Category: Trivia

“Lon Chaney: A Thousand Faces” (2000) / Z-View

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Lon Chaney: A Thousand Faces (2000)

Director: Kevin Brownlow

Stars:  Lon Chaney, Kenneth Branagh, Forrest J. Ackerman, Ray Bradbury, Lon Chaney Jr., Jackie Coogan and Orson Welles.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Lon Chaney, “The Man of a Thousand Faces,” was the child of deaf parents.  At the age of 19, Chaney, went on the road playing in vaudeville and theater acts.

At 22, Lon Chaney married Cleva Creighton, a sixteen year old singer.  The troubled marriage produced one son and lasted eight years.  It ended when his wife attempted suicide.  A scandal followed and Lon Chaney left theater for motion pictures.

For several years Lon Chaney made his living playing bit parts for Universal.  Chaney did his own make-up and was adept at transforming his look into whatever character he was to play.  In 1919, Lon Chaney got the role that made him a star in The Miracle Man.  Bigger and better roles followed.

Chaney became famous for his ability to disappear into a character.  Whether he was playing a double amputee (The Penalty), an armless knife-thrower (The Unknown), a deformed hunchback (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), a little old lady (The Unholy Three), a horrifying skull-faced psycho (The Phantom of the Opera), or any of the other roles he took on, audiences were thrilled.  Despite his characters physical and moral failings, Chaney brought a sense of humanity to each.

At the height of his stardom, Lon Chaney developed lung cancer and died shortly after being diagnosed.  The man died.  His legend lives on.

This is his story.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Lon Chaney is my favorite silent movie star.  Lon Chaney: A Thousand Faces is an excellent documentary well worth your time.

Lon Chaney: A Thousand Faces (2000) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Footloose” (1984) starring Kevin Bacon, Lori Singer, Dianne Wiest, John Lithgow, Sarah Jessica Parker and Chris Penn / Z-View

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Footloose (1984)

Director: Herbert Ross

Screenplay:  Dean Pitchford

Stars:  Kevin Bacon, Lori Singer, Dianne Wiest, John Lithgow, Sarah Jessica Parker and Chris Penn.

Tagline: He’s a big-city kid in a small town. They said he’d never win. He knew he had to.

The Plot…

Ren and his mother moved from Chicago to the small town of Bomont, Utah.  It’s a huge change for Ren, a high school senior, but he’s trying to adapt.  Ren has made a few friends. Willard, a real country boy, is his closest buddy.  Ariel, a girl Ren’s attracted to, likes him as well.  Unfortunately, Ren has made a few enemies. Reverand Moore, Ariel’s father, sees Ren as a bad influence.  Ariel’s older ex-boyfriend, Chuck Cranston is looking for a chance to get a couple of friends and beat-up Ren.

When Ren learns there is a city ordinance that bans dancing, he makes it his mission to get an exception for the Senior Prom.  This only makes Reverand Moore dislike him more (no pun intended).

Ren’s not a quiter.  The odds are against him.  But like Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse, the kid’s gotta dance.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Footloose was nominated for two 1985 Academy Awards…

  • Nominee for Best Music, Original Song – Kenny Loggins (music) & Dean Pitchford (lyrics) for the song “Footloose”
  • Nominee for Best Music, Original Song – Tom Snow & Dean Pitchford for the song “Let’s Hear It for the Boy”

In the opening credits over 150 different pairs of dancing feet were shot.  Most were cast and crew.  Kenny Loggins wore the gold shoes.

While it is true that Chris Penn was not a good dancer (one of the reasons that led to the scenes of Kevin Bacon teaching him how to move), Kevin Bacon also had five different doubles for all of his dance scenes. One of Bacon’s dance doubles was Peter Tramm who was at the time married to Marine Jahan. Jahan was the uncredited dance double for Jennifer Beals in Flashdance.

Dianne Wiest and John Lithgow played Lori Singer’s parents.  Wiest is just 9 years older than Singer.  Lithgow just twelve.

Frances Lee McCain played Ren’s mother.  She is only twelve years older than Kevin Bacon.

Footloose is a fun little movie full of cliches, dancing and music.  If you go with it, you should have a fun time.

Footloose (1984) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Beetlejuice” (1988) starring Michael Keaton, Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin / Z-View

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Beetlejuice (1988)

Director:  Tim Burton

Screenplay:  Michael McDowell, Warren Skaaren; story by Michael McDowell, Larry Wilson

Stars:  Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Michael Keaton, Jeffrey Jones, Catherine O’Hara, Winona Ryder and Glenn Shadix.

