“First Blood” Limited Edition Print by Tony Stella!
Tony Stella created this beautiful alt poster for First Blood. It is now being sold in a limited variant edition by Apollo Gallery.
Category: Movies
“Daylight” (1998) starring Sylvester Stallone and Amy Brenneman / Z-View
Daylight (1998)
Director: Rob Cohen
Screenplay: Leslie Bohem
Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Amy Brenneman, Viggo Mortensen, Dan Hedaya, Jay O. Sanders, Karen Young, Claire Bloom, Barry Newman, Stan Shaw, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Renoly Santiago, Renoly Santiago, Danielle Harris, Trina McGee, Marcello Thedford, Jo Anderson, Mark Rolston, Rosemary Forsyth, Luoyong Wang, Tony Munafo, Nestor Serrano, Rob Cohen and Sage Stallone
Tagline: HOLD YOUR BREATH
The Plot…
When an explosion seals a tunnel beneath the Hudson River, time is running out for the few survivors. Despite it being a suicide mission, ex-NYC Medical Services Chief Kit Latura (Stallone) goes in. As the air dwindles, the water levels rise and tempers flare, Latura and the survivors search for a way out.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Daylight was nominated for one Academy Award
- nominee Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing – Richard L. Anderson, David A. Whittaker
Daylight is the second time that Sly and his son Sage appeared together in a movie.
Cameos include: director Rob Cohen as a businessman and Associate Producer Tony Munafo as a waste truck driver.
Stan Shaw, who plays a Transit cop trapped in the tunnel also played the boxer named Dipper who gets Rocky’s locker in Rocky.
Daylight is a throwback to the disaster movies like The Poseidon Adventure, Earthquake and The Towering Inferno.
Daylight (1998) rates 4 of 5 stars.
“The Last Front” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!
1992 looks like a winner. Has Tyrese Gibson ever come across so thuggish? Plus one of Ray Liotta’s last performances.
From writer/director Julien Hayet-Kerknawi, starring Iain Glen, Sasha Luss, Julian Kostov and James Downie.
THE LAST FRONT – In Theatres August 9
RELEASE DATE: August 9
DIRECTOR: Julien Hayet-Kerknawi
CAST: Iain Glen, Sasha Luss, James Downie, Julian Kostov
“Dead Heist” (2007) / Z-View
Dead Heist (2007)
Director: Bo Webb
Screenplay: Anghus Houvouras, Eric Tomosunas, Bo Webb
Stars: Big Daddy Kane
Tagline: The perfect heist…the wrong night.
The Plot…
When a small town bank robbery goes sideways due to the start of a zombie apocalypse, the thieves and cops find themselves fighting for their lives.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Made on a micro-budget and it shows.
Loved the idea, not so much the execution.
Dead Heist (2007) rates 2 of 5 stars.
Sly Stallone as Jack Carter by Derec Donovan!
This Jack Carter piece was created by Derec Donovan through his Whatnot page. I’ve been a fan of his for years. Derec’s western/zombie mashup, Trigger Mortis should be on every cowboy/zombie fan’s bookshelf. This is my first piece by Derec, but hopefully it won’t be my last.
“Last Man Standing” (1996) written & directed by Walter Hill, starring Bruce Willis / Z-View
Last Man Standing (1996)
Director: Walter Hill
Screenplay: Walter Hill based on Yojimbo by Akira Kurosawa
Stars: Bruce Willis, Bruce Dern, William Sanderson, Christopher Walken, David Patrick Kelly, Ned Eisenberg, Alexandra Powers, Ken Jenkins, Ted Markland, Leslie Mann, Patrick Kilpatrick, Luis Contreras, Raynor Scheine, Tiny Ron, John Paxton, Michael Cavalieri, Matt O’Toole and Michael Imperioli
Tagline: There are two sides to every war. And John Smith is on both of them.
