges (3 episodes); Arli$$; Men in Black: The Series; Batman Beyond (2 episodes); Titus (2 episodes); Jag; Providence; The New Woody Woodpecker Show (4 episodes); Mister Sterling; Jackie Chan Adventures; Carnivale; Patients; Deadwood (26 episodes); Desperate Housewives (2 episodes); Dirty Sexy Money; Mad Men; Castle; Mending Fences; Raising the Bar; Cold Case; Justified; Chuck; The Fuzz; Funny or Die Presents (3 episodes); CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; Arrested Development (4 episodes); Scorpion; Longmire; NCIS (2 episodes); Deadwood: The Movie and Baskets (5 episodes).

Some of the feature films that Peter Jason appeared in include: Rio Lobo; The Driver; The Long Riders; Mommy Dearest; Some Kind of Hero; 48 Hrs.; Streets of Fire; The Karate Kid; Dreamscape; Oxford Blues; Brewster’s Millions;  Heartbreak Ridge; Prince of Darkness; Red Heat; Alien Nation; They Live; Johnny Handsome; The Hunt for Red October; Arachnophobia; Marked for Death; In the Mouth of Madness; Village of the Damned; Congo; Mortal Combat; Wild Bill; Escape for LA; The Glimmer Man; Dante’s Peak; Ghosts of Mars; Undisputed; Seabiscuit; Richard III; Queen City; Hail Caesar; Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and The Downside of Bliss.

I probably first saw Peter Jason in Here Come the Brides.  Of course it could have been Daniel Boone; Land of the Giants; Hawaii 5-0; Kung Fu or Gunsmoke.  Peter Jason was getting work in so many shows I regularly watched it’s hard to say for sure.  Mr. Jason appeared in so many television shows and movies that I loved.  He was so prolific because he was so good.  Directors knew that Mr. Jason brought something special even in the smallest performances.  What a career Peter Jason had.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Peter Jason’s family, friends and fans.

“WarHunt” (2022) starring Robert Knepper and Mickey Rourke / Z-View

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WarHunt (2022)

Director:  Mauro Borrelli

Screenplay: Mauro Borrelli, Reggie Keyohara III, Scott Svatos; story by Mauro Borrelli

Stars: Robert Knepper, Jackson Rathbone, Ben McKeown, Terence Maynard and Mickey Rourke.

Tagline: The war was just the beginning

The Plot…

1945.  When an American cargo plan carrying secret cargo crashes behind enemy lines, a crack squad of commandos is sent to retrieve it.  The Nazis should be the least of their worries.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Robert Knepper and Mickey Rourke deserve better.  So does the audience.  I tapped out after 34 minutes.

WarHunt (2022) rates 1 of 5 stars.

“Fruitvale Station” (2013) written & directed by Ryan Coogler; starring Michael B. Jordan / Z-View

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Fruitvale Station (2013)

Director:  Ryan Coogler

Screenplay: Ryan Coogler

Stars: Michael B. Jordan, Melonie Diaz, Octavia Spencer, Chad Michael Murray, Ahna O’Reilly, Ariana Neal, Joey Oglesby and Kevin Durand.

Tagline: Every step brings you closer to the edge.

The Plot…

The true story of the last day of life for 22 year old Oscar Grant III (Jordan) who was shot in the back by a police officer in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day 2009.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Ryan Coogler’s first feature film is an impressive debut.  Even more so when you consider that he also wrote it.

Michael Jordan and Ocatavia Spencer are, as always, at the top of their game.

Kevin Durand is perfect in his role as one of the cops.

Fruitvale Station (2013) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Mike Mignola: Drawing Monsters” (2022) / Z-View

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Mike Mignola: Drawing Monsters (2022)

Director:  Kevin Konrad Hanna, Jim Demonakos

Stars: Mike Mignola, Christine Mignola, Mike Carlin, Art Adams, Stephen Green, Duncan Fegredo, Guillermo del Toro, Patton Oswalt and Ron Perlman.

Tagline: The secret origin of Hellboy

The Plot…

Documents the life of Mike Mignola, the creator of Hellboy, from his early days trying to break into comics to the success of his Hellboy universe in comics, prose and movies.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Mignola’s relationship with Guillermo del Toro is interesting.  Especially when Mignola said, “Hellboy wouldn’t do that” and del Toro responded, “My Hellboy would.”  Mignola seemed to take it well.  He understood that the comic Hellboy and the “movie” Hellboy were not exactly the same.  But this could be what led to there not being a third del Toro Hellboy movie.

Mike Mignola: Drawing Monsters (2022) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Freaky Tales” starring Pedro Pascal, Ben Mendelsohn and Jay Ellis – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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The poster and trailer for Freaky Tales has brought me on board.

Deal me in.

Freaky Tales – in theaters April 4, 2025. Starring Pedro Pascal, Ben Mendelsohn, Jay Ellis, Normani, Dominique Thorne, Jack Champion, and Tom Hanks

Set in 1987 Oakland, Freaky Tales is a multi-track mixtape of colorful characters — an NBA star, a corrupt cop, a female rap duo, teen punks, neo-Nazis, and a debt collector — on a collision course in a fever dream of showdowns and battles.