Tagline: In This House… If You’ve Seen One Ghost… You Haven’t Seen Them All.

The Plot…

Adam and Barbara Maitland are almost home when they swerve to avoid hitting a dog.  Their car goes over a bridge and into the river.

When Adam and Barbara wake up they’re home.

And dead.

Adam and Barbara are now ghosts in their country home.  When their house is sold, the new owners are a New York real estate developer, his wife who considers herself an artist and their goth daughter.

Adam and Barbara hate changes made to the house by the new owners.  So they decide to scare the new family into moving. That doesn’t work so Adam and Barbara decide they’ll move on.  But because of afterlife red tape and bureaucracy,  Adam and Barbara can’t leave their former house for 125 years.  The afterlife is like nothing they could have imagined.

Adam and Barbara learn about Betelgeuse, a self-proclaimed bio-exorcist.  Despite warnings that Betlegeuse is a rude, crude, spirit that cannot be trusted, Adam and Barbara decide to ask for his help.

Be careful what you ask for… you just might get it.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Beetlejuice was nominated and won one Academy Award for Best Make-up – Ve Neill, Steve LaPorte, and Robert Short.

Catherine O’Hara met her future husband, Bo Welch who was production designer for Beetlejuice, during filming.

Tim Burton originally wanted Sammy Davis, Jr. to play Beetlejuice.  The studio wouldn’t agree.

Sylvia Sidney plays a smoking ghost with a hole in her throat through which she exhales smoke. Sadly Ms. Sidney died from throat cancer at the age of 88.

Geena Davis is so cute in this film.

Michael Keaton is perfect as Beetlejuice.

Beetlejuice (1988) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Animals” (2026) directed by Ben Affleck, starring Ben Affleck, Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson and Steven Yeun / Z-View

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Animals (2026)

Director: Ben Affleck

Screenplay:  Connor O. McIntyre, Billy Ray, Ben Affleck

Stars:  Ben Affleck, Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson, Adriana Paz, Ray Fisher, Luis Gerardo Méndez and Steven Yeun.

Tagline: Power can’t protect you.

The Plot…

Mark Kimball is an independent candidate running for Mayor of Los Angeles.  The race has been an uphill battle that’s put a strain on his marriage to Abigail.

With election day near, Mark is just a few percentage points from the lead.  To get money needed to put him over the top, Mark secretly signs over his family’s savings.  Once he wins, the money will be paid back.

Then the unthinkable happens. Mark and Abigail’s son is kidnapped.  The kidnapper’s ransom demand is out of reach since Mark secretly used the money for his campaign.  If they go to the police, the kidnappers promise to kill their son.

With nowhere else to turn Mark and Abigail enlist the aid of Dayle.  Dayle works outside the law, but has success in dealing with kidnappers.  Dayle doesn’t come cheap and payment delays carry a high interest rate.  As Dayle questions Mark and Abigail secrets held by each are exposed.

Then something unexpected happens.  And it changes everything.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Animals was originally going to star Matt Damon and Jennifer Garner (Ben Affleck’s ex-wife) with Affleck still directing.  When filming was delayed, Damon had to back out.  With Damon out, Affleck decided to take the starring role.  Garner then decided to pass on her role.  Kerry Washington was then signed.

Just weeks before filming was to start, Affleck halted production.  Highest 2 Lowest directed by Spike Lee, starring Denzel Washington had been announced.  The plots of Animals and Highest 2 Lowest were similar.  Affleck decided to make changes to Animals to make it a more morally ambiguous drama exploring marriage, public image, and personal integrity.

Gillian Anderson is excellent as Dayle.  It’s my favorite of Gillian Anderson role.

Animals (2026) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Nighthawks” (1981) starring Sylvester Stallone, Billy Dee Williams & Rutgar Hauer / Z-View

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Nighthawks (1981)

Director: Bruce Malmuth

Screenplay:  David Shaber; story by David Shaber, Paul Sylbert

Stars:  Sylvester Stallone, Billy Dee Williams, Lindsay Wagner, Persis Khambatta, Nigel Davenport, Joe Spinell, Tony Munafo, Catherine Mary Stewart and Rutger Hauer.

Tagline: One man can bring the world to its knees and only one man can stop him.

The Plot…

Terrorist attacks across Europe are on the rise.  In response, the United States created the Anti-Terrorist Action Command (ATAC).  Under the direction of British Police Inspector Peter Hartman, the ATAC squad is made up of the best of the best.  Detectives Deke DaSilva and Matthew Fox of the Street Crimes Unit are transferred to ATAC.

When Wulfgar, an international terrorist, claims responