Category: Movies

“The Underground: Director’s Cut” (2021) / Z-View

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The Underground: Director’s Cut (2021)

Director:  Darcy Weir

Stars: Darcy Weir

Tagline: A hidden reality and the true story of Phil Schneider.

The Plot…

In 1995, Phil Schneider made a splash at UFO conventions.  Schneider claimed his father was a former German U-boat commander who came to the US after the war. Schneider said his father worked as part of the Philadelphia Experiment. According to legend the US did an experiment to make a US destroyer disappear.  The ship was teleported briefly from the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard to Norfolk, Virginia.  When the ship returned some members of the crew had disappeared, while others were melded into the ship and some went insane.

Phil Schneider said that he worked for the government as part of the team making Deep Underground Military Bases across the United States.  Schneider claimed that on one of the deep digs he and marines became involved in battle with aliens.  Schneider said he was gravely wounded, and that a marine died saving his life.  Schneider said the US government knows that we have aliens among us and some have evil intent.

Phil Schneider died in 1996.  The official result was suicide although some conspiracy theorists believe he was murdered.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Underground: Director’s Cut presents video footage of Schneider speaking at a UFO convention.  Most of the film is stock footage and anecdotal theories.  If you’re looking for solid evidence of aliens or government coverups, this isn’t the place.

The Underground: Director’s Cut (2021) earns 2 of 5 stars.

“Lights Out” starring Frank Grillo, Mekhi Phifer, Jaime King, Dermot Mulroney and Scott Adkins – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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The poster and trailer for Lights Out starring Frank Grillo, Mekhi Phifer, Jaime King, Dermot Mulroney and Scott Adkins is here.

Deal me in.

A drifting ex-soldier turns underground fighter with the help of a just released ex-con, pitting them both against corrupt cops and hired killers gunning for them and all those they care about.

CAST: Frank Grillo, Mekhi Phifer, Jaime King, Dermot Mulroney and Scott Adkins

“Badland Hunters” starring Don Lee – The Trailer is Here!

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The full trailer for Badland Hunters starring Don Lee is here.

Hunt or die.
Welcome to the badlands.

Don Lee from《Train to Busan》《The Roundup》 and《Eternals》 is now a tough hunter in the dystopian world, who fights for survival and salvation.

Will hunters save us all?
or will villains take us all?

2024 Netflix action blockbuster film
Badland Hunters | January 26, only on Netflix

“The Creator” (2023) / Z-View

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The Creator (2023)

Director:  Gareth Edwards

Screenplay: Gareth Edwards, Chris Weitz; story by Gareth Edwards

Stars: John David Washington, Madeleine Yuna Voyles, Gemma Chan, Allison Janney, Ralph Ineson and Ken Watanabe.

Tagline: Humanity evolves.

The Plot…

When a nuclear warhead is exploded over Los Angeles, Artificial Intelligence is blamed.  In turn, most Western nations declare war and move to exterminate all A.I. “beings”.  One of the end goals is to exterminate Nirmata, the genius behind recent A.I. advancements.

Former U.S. Army sergeant Joshua Taylor (Washington) is called back to duty.  Taylor had worked undercover and was married to Nirmata’s daughter.  She was thought to have been killed in a US military strike.  Recent video has surfaced and she may be alive.  Taylor is led to believe that if he participates in the mission, he may find his wife is still alive.  The mission is to destroy the next generation of A.I. before it reaches full power.

Taylor agrees.  The team is dispatched.  Taylor discovers that there has been an advancement in AI.  It is in the form of a young girl.  Taylor also learns that he and the world have been lied to.  Now, Taylor and the “girl” are on the run.  The fate of the world could hang in the balance.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

For a film dealing with artificial intelligence, it has a lot of heart.

Allison Janney may surprise a lot of folks in her role as a hardened military commander.  She’s excellent.

The Creator (2023) earns 4 of 5 stars.

“Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” (1953) starring Bud Abbott, Lou Costello & Boris Karloff / Z-View

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Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1953)

Director:  Charles Lamont

Screenplay: Lee Loeb, John Grant; story by Sid Fields, Grant Garett;inspired by The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

Stars: Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Boris Karloff, Helen Westcott, Reginald Denny, John Dierkes, Harry Cording and Craig Stevens.

Tagline: The Laughs Are Twice as MONSTER-OUS as Ever Before!

The Plot…

A maniacal serial killer stalks the streets of London.  Slim (Abbott) and Tubby (Costello), American cops sent over to study England’s police methods, are pulled into the case.

Let the good times roll!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

In this version, Dr. Jekyll isn’t such a nice guy.  In most outings, it isn’t until he becomes Mr. Hyde that he becomes evil.

Boris Karloff appeared with Abbott and Costello four years earlier in Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer.

Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1953) earns 5 of 5 stars.

“3 Body Problem” – The Trailer is Here!

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This looks interesting.  I want to see more.

There’s someone behind everything. You just have to dig.
3 Body Problem premieres on Netflix March 21st, 2024.