The Plot…
John Smith (Willis), a prohibition gun thug, is on the lam. Smith is headed for Mexico when he stops in a small nearly deserted border town. Two rival gangs, one Italian, the other Irish, have run most of the townsfolk off. The two crews have an uneasy truce. But both gangs are looking for a way to wipe out the other.
John Smith sees easy money in his future. It’s risky, but Smith plans to work both sides with neither realizing it. The best laid plans…
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Last Man Standing, like A Fistful of Dollars, is based on the Japanese film Yojimbo directed and co-written by Akira Kurosawa. Many think that Kurosawa based his story on Dashiell Hammett’s RED HARVEST. Kurosawa says that his film was actually based on Hammett’s THE GLASS KEY.
Last Man Standing has a John Woo feel to it.
Last Man Standing (1996) rates 3 of 5 stars.
RIP: Robert Towne
Robert Towne died peacefully at his home on Monday, July 1, 2024. Mr. Towne was 89.
Robert Towne was a writer, actor, director and producer. He was nominated for four Academy Awards and won one:
- nominee 1974 Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium – The Last Detail
- winner 1975 Best Writing, Original Screenplay – Chinatown
- nominee 1976 Best Original Screenplay – Shampoo (shared with: Warren Beatty)
- nominee 1985 Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium – Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (shared with Michael Austin)
After graduating from Pomona College in Claremont, California, Robert Towne decided to pursue a career as an actor and writer. In one of Mr. Towne’s acting classes he met Jack Nicholson (who became his roommate), Roger Corman, Irvin Kershner and Sally Kellerman.
Roger Corman financed and directed Robert Towne’s first feature film, Last Woman on Earth. Mr. Town also served as one of the film’s stars. The following year, Robert Towne was one of the stars (but not the writer) of the Corman directed, Creature from the Haunted Sea. Robert Towne then began to get work writing for television. As his reputation as a “script doctor” grew, Mr. Towne would often be called in to beef up a script, many times with no credit, but a nice payday. Mr. Towne moved away from acting and television writing to focus on feature films with occasional directing and producing duties for the rest of his career.
Television projects that feature Robert Towne’s writing include: The Lloyd Bridges Show (4 episodes); Breaking Point; The Outer Limits; The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and Welcome to the Basement (2 episodes).
Feature film projects that feature Robert Towne’s writing include: Last Woman on Earth; The Tomb of Ligeia; Bonnie and Clyde (uncredited); Villa Rides; McCabe & Mrs. Miller (uncredited); Cisco Pike (uncredited); The New Centurions (uncredited); The Last Detail; The Parallax View (uncredited); Chinatown; The Yakuza; Shampoo; The Missouri Breaks (uncredited); Orca (uncredited); Heaven Can Wait (uncredited); Personal Best; Deal of the Century (uncredited); Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (as P.H. Vazak); 8 Million Ways to Die (uncredited); Tough Guys Don’t Dance (uncredited); Frantic (uncredited); Tequila Sunrise; Days of Thunder; The Two Jakes; The Firm; Love Affair; Mission Impossible II and Ask the Dusk.
Some of Robert Towne’s acting projects include: Last Woman on Earth; Creature from the Haunted Sea; The Zodiac Killer; Drive, He Said; Shampoo; The Pick-up Artist and Suspect Zero.
Projects that feature Robert Towne’s directing include: Personal Best; Tequila Sunrise; Without Limits and Ask the Dust.
My favorite films featuring writing by Robert Towne include Chinatown; The Yakuza; Tequila Sunrise and Mission Impossible II. I’m also a fan of Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes. Mr. Towne hoped to direct it, but things didn’t work out and so he had his credit changed to P.H. Vazak (his dog’s name). Until today, I didn’t realize just how many uncredited projects were on Robert Towne’s resume. It’s testament to his talent that he was often called in when there was trouble with a script.
Out thoughts and prayers go out to Robert Towne’s family, friends and fans.
“1992” starring Tyrese Gibson, Scott Eastwood & Ray Liotta – The Poster and Trailer are Here!
1992 looks like a winner. Has Tyrese Gibson ever come across so thuggish? Plus one of Ray Liotta’s last performances.
A father (Tyrese Gibson) becomes entangled in a risky heist while trying to save his son from criminals (Ray Liotta and Scott Eastwood) during the 1992 LA uprising.
RELEASE DATE: August 30, 2024
CAST: Tyrese Gibson, Clé Bennett, Dylan Arnold, Christopher A’mmanuel, Michael Beasley, Ori Pfeffer, Tosin Morohunfola, Oleg Taktarov, with Scott Eastwood, and Ray Liotta
Donal DeLay’s Rambo!
Here’s Donal DeLay’s highly stylized Rambo! You can see more of DeLay’s art here.
“Atlas” (2024) starring Jennifer Lopez / Z-View
Atlas (2024)
Director: Brad Peyton
Screenplay: Leo Sardarian, Aron Eli Coleite
Stars: Jennifer Lopez, Simu Liu, Sterling K. Brown, Paul Ganus, Zoe Boyle, Gloria Cole and Mark Strong
Tagline: The future of humanity is in her hands
The Plot…
In the future, Harlan (Liu), an AI soldier begins a war against humanity. Millions of people are killed before nations of the world join forces. The tide turns, but Harlan escapes. Years later Harlan is discovered on a planet in deep space.
A military expedition is sent to capture Harlan. Atlas Shepherd (Lopez), the daughter of Harlan’s creator demands to accompany the soldiers. Atlas is given clearance.
As the military team begins descent to the planet, they are attacked. Atlas is the sole survivor thanks to her battle suit’s AI technology. Realizing that her AI powered armor could turn on her, Atlas’ first instinct is to shut it down. But if she wants to survive…
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Much of Atlas felt like I was watching a video game not a movie.
Why not just leave Harlan alone? He’s millions of miles away.
Sterling K. Brown is always a welcome addition to any movie.
Atlas (2024) rates 2 of 5 stars.
“The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” Alt Poster by Yvan Quinet!
Yvan Quinet created this alt poster for The Good, The Bad and The Ugly as a private commission.
You can see more of Yvan Quinet’s art at his website and/or his Instagram page.
“Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ (2024) starring Will Smith & Martin Lawrence / Z-View
Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)
Director: Adil & Bilall
Screenplay: Chris Bremner, Will Beall, based on characters by George Gallo
Stars: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Eric Dane, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Núñez, Ioan Gruffudd, Jacob Scipio, Melanie Liburd, Tasha Smith, Rhea Seehorn, Dennis McDonald, Tiffany Haddish, Joe Pantoliano, DJ Khaled, John Salley, Bianca Bethune and Michael Bay
Tagline: Miami’s finest are now its most wanted.
The Plot…
Reports come out posthumously that Captain Howard (Pantoliano) was a corrupt cop working with a drug cartel. Detectives Mike Lowrey (Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Lawrence) know that isn’t true. They decide to clear Captain Howard’s name.
Mike and Marcus learn that Captain Howard left behind information listing the corrupt state and federal cops. As they follow the evidence, Mike and Marcus are targeted for execution. Our Bad Boys are framed for murder. Now there is a manhunt for them. Both police and crooked cops are ready to shoot to kill.
The question now is… Bad Boys, Bad Boys, what ‘cha gonna do when they come for you?
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
There’s a fun subplot where Marcus, after waking up from a coma, believes he cannot die.
Eric Dane makes a great villain. Wish he had more scenes. Rhea Seehorn also needed more screen time.
Jacob Scipio has the makings of an action star.
Michael Bay, who directed Bad Boys 1 and 2 has a cameo as an upset motorist.
Bad Boys: Ride of Die is a fun run. If you’re fans of the previous films, you should enjoy this one. The comedy got to be a bit over the top for me and the plot was pretty by-the-numbers. Still, I ain’t complaining – when the Bad Boys mount up, I ride.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.
