Category: Trivia

“Remarkably Bright Creatures” (2026) starring Sally Field and Lewis Pullman / Z-View

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Remarkably Bright Creatures (2026)

Director: Olivia Newman

Screenplay:  Olivia Newman, John Whittington; based on REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt.

Stars:  Sally Field, Lewis Pullman, Joan Chen, Kathy Baker, Beth Grant, Sofia Black-D’Elia, Colm Meaney and Alfred Molina.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Tova is a widow who is becoming increasingly withdrawn.  Tova never got over the death of her 18 year old son, who died years ago.  Recently Tova’s husband passed.   Her only real joy these days comes from her job as a night janitor at the local aquarium.  She takes pride in her work and enjoys the solitude.  Surprisingly, Tova enjoys talking to the aquarium’s aging octopus, Marcellus.

Marcellus, like all octupi, is extremely intelligent.  Marcellus’ goal is to escape his tank, and return to the ocean before he dies.

Cameron Cassmore, young aspiring musician, is driving through town when his van breaks down.  Needing funds to repair his van, Cameron accepts a job at the aquarium.  It’s a means to an end.

Tova sees Cameron as a slacker.  Cameron views Tova as an old busybody.

Tova, Cameron and Marcellus’ lives will change when a mystery is solved.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES was Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel and a runaway bestseller.

Two of Sally Fields’ close relatives also appear in the film.  Sasha Craig (Fields’ daughter-in-law) plays Cameron’s mother in flashback scenes. Noah Craig (Fields’ grandson) plays Marco.

Alfred Molina voices the octopus Marcellus.

Remarkably Bright Creatures surprised me.  It was much better than I anticipated.  A great cast and a wonderfully adapted story make for a fun movie.

Remarkably Bright Creatures (2026) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Satan Met a Lady” (1936) starring Bette Davis, William Warren and Marie Wilson / Z-View

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Satan Met a Lady (1936)

Director: William Dieterle

Screenplay:  Brown Holmes; based on THE MALTESE FALCON by Dashiell Hammett.

Stars:  Bette Davis, Warren William, Alison Skipworth, Arthur Treacher, Porter Hall, Olin Howland and Marie Wilson.

Tagline: She recalled how three men met their death…searching for a treasure that had left a trail of blood through twelve centuries!

The Plot…

Detective Ted Shane has just returned to town. Milton Ames, Shane’s former partner reluctantly agrees to work with Shane again.  They parted ways since Shane, a lady’s man, once was romantically involved with Ames’ wife.  Shane has a paying client and money overrides hurt feelings.

A woman named Valerie Purvis wants to hire Shane and Ames to find a man named Farrow.  When both Ames and Farrow are found murdered, Shane realizes there is much more to this case than a missing man.

Shane is soon approached by Madam Barrabas and Kenneth, her slow-witted, trigger happy son.  They want  to hire Shane to find an 8th century jewel-filled ivory horn.  An English gentleman, Anthony Travers, wants to hire Shane to find it as well.  And don’t you know, that’s what Valerie is after too.

Shane, never one to turn down money, decides to play each against the other and accepts payment from all.  Shane’s charm and quick wit have always served him well, but this time he may be in over his head.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Satan Met a Lady is based on Dashiell Hammett’s novel THE MALTESE FALCON.  Screenwriter, Brown Holmes not only changed the title, he changed the names of the characters (including the lead), the sex of the main antagonist and the object everyone wanted.

Bette Davis hated the script and complained to studio head Jack Warner.  She said she would not do the film.  Warner promised Davis better scripts in the future and then suspended her without pay.  Reluctantly Davis agreed to the movie.  Unfortunately she hated the end result and often said it was her worst film.

I recently revisited Satan Met a Lady.  I enjoyed it much more than previous viewings.  I always liked the movie, but this time out liked it even more.  I think in the past I compared this adaption of THE MALTESE FALCON to Huston and Bogart’s take.  Obviously Satan Met a Lady suffered by comparison.  I was also influenced by Bette Davis’ feelings about the film.  This time out, I put past feelings aside and enjoyed a lighthearted 1930s comedy/mystery.

Much of my enjoyment of Satan Met a Lady came from Marie Wilson’s performance as the ditzy, sexy blonde assistant.