From multiple Emmy Award-winning creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss (Game of Thrones), and Emmy-nominated Alexander Woo (The Terror: Infamy, True Blood) comes 3 Body Problem, a thrilling story that redefines sci-fi drama with its layered mysteries and genre-bending high stakes. Based on the acclaimed, international bestselling book trilogy, The Three-Body Problem.

A young woman’s fateful decision in 1960s China reverberates across space and time to a group of brilliant scientists in the present day. As the laws of nature unravel before their eyes five former colleagues reunite to confront the greatest threat in humanity’s history.

“Lawson” – The Poster and 1st Teaser are Here!

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Here we have the first poster and teaser for Lawson.  I don’t know much about this film but it has me interested.

This is the first official movie teaser for LAWSON, a covert operative for a race of living vampires, as he battles a sinister conspiracy to resurrect an ancient god and an old enemy who resurfaces from his shadowy past in this supernatural espionage film based on the bestselling novel Lawson Vampire series by Jon F. Merz.

Starring Brandon S. Stumpf as Lawson, Shahjehan Khan as Wagner, Liz Eng as Atara, Steven Triebes as Niles, Jose Gonsalves as Arthur, Jam Murphy as Lilith, Jay Street as Newby, Morgan Barnsley as Quinn, Pamela Jayne Morgan as Sari, Logan Raposo as Grom, Christian Carrigan as Welch, Thomas Goze as Stefan, Brian McDonald as the Assassin, and Jon F. Merz as Crawford.

Proteus Entertainment presents: LAWSON, coming in 2024.

“The Greatest Night in Pop: The Untold Story Behind ‘We Are the World'” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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This looks like a winner.

Deal me in.

Premiering January 29th, the untold story of how the global hit “We are the World” almost didn’t happen! 46 of the biggest pop music stars had only one night to turn chaos into magic. As told by stars who were there, this film reveals the rollercoaster ride to write and record the groundbreaking song that would go on to raise millions for famine relief in Africa, win 2 Grammys and become a global sensation.

“Son of Frankenstein” (1939) starring Boris Karloff, Basil Rathbone & Bela Lugosi / Z-View

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Son of Frankenstein (1939)

Director:  Rowland V. Lee

Screenplay: Wyllis Cooper based on characters created by Mary Shelley

Stars: Boris Karloff, Basil Rathbone, Bela Lugosi, Lionel Atwill and Josephine Hutchinson.

Tagline: AFTER 20 YEARS Driven by the same crazy ambition that made his father create the terrifying monster that stalks in the night! See his juggernaut of destruction loosed upon the world!

The Plot…

Baron Wolf von Frankenstein (Rathbone), son of Henry Frankenstein, has brought his wife and young son back to live in Castle Frankenstein.  Baron hopes to rebuild the family reputation, but is surprised to find that the villagers still harbor deep resentment.  The haven’t forgotten the murders and destruction brought about by his father’s creation.

Wolf meets Ygor (Lugosi), a strange, deformed man who survived being hung for robbing graves.  When Ygor shows Wolf that his father’s creation lies in a coma below the castle, Wolf decides to revive the creature.  The operation is a success.  Sadly the creature will on follow the commands of Ygor.  Unknown to Wolf, Ygor has scores that he plans to settle using the monster.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Director Rowland V. Lee felt that producers had low-balled Bela Lugosi’s salary.  Since the script wasn’t complete as filming started, Lee continued to pad Lugosi’s part.  This increased Lugosi’s pay and created one of his best non-Dracula roles.

Surprisingly, this is the first Frankenstein film that shows the electrodes in the monster’s neck being hit with electricity to bring him to life.

Son of Frankenstein (1939) earns 5 of 5 stars.

RIP: Cindy Morgan

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It has been reported that Cindy Morgan, born born Cynthia Ann Cichorski, was found dead of natural causes at her home in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, on December 30, 2023.  Ms. Morgan was 69.

While in college Cindy Cichorski was invited by a local station to report news for them.  At that point she took adopted the professional name Cindy Morgan.  After graduation she worked as a weather reporter before deciding to move to LA.  She became the Irish Spring girl in advertisements and soon landed her first feature film role as Lacey Underall in Caddyshack.  Ms. Morgan would continue to work in feature films and television roles for the remainder of her career.  When she retired from acting, Ms. Morgan could be found making personal appearances at conventions across the country.

Some of Cindy Morgan’s television appearances include: The Love Boat; Vega$; CHiPs (3 episodes); Bring ‘Em Back Alive (13 episodes); The Fall Guy; Amazing Stories; The Magical World of Disney; Falcon Crest (16 episodes); Matlock (3 episodes); Hunter (2 episodes); Harry and the Hendersons and The Larry Sanders Show.

Some of Cindy Morgan’s feature film appearances include: Caddyshack and Tron.

My favorite Cindy Morgan role was as Lacey Underall in Caddyshack.  I met Cindy Morgan at a Tampa Comic Convention back in 2005.  As I said then, Ms. Morgan was humble and polite.  Fans loved her.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Cindy Morgan’s family, friends and fans.

“The Mad Ghoul” (1943) / Z-View

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The Mad Ghoul (1943)

Director:  James P. Hogan

Screenplay: Brenda Weisberg, Paul Gangelin, Hanns Kräly

Stars: David Bruce, Evelyn Ankers, George Zucco, Robert Armstrong, Turhan Bey, Charles McGraw and Milburn Stone.

Tagline: A NEW SENSATION IN HORROR!

The Plot…

Dr. Morris (Zucco) has had success in experimenting with an ancient Mayan gas that makes those exposed to it, obedient and without a will of their own.  When Dr. Morris learns that his lab assistant’s girlfriend, Isabel (Ankers) loves another man, Morris believes it to be him.  Then Morris learns Isabel loves the handsome, Eric Iverson (Bey).

Dr. Morris decides to use the gas on his lab assistant.  Morris will then compel his assistant to kill Iverson.  Then Morris will have Isabel to himself.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

One of the rare times that the wisecracking reporter who breaks the case gets murdered.

The Mad Ghoul (1943) earns 2 of 5 stars.

RIP: David Soul

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David Soul died yesterday.  Mr. Soul was 80.]

David Soul began performing as a founding member of the Firehouse Theater in Minneapolis.  In 1967, Mr, Soul had guest appearances on Flipper, I Dream of Jeannie and Star Trek.  In 1968, he landed a co-starring role on the series Here Come the Brides.  When the series ended, David Soul continued to act in movies and television roles.  In 1975, David Soul became a household name with his co-starring role in the hit series Starsky and Hutch.  His popularity allowed him to return to his love of singing (in addition to acting).  David Soul’s release of “Don’t Give Up on Us” hit number 1 in the US.  He also had 5 singles in the top twenty in the UK.  During his hiatus from filming Starsky and Hutch and after the series ended, David Soul would perform concerts in the US and around the world.

For the rest of his career, David Soul would perform as a singer, actor and director.

Some of David Soul’s television appearances include: Flipper; I Dream of Jeannie; Star Trek; Here Come the Brides (52 episodes); The Young Rebels; Dan August; Ironside; All in the Family; The FBI; The Streets of San Francisco; Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law (7 episodes); Cannon (2 episodes); The Rookies; McMillan & Wife; Medical Center; Gunsmoke; Starsky and Hutch (92 episodes); Salem’s Lot; The Manions of America (3 episodes); World War III (2 episodes); Casablanca (5 episodes); The Yellow Rose (22 episodes); The Key to Rebecca; Crime Story; Secret of Sahara (4 episodes); Unsub (8 episodes); The Young Riders (2 episodes); Jake and the Fatman (2 episodes); Murder She Wrote (2 episodes) and Sandra the Rebel Princess (7 episodes);

Some of David Soul’s feature film appearances include: Johnny Got His Gun; Magnum Force and Appointment with Death.

I first remember seeing David Soul in Here Come the Brides.  However, I may have seen him first in Flipper,  I Dream of Jeannie or Star Trek since I regularly watched these shows as a kid.  When I was in high school Starsky & Hutch premiered and it was must-see tv.  I’m also a fan of David Soul in Salem’s Lot.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to David Soul’s family, friends and fans.

“Bye Bye Barry” (2023) / Z-View

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Bye Bye Barry (2023)

Director:  Paul Monusky, Micaela Powers. Angela Torma

Stars: Barry Sanders, Tim Allen, Jeff Daniels, Eminem, Jemele Hill, Calvin Johnson, Dan Patrick, Rodney Peete, Jalen Rose, Emmitt Smith and Bill Belichick.

Tagline: The Greatest Mystery in Sports History.

The Plot…

Barry Sanders played college football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys.  In his junior year, Sanders rushed for 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns in just 11 games.  He was a unanimous choice for the All American team and he won the Heisman Trophy.

The following year, Barry Sanders went into the NFL draft and was selected by the Detroit Lions.  Sanders made an immediate impact and was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.  Barry Sanders went on to play ten years for Detroit.  He led the league in rushing four times and in rushing touchdowns once.  Barry Sanders was selected for the Pro Bowl every year that he played.  He was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player (1997), the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year (1994, 1997), and led the league in rushing touchdowns (1991).

Barry Sanders had earned 15,269 rushing yards (the most ever by any NFL player in a 10-year span).  He was just 1,457 rushing yards short of Walter Payton’s career rushing record.  Fans everywhere knew that if Sanders had a healthy year, he would become the new NFL rushing king.  But just one day before the Lions opened their training camp, Barry Sanders announced his retirement.

By a fax.

Barry Sanders was healthy and in the prime of his career.  Yet, he walked away from his multimillion dollar contract and never looked back.

Why?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Barry Sanders is arguably the best running back to ever play the game.  He was humble and cared more about the team than individual records.  Although I’m a lifelong Chicago Bears fan, I always enjoyed watching Barry Sanders play.  He was so good.  And so likeable.

After watching Bye Bye Barry, I found reasons to admire him even more.

Bye Bye Barry (2023) earns 5 of 5 stars.