“Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” by Tony Stella!
Tony Stella calls his Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome painting, Aunty and the Raggedy Man. I call it impressive.
Category: Movies
Sly Stallone as Rocky by Adam Brooks!
Here’s Adam Brooks’ riff of Sly Stallone as Rocky! It looks like Brooks went in with colors and hardly any (if any?) under drawing. Awesome. Definitely captured Sly as Rocky.
You can see more of Brooks’ art here.
“Tomorrow is Another Day” (1951) starring Ruth Roman & Steve Cochran / Z-View
Tomorrow is Another Day (1951)
Director: Felix E. Feist
Screenplay: Art Cohn, Guy Endore, story by Guy Endore
Stars: Ruth Roman, Steve Cochran, Lurene Tuttle, Hugh Sanders, Ray Teal, Morris Ankrum, John Kellogg, Walter Sande, Philip Carey and Lee Patrick.
Tagline: They take their lives in their hands… when they take each other in their arms!
The Plot…
Bill Clark (Cochran) was thirteen when he murdered his abusive father. That was 18 years ago. Clark is now 31 and just released from prison. Although a man, Clark still has the naivety of a child. Clark quickly learns that life as an ex-con won’t be easy.
When Clark meets a dance hall girl named Cathy (Roman), straight away he’s attracted to her. Cathy rejects his offers of dinner, saying that she prefers gifts. When Cathy gets off work, Clark is waiting. He gives her a beautiful watch. After a night on the town, Cathy invites Clark up to her apartment.
Almost immediately after they enter, George Conover (Sanders), Cathy’s “boyfriend” busts in. Conover pulls a gun and orders Clark to leave. Clark goes for the gun and in the struggle the gun is dropped and Clark is knocked unconscious. Cathy grabs the gun and instinctively shoots George when he lunges for her. George staggers out and into a taxi headed for the hospital.
Clark comes to. Cathy asks him what he remembers, which is everything leading up to the struggle for the gun. Cathy leads Clark to believe that he was the one who shot New York Detective George Conover. When they learn that Conover has died from his wounds and the police have launched an investigation, Cathy and Clark decide to take off.
If they’re caught Cathy will let Clark take the rap. And if they make a clean getaway, she can always dump him. Funny how the best made plans…
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Both John Garfield and Burt Lancaster were considered for the role of Bill Clark.
Tomorrow is Another Day has the set-up to be a classic noir film. Bill Clark was an abused kid who did time in prison but wants to now lead a good life. He meets up with a beautiful woman that he’s drawn to, but she takes advantage of the relationship. When she murders another lover, she lets Bill think that he did the crime. They go on the run. Everything lining up to be an excellent noir. Then in the last couple of scenes we get an ending that makes everything “sunshine and roses” (as Rocky Balboa would say). Still, Tomorrow is Another Day isn’t a bad film, just one that falls short of being really good.
Tomorrow is Another Day (1951) rates 3 of 5 stars.
“The Godfather” Alt Poster by Paul Mann!
Paul Mann makes an alt poster for The Godfather that you cannot refuse.
“Godzilla Minus One” (2023) / Z-View
Godzilla Minus One (2023)
Director: Takashi Yamazaki
Screenplay: Takashi Yamazaki
Stars: Ryunosuke Kamiki, Minami Hamabe.
Tagline: Postwar Japan. From zero to minus.
The Plot…
1945. World War II is nearing the end. Kōichi Shikishima, a Japanese kamikazi pilot lands his plane on Odo island for repairs. There is nothing wrong with his plane. The truth is that Kōichi was afraid to finish his mission. That night a giant prehistoric-looking creature comes ashore. It attacks the Japanese stronghold. Try as they might, the creature is impervious to anything the soldiers can do. Kōichi is too afraid to help. The next morning he is one of the only two to survive Godzilla’s attack.
The war ends. Kōichi returns home to Tokyo. He discovers his parents were both killed in a bombing. Kōichi meets a homeless woman with an orphaned child. He brings them to his home. As time goes by they become more of a family, but Kōichi still feels like a coward.
Reports of Godzilla attacking ships becomes more frequent. The government fears Godzilla will come on land and wipeout entire cities. Nothing has been able to stop the giant creature. Then the worst is reported, Godzilla is heading inland.
Will Kōichi get a chance to redeem himself and save his country? What do you think?
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The title, Godzilla Minus One, refers to Japan being taken “down to zero” after World War II. Godzilla’s attacks on the country take it even lower. This minus one.
After seeing the trailer and the great reviews for Godzilla Minus One I was excited to see the film. The scenes of Godzilla’s attacks and the destruction caused by the monster are the best in any Godzilla film ever. This is where Godzilla Minus One shines. I wanted more of that. It almost felt like I was watching a more adult film during Godzilla’s attacks and a movie aimed at kids with the Kōichi subplot.
Godzilla Minus One (2023) rates 3 of 5 stars.