Satan Met a Lady (1936) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Forgotten Sweeties” (1927) starring Charlie Chase / Z-View

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Forgotten Sweeties (1927)

Director: James Parrott

Screenplay:  H.M. Walker

Stars:  Charlie Chase, Anita Garvin, Shirley Palmer.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Charlie and his new wife, Lillian, are surprised to learn that Charlie’s ex-girlfriend, Shirley has moved into the apartment across from them.  Worse still, Shirley’s new husband Ira is the jealous type.  When Ira learns about Charlie, things take a turn for the worst.

Let the antics begin!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Charlie Chase was an writer, director and actor.  Although he died at a relatively young age (46), his resume includes 282 acting roles, 174 films as a director and 37 as writer.

Forgotten Sweeties was directed by Charlie Chase’s brother.

Forgotten Sweeties (1927) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Many Scrappy Returns” (1927) starring Charlie Chase / Z-View

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Many Scrappy Returns (1927)

Director: James Parrott

Screenplay:  H.M. Walker

Stars:  Charlie Chase, Eugenia Gilbert, Anita Garvin and Bull Montana.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Charlie and his wife have Charlie’s brother, Wellington and Wellington’s wife over for dinner.  Things go sideways when Wellington tries to put a move on Charlie’s maid.  Worse still she thinks that it was Charlie getting fresh.  When the maid’s husband gets wind of the advance, all bets are off!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Charlie Chase was an writer, director and actor.  Although he died at a relatively young age (46), his resume includes 282 acting roles, 174 films as a director and 37 as writer.

Many Scrappy Returns was directed by Charlie Chase’s brother.

Many Scrappy Returns (1927) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Pluribus”: Season 1 (2025) created by Vince Gilligan, starring Rhea Seehorn / Z-View

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Pluribus: Season 1 (2025)

Created by: Vince Gilligan

Director:

  • Vince Gilligan (Eps. 1-2)
  • Gordon Smith (Eps. 3; 5; 9)
  • Zetna Fuentes (Ep. 4)
  • Gandja Monteiro (Ep. 6)
  • Adam Bernstein (Ep. 7)
  • Melissa Bernstein (Ep. 8)

Teleplay by:

  • Vince Gilligan (Eps. 1-2)
  • Gordon Smith (Ep. 3)
  • Alison Tatlock (Ep. 4)
  • Ariel Levine (Ep. 5)
  • Vera Blasi (Ep. 6)
  • Jenn Carroll (Ep. 7)
  • Jonny Gomez (Ep. 8)
  • Alison Tatlock & Gordon Smith (Ep. 9)

Starring:  Rhea Seehorn, Karolina Wydra, Carlos-Manuel Vesga, Miriam Shor and John Cena.

Tagline: Happiness is contagious.

The Plot… (beware of spoilers)

Astronomers are shocked when a SETI radio signal turns out to be a legit alien transmission.  The signal is determined to be a code for an RNA sequence.  Scientists begin working on it immediately.  A lab mishap infects one of the researchers.  Soon a geometric infection spreads.  One infected becomes two – two become four.

Within very little time the entire human population has been exposed.  Every person infected becomes part of the hive mind collective.  The infection rate is almost 100%.  There are only thirteen people in the world who remain unaffected.

With the infection what one person knows, they all know.  The infected appear calm and happy and they readily admit that the want to assimilate the uninfected.

Carol Sturka is one of the thirteen uninfected.  Her goal is to find a way to save the human race.

Thoughts…

Vince Gilligan has another winner.

Pluribus is the Latin word meaning “many”.  The Pluribus logo changes the “i” to a “1” which is very clever.

It was an interesting choice to make Rhea Seehorn’s character more than a bit unlikeable.

I look forward to season 2.

Pluribus: Season 1 (2025) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“The Incredible Mr. Limpet” (1964) starring Don Knotts / Z-View

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The Incredible Mr. Limpet (1964)

Director: Arthur Lubin

Screenplay:  Joe DiMona, Jameson Brewer, John C. Rose; based on MR. LIMPET by Theodore Pratt

Stars: Don Knotts, Carole Cook, Jack Weston, Andrew Duggan and Paul Frees (voice).

Tagline: The man who turned into a fish… and became America’s deadliest secret weapon!

The Plot…

War War II rages.  Henry Limpett, a mild-mannered bookkeeper, would love nothing more than to enlist and help the war effort.  Each time Henry’s tried he’s been rejected due to his many health issues.

Henry, his wife and his best friend George go to Coney Island for the day.  As Henry is looking down into the ocean, he falls.  Henry can’t swim so George dives in to save him.  Despite several attempts, George is unable to find Henry.  Everyone believes Henry has drowned.