“Trap” – The 2nd Trailer is Here!
The more I see about Trap the more I like it.
30,000 Fans.
300 Cops.
1 Serial Killer.
No Escape. #TrapMovie only in theaters August 2.Original songs by Saleka as Lady Raven. Pre-order the album and listen to “Release” available now: https://saleka.lnk.to/ladyravenWarner Bros. Pictures presents a new experience in the world of M. Night Shyamalan —“Trap”— featuring performances by rising music star Saleka Shyamalan.
A father and teen daughter attend a pop concert, where they realize they’re at the center of a dark and sinister event.
Written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, “Trap” stars Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, Saleka Shyamalan, Hayley Mills and Allison Pill. The film is produced by Ashwin Rajan, Marc Bienstock and M. Night Shyamalan. The executive producer is Steven Schneider.
“A Quiet Place: Day One” (2024) written and directed by Michael Sarnoski, starring Lupita Nyong’o & Joseph Quinn / Z-View
A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)
Director: Michael Sarnoski
Screenplay: Michael Sarnoski, story by John Krasinski, Michael Sarnoski, based on characters by Bryan Woods, Scott Beck
Stars: Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff and Djimon Hounsou
Tagline: Stay quiet. Stay alive.
The Plot…
Samira (Nyong’o) has terminal cancer. She reluctantly joins her hospice group for a trip into New York City. While there an alien invasion begins. Separated from her group, Samira struggles to survive. The creatures are deadly, but blind with hearing sensitive to the smallest sound.
What chance does anyone have of surviving?
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The first day of any “apocalypse” should be the most interesting. People from different backgrounds are thrown together. Everyone is trying to figure out what is going on. No one is sure of the right things to do. It was a smart move to take us back to Day One of the alien invasion.
It was even smarter to have Djimon Hounsou reprise his role from A Quiet Place Part II.
Lupita Nyong’o reaffirms what an excellent actress she is.
A Quiet Place: Day One (2024) rates 4 of 5 stars.
“Way of the Gun” (2000) written & directed by Christopher McQuarrie, starring Ryan Phillippe, Benicio Del Toro, Juliette Lewis, Taye Diggs & James Caan / Z-View
Way of the Gun (2000)
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Screenplay: Christopher McQuarrie
Stars: Ryan Phillippe, Benicio Del Toro, Juliette Lewis, Taye Diggs, Nicky Katt, Geoffrey Lewis, Dylan Kussman, Scott Wilson, Kristin Lehman, Armando Guerrero, Sarah Silverman and James Caan
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Parker (Phillippe) and Longbaugh (Del Toro) are two low-life criminals just barely getting by. When they learn about a rich couple paying a surrogate mother one million bucks for carrying their child, they see a big payday. They’ll kidnap the mother and hold her for hostage. What Parker and Longbaugh don’t know is that the baby’s father is a powerful criminal.
The best laid plans…
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Way of the Gun is well written, well directed, well cast and well acted. With that said, it is also vulgar and violent. The two main characters are not good people. Yet, Way of the Gun is a movie that I truly love. If you can get past the opening scenes, the story and acting will draw you in. Way of the Gun isn’t your typical Hollywood movie.
Way of the Gun has an unusual car chase that goes from high speed to a walking pace. The idea was Del Toro’s who said he saw the same thing on an episode of Cops.
The gun handling and gun fight scenes were supervised by a Navy SEAL and are accurate to every bullet fired and where it went… except for one part of the final shootout. In that instance the director wanted to wink at how most movie gunfights never reload.
Parker and Longbaugh were the real names of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The final shootout in Way of the Gun was filmed in the same location as the final gun battle in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
James Caan is awesome in this film. It is one of my favorite Caan performances. It’s interesting to note that Caan plays Juliette Lewis’ father in this film. Her real father, Geoffrey Lewis also appears in the movie.
Way of the Gun (2000) rates 5 of 5 stars.