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” (2024) / Z-View
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
Director: Wes Ball
Screenplay: Josh Friedman, based on characters by Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver premise from PLANET OF THE APES by Pierre Boulle
Stars: Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, Travis Jeffery, Neil Sandilands, Karin Konoval and William H. Macy.
Tagline: No One Can Stop the Reign
The Plot…
The planet has been ruled by apes for generations. Most apes live in small peaceful communities. Humans have lost the ability to speak. They survive in nomadic groups… not even organized enough to be called tribes.
One ape, Proximus Caesar has proclaimed himself king. Proximus sends his warrior apes out to capture both apes and humans to be used as his slaves. When Noa, a young ape, returns home one afternoon, he finds his village destroyed. Proximus’ apes have killed or captured everyone.
Noa sets out to find and free his family. Along the way he is joined by a wise orangutan named Raka and a human they name Nova. What they don’t know is Nova hides a secret.
Their journey takes them to Proximus Caesar’s kingdom. They learn that Proximus is close to breaking into an ancient human facility. If he’s not stopped, Proximus will gain power to make him unbeatable. But what chance do Noa, Raka and Nova have against a kingdom of apes?
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
I’ve been a fan of The Planet of the Apes franchise since the original was released in 1968. There have been highs and lows, but I’m always along for the ride.
Quite a bit of time is used to set up Noa’s community life. I wish we could have gotten to Proximus Caesar’s kingdom sooner and spent more time there. I didn’t particularly care for Nova’s secret. It was kind of obvious and then when the reveal came there wasn’t much time to explore the ramifications. I guess THAT sets up the next sequel.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.
When Death Came for Frank Miller by Anthony Breznican for Vanity Fair!
Anthony Breznican at Vanity Fair recently sat down with Frank Miller for an no-holds-barred interview. Miller, the comics genius behind Sin City, Dark Knight Returns, Batman Year One, 300, Ronin, and so much more openly discussed his addiction, recovery as well as upcoming projects. This interview, When Death Came for Frank Miller is not to be missed.
Congratulations to Frank Miller for his health comeback. The Sin City western is music to my ears.
“Assassins” (1995) directed by Richard Donner, starring Sylvester Stallone, Antonio Banderas & Julianne Moore / Z-View
Assassins (1995)
Director: Richard Donner
Screenplay: Lilly Wachowski (as Andy Wachowski) & Lana Wachowski (as Larry Wachowski) and Brian Helgeland from a story by Lilly & Lana Wachoswski
Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Antonio Banderas, Julianne Moore, Anatoli Davydov, Muse Watson, Steve Kahan, Kelly Rowan, Reed Diamond, Kai Wulff and Stephen Liska.
Tagline: In the shadows of life, In the business of death, One man found a reason to live…
The Plot…
Robert Rath (Stallone) is a hitman ready to retire. Working as an assassin has taken a toll even though Rath has a moral code. He refuses to murder women, children and men undeserving to die.
Miguel Bain (Banderas) is an assassin who loves his job… he wants to be the best hitman in the world. Bain considers Rath number one… for now.
As Rath prepares to take out a mark, he is shocked when Bain assassinates his target. The two exchange gunfire until the police arrive. Rath realizes that Bain is determined to kill him. He also learns that Bain’s other target is a woman known as Electra (Moore). Rath plans to save Electra and eliminate Bain.
Of course Bain has other plans…
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The Wachowski’s sold their Assassins screenplay to Joel Silver at the same time he bought their screenplay for The Matrix (for one million dollars each). Silver wanted Richard Donner to direct and offered him ten million dollars. Donner refused unless the screenplay’s violence was toned down and Rath was made more sympathetic. Silver brought in Brian (L.A. Confidential) Helgeland to adjust the script.
The Wachowski’s didn’t like the changes and asked for their names to be removed from the credits. The request was denied by the Writers Guild Association.
Donner praised Stallone and Banderas for their performances: “I thought Stallone did one of the best jobs he’s ever done. He totally underplayed, he was quiet, he found the character and he went with it. I thought Antonio Banderas was wonderful.”
Electra’s cat is the same feline that appeared with Stallone in The Specialist.
I am a huge fan of the opening scene when Rath is walking an assassin deep into a swamp to execute him. Their dialogue tells us all we need to know about Rath and his business.
Kudos to Banderas for his manic performance as the hitman who wants to be the best.
I’d always hoped that Richard Donner and Sly Stallone would work together.
Assassins (1995) rates 4 of 5 stars.
Dan Brereton Presents “The Creature from the Black Lagoon” Meets Marilyn Monroe!
Dan Brereton presents The Creature from the Black Lagoon Meets Marilyn Monroe!
THE LEGEND OF MAD MAX: THE COMPLETE SAGA FROM MAD MAX TO FURIOSA by Ian Nathan
THE LEGEND OF MAD MAX: THE COMPLETE SAGA FROM MAD MAX TO FURIOSA by Ian Nathan sounds like a winner. Here’s the lowdown…
The Complete Story from Mad Max to Furiosa.