But he hasn’t.  Somehow Henry Limpet has turned into a fish!  Even more amazing as a fish, Henry has a power that may help turn the tide of the war!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The film moves from live action to animation once Limpet turns into a fish.

It’s funny how much the fish looks like Don Knotts — or is it how much he looks like a fish?

I saw the film when it was first released. I was five and the theater was full of kids.  We loved it.  I recently re-watched it again with my grandson who is six.  He enjoyed it as well.  Your mileage may vary depending on your age and the audience you’re watching with.

The Incredible Mr. Limpet (1964) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Rambo III” – Mick McGinty’s Rare Prelims for the Announcement Poster!

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Rambo III was initially going to be directed by Russell “Highlander” Mulcahy.  Two weeks into production, Mulcahy left due to creative differences. Peter MacDonald was brought in, and the rest is history.

But when Rambo III was first announced one of the ads had Rambo on horseback with a crossbow.  The art above is some of the studies created by Mick McGinty before the final piece was created.  Click on the photo above to see a trilogy-sized version.

“Kill” (2023) / Z-View

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Kill (2023)

Director: Nikhil Nagesh Bhat

Screenplay:  Nikhil Nagesh Bhat

Stars: Lakshya, Raghav Juyal, Ashish Vidyarthi, Abhishek Chauhan, Harsh Chhaya and Tanya Maniktala.

Tagline: This journey is one-way.

The Plot…

Amrit and Tulika are in love and wish to be married.  Amrit is an Army commando.  Tulika, the daughter of a wealthy businessman.  Tulika’s father has arranged for her to be married to the son of a wealthy business associate.

Tulika’s father has arranged for the family to travel by train to New Delhi for the wedding.  Amrit and his commando buddy Viresh have secretly booked passage on the train as well.  Amrit’s plan is to get Tulika to elope with him.

All of that changes when a large group of ruthless bandits enters the train. There plan was to rob everyone, but when they learn that a rich business man is on board they decide to rob everyone and kidnap his daughter.

As the express train barrels along it will be up to Amrit and Viresh to save the day.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Reportedly this film is based on a real event.  In 2010, a retired Nepal commando traveling on the Maurya Express single-handedly took on 30 – 4o bandits.  Although he was severely wounded, he killed three and wounded eight of the terrorists.

Kill was nominated for eight International Indian Film Academy Awards and won five.  It was nominated for fourteen Filmfare Awards and won six.

Most reviewers like this film better than me.  I thought it was good, but became a bit redundant.  As always, your mileage may vary.

Kill (2023) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Ballerina” (2025) starring Ana de Armas, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Norman Reedus, Ian McShane and Keanu Reeves / Z-View

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Ballerina (2025)

Director:Len Wiseman; Chad Stahelski (uncredited for reshoots)

Screenplay: Shay Hatten; based on characters created by Derek Kolstad

Stars: Ana de Armas, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Norman Reedus, Ian McShane and Keanu Reeves.

Tagline:  The past can be a trigger.

The Plot (beware of spoilers)…

Eve Macarro was the child of assassins.  After the death of her mother, Eve was being raised by her father.  When a cult came to kill him, Eve’s father helped her escape before he was murdered.  Eve was then raised by the the Ruska Roma.

The Ruska Roma appeared to be an academy that trained children to become experts in ballet.  It is actually a front.  Although trained to be dancers, the children’s real instruction was so they would become proficient assassins and body guards.

Eve becomes one of the best.

After one of her missions, Eve discovers that her target was in the same cult that killed her father.  Despite being warned to take no action against them, Eve is determined to avenge her father’s death.

Even if it turns the Ruska Roma against her.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Ana de Armas did most of her own stunts.

Ballerina is set in the world of John Wick and takes place between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4.

Director Len Wiseman’s original cut fell short of expectations. Chad Stahelski reportedly reshot much of Ballerina without Len Wiseman’s involvement.  This pushed back the release date about a year.

Ballerina (2025) rates 4 of 5 stars

“Apex” starring Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton / Z-View

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Apex (2026)

Director: Baltasar Kormákur

Screenplay: Jeremy Robbins

Stars: Charlize Theron, Taron Egerton

Tagline: Hunt. Survive.

The Plot (beware of spoilers)…

Five months ago, adrenaline junkie Sasha and her boyfriend were mountain climbing when an avalanche knocked him unconscious.  As he hung limp the safety line attached to Sasha began to pull her down.  Either she had to cut him loose or they both would die.

She did the unthinkable.

Now Sasha has come to a remote part of the Australian outback. The remote mountains, raging rapids and harsh conditions are unforgiving.  Perhaps Sasha has a death wish.

Sasha’s will to live will be tested when she crosses path with a psychopath.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Charlize Theron was quoted as saying this is her favorite of all the films she’s made.  Stars often say that their current film is their favorite.  In this case it may be true.  Theron and Apex director Baltasar Kormákur are signed to make another film together.

Taron Egerton is believable as the psycho but his portrayal isn’t as frightening as it could be.  He’s more manic than maniac.  Some of the background characteristics (the jerky, what happened to the family that was missing) could have worked to make Egerton’s killer much more scary and dangerous.  They would have had to lean a bit more into tension and terror and I don’t think they wanted to do that at the expense of action.

Apex (2026) rates 3 of 5 stars

“Nobody 2” (2025) starring Bob Odenkirk / Z-View

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Nobody 2 (2025)

Director: Timo Tjahjanto

Screenplay: Derek Kolstad, Aaron Rabin; story by Derek Kolstad

Stars: Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, John Ortiz, Colin Hanks, RZA, Christopher Lloyd and Sharon Stone.

Tagline: Nobody ruins his vacation.

The Plot…

Hutch Mansell has been on the job nonstop as an assassin to pay off a debt created during the first movie.  Hutch’s family life has suffered due to him always working.  In an effort to have some quality family time Hutch decides to take his family on vacation to a resort/amusement park that his father took him to when he was young.

At the amusement park Hutch’s son gets into it with a local bully.  The bully’s dad (who owns the amusement park) causes things to escalate when he slaps Hutch’s young daughter in the back of the head.  Hutch then returns the favor by beating up the bully’ dad and several park employees.

As it turns out, the bully’s dad is friends with the local Sheriff.  The two are involved in several criminal enterprises with a psycho-crime lord named Lendina.  Soon Hutch finds himself the target of revenge by the Sheriff as well as Lendina and her organization.

So much for vacation time.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Sharon Stone is excellent as the over-the-top villain who wouldn’t be out of place in a James Bond movie.

Nobody 2 features Timo Tjahjanto’s American directorial debut.  Tjahjanto is best known for his ultra-violent Indonesian action films.

Bob Odenkirk and Christopher Lloyd share the same birthday of the 22nd of October. What are the odds?  That’s also my birthday.

Nobody 2 is fun.  It leans into over-the-top comedy a bit more than I’d prefer at times, but is still a fun ride.

Nobody 2 (2025) rates 3 of 5 stars

“Cape Fear” The Limited Series starring Amy Adams, Javier Bardem & Patrick Wilson – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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The original is a classic.  The remake is worthy.  Now we have a Cape Fear limited television series.  Check out the poster and trailer and see what you think.

Deal me in.

Out of prison, and out for revenge.

Cape Fear premieres June 5 on Apple TV

Inspired by the 1991 remake directed by Martin Scorsese and produced by Steven Spielberg, a storm is coming for happily married attorneys Anna (Amy Adams) and Tom Bowden (Patrick Wilson) when Max Cady (Javier Bardem), the notorious killer they are responsible for putting behind bars, is let out of prison — and he wants vengeance.

Hailing from UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group, and Amblin Television, “Cape Fear” is based on both the novel “The Executioners,” which inspired Gregory Peck’s Universal Pictures feature (1962) of the same name, as well as the acclaimed 1991 remake directed by Scorsese.

The series is executive produced by Steven Spielberg, who produced the 1991 film, alongside Scorsese. Creator Nick Antosca showruns and produces alongside Alex Hedlund for Eat The Cat, and Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey produce alongside Spielberg for Amblin Television. Academy Award nominee Morten Tyldum will direct the pilot and serve as executive producer. The series is developed and produced through Antosca’s overall deal at UCP, where he’s been based since 2017.

RIP Tony Stella

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It was announced that legendary artist Tony Stella has died.  Mr.  Stella’s passing may have been today or yesterday.  No cause of death was given.  Tony Stella was an extremely private person.  I could find nothing about his life, his birthday or anything personal in my online search.   Tony Stella let his art speak for him.

And boy, does it ever.  Tony Stella’s art graced movie posters, television programs, record albums, book covers and more.

Tony Stella Instagram.

Tony Stella’s Website.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Tony Stella’s family, friends and fans.