Executive produced by hip-hop pioneer Too $hort, and featuring an all-star ensemble including Pedro Pascal, Ben Mendelsohn, Jay Ellis, Normani, Dominique Thorne, Jack Champion, Ji-young Yoo, Angus Cloud, and Tom Hanks, this pulpy blend of explosive action, edgy humor, gory kills, and sly twists and turns makes for one wild ride.

“Beyond the Borders” starring Zoe Saldaña, Garret Hedlund and Adria Arjona – The Poster & Trailer are Here!

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Here we have the poster and trailer for Beyond the Borders starring Zoe (The Lioness) Saldaña, Garret (Tulsa King) Hedlund and Adria (True Detective) Arjona.

Beyond the Borders premieres March 3rd.

Deal me in.

Along the treacherous U.S.-Mexico border, private dancer Esmee (Zoe Saldaña) kills a cartel member in self-defense. Fearing for her life, she flees Mexico with a group of undocumented immigrants led by a ruthless Coyote. Before crossing, a young mother she befriended is torn from the group, forcing Esmee to safeguard the woman’s daughter—and igniting a harrowing fight for survival.

“The Champion” (1949) starring Kirk Douglas / Z-View

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The Champion (1949)

Director:  Mark Robson

Screenplay:  Carl Foreman; based on Champion by Ring Lardner

Stars: Kirk Douglas, Arthur Kennedy, Marilyn Maxwell, Paul Stewart, Ruth Roman, Ruth Roman, Harry Shannon, John Daheim, Esther Howard, Sam Balter (voice), Polly Bergen (voice), Mushy Callahan and Bill Baldwin.

Tagline:  Fighting or loving, he was the… CHAMPION

The Plot…

Michael “Midge” Kelly (Douglas) and his brother, Connie (Kennedy) are down on their luck.  They hitched-hiked across country after sending their entire savings to become partners in a diner.  Only to find out they had been scammed.

When a local boxing promotor needs a fighter at the last minute, he offers Midge $35 to step in.  Midge does.  Although outclassed, Midge shows heart and that he can take a punch.  Boxing manager, Tommy Hailey (Stewart) offers to become Midge’s manager.  Midge declines.

Later when Midge realizes that professional boxing might provide the kind of life he dreams of, he reconnects with Tommy Hailey.  Midge is a fast learner and tough.  Midge climbs in the rankings beating everyone put in front of him.  Outside the ring, Midge sees every woman as a conquest.  Fame is going to his head.

As Midge gets closer to a title fight, he gets farther away from the people who truly care for him.  What is Midge willing to give up to become the Champion?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Champion was nominated for six 1950 Academy Awards, winning one…

  • Nominee for Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture – Dimitri Tiomkin
  • Nominee for Best Cinematography, Black-and-White – Franz Planer
  • Nominee for Best Writing, Screenplay – Carl Foreman
  • Nominee for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Arthur Kennedy
  • Nominee for Best Actor in a Leading Role – Kirk Douglas
  • Winner – Best Film Editing: Harry Gerstad

Most folks know that Champion made Kirk Douglas a star.  He was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar. The film led to Warner Bros. signing him to a seven year contract.  Director Mark Robson, co-stars Lola Albright and Ruth Roman were also signed to studio contracts.

The Champion (1949) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Amber Alert” (2024) starring Hayden Panettiere and Tyler James Williams / Z-View

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Amber Alert (2024)

Director:  Kerry Bellessa

Screenplay:  Kerry Bellessa, Joshua Oram

Stars: Hayden Panettiere, Tyler James Williams, Kevin Dunn, Saidah Arrika Ekulona, Dinora Walcott, Kruz Valero and Claire Slemmer.

Tagline: Two Strangers Are Her Only Hope.

The Plot…

Jaq (Panettiere) is running late.  She offers a nice tip to Shane (Williams), an Uber driver who was quitting for the day to get to his son’s birthday.  During the drive an Amber Alert comes across.  At the next stop light, Jaq believes the car ahead is holding the kidnapped little girl.  Shane isn’t so sure.  As they try to get a closer look, the driver runs the light and jumps on the highway.

Jaq and Shane follow the speeding car.  Jaq calls 911 but are put on hold since so many calls about the alert are coming in.  As the driver heads away from the city, the little girl’s only hope are two strangers.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The writers and director made a film in 2012 titled Amber Alert.  The 2024 film is a bigger budget re-working.

My favorite scene is when the driver confronts Jaq and Shane in a deserted lot on the highway.

Amber Alert (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.

Jack Carter by Sam Banchard aka Shlepzig!

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Sam Banchard aka Shlepzig had a unique style.  I loved it.  In addition to being an artist, Sam was a teacher, a fencer, a husband and so much more.  I met Sam in 2022 at HeroesCon.  I got the commission above, went back for another and introduced my friends to his art.  They got pieces and all commented on how humble and nice Sam was.

Sadly Sam passed away at the end of 2024.  He was way too young.  Thankfully his art will live on.