The Legend of Mad Max is the ultimate guide to the high octane post-apocalyptic film series, directed by visionary filmmaker George Miller.
This comprehensive history delves into the making of each film, exploring the unique vision and groundbreaking live action and special effects that have made Mad Max a cultural touchstone for over five decades. From the unforgettable characters and thrilling action sequences to the complex themes and deep mythology, this stunningly illustrated book provides an in-depth look at the world of the iconic road warrior from Mad Max to Furiosa.
Buckle up and get ready for a wild ride through The Wasteland as you discover the full story behind this classic film franchise.
With detailed production information, behind-the-scenes stories, and stunning photography, The Legend of Mad Max, is a must-read for fans of this celebrated series.
THE LEGEND OF MAD MAX: THE COMPLETE SAGA FROM MAD MAX TO FURIOSA by Ian Nathan will be released on June 18, 2024.
“Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994) directed by Neil Jordan, starring Tom Cruise & Brad Pitt / Z-View
Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994)
Director: Neil Jordan
Screenplay: Anne Rice based on INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE by Horace McCoy
Stars: Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Antonio Banderas, Kirsten Dunst, Christian Slater, John McConnell, Bellina Logan, Thandiwe Newton, Indra Ové, Helen McCrory, Roger Lloyd Pack and Stephen Rea.
Tagline: Drink From Me And Live Forever
The Plot…
Daniel Molloy (Slater) is a writer looking for a story. After a chance meeting with Louis de Pointe du Lac (Pitt), he may have found it. Louis claims to be a vampire. Although Molloy is skeptical at first, Louis quickly proves he is what he says.
As Molloy records and takes notes, Louis tells his story. In 1791 Louis was a young, wealthy Louisiana plantation owner. That changed the evening the vampire, Lestat (Cruise) turned him. No longer human, Louis and Lestat moved through the night. Undead but living. Forced to leave Louisiana, when folks began to suspect Louis and his new friend were behind many disappearances, Louis and Lestat head to New Orleans…
Louis’ tale spans 200 years. New Orleans. A new vampire joins them. Betrayal. A journey to Europe where they discover the Théâtre des Vampires. True Vampires putting on plays where they pretend to be humans playing vampires! The victims are real. To tell more of Louis story would be to say too much.
But I will leave you with this… can an interview with a vampire end well?
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles was nominated for two Academy Awards
- Best Art Direction-Set Decoration: Dante Ferretti Francesca, Lo Schiavo
- Best Music, Original Score: Elliot Goldenthal
Anne Rice was not initially happy when Tom Cruise was cast as Lestat. When Rice wrote the novel she envisioned Rutgar Hauer in the role. She thought of Alain Delon when writing the screenplay. Then when it was time to cast the role she suggested John Malkovich, Peter Weller, Jeremy Irons or Alexander Godunov. When Cruise and Pitt were selected for the two leads she suggested that Pitt play Lestat. That wasn’t to be. When the film was released, Rice had come around to the Tom Cruise casting. She said he brought something to the role that she had not foreseen.
While I’m a fan of many of Tom Cruise’s movies and I do really like Interview with a Vampire, I think he was miscast as Lestat.
River Phoenix was set to play Daniel Malloy before his untimely death. Christian Slater then got the part. Slater donated his salary from the film to two of River Phoenix’s favorite charities.
The initial scene Stephen Rea shares with Brad Pitt is both funny and a bit scary. It’s a favorite of mine.
Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994) rates 4 of 5 stars.
“Goodfellas” Alt Poster by Matt Ferguson & Florey!
This is alt movie poster for Goodfellas is truly stunning. It is credited to Matt Ferguson and Florey.
Source: Poster Escape.
“Pulp Fiction” Alt Poster by Dalton Frizzell!
Who doesn’t enjoy a cool alt poster? Especially when they are as nice as this one created by Dalton Frizzell for Pulp Fiction.
“Killer’s Game” – The Trailer is Here!
This morning we got the poster. This afternoon, the trailer.
US Release Date: September 13, 2024
Starring: Dave Bautista, Ben Kingsley, Sofia Boutella, Terry Crews
Director: J. J. Perry
Synopsis: In the new action-comedy THE KILLER’S GAME, when top hitman Joe Flood (Dave Bautista) is diagnosed with a terminal illness, he decides to take matters into his own hands – by taking a hit out on himself. But when the very hitmen he hired also target his ex-girlfriend (Sofia Boutella) , he must fend off an army of assassin colleagues and win back the love of his life before it’s too late.
“Kill” – The Poster is Here!
I like this poster and synopsis for Kill.
“When army commando Amrit (Lakshya) finds out his true love Tulika (Tanya Maniktala) is engaged against her will, he boards a New Delhi-bound train in a daring quest to derail the arranged marriage.
Kill sounds like the perfect drive-in movie.
You can see a train-sized version of the Kill poster at IMPAwards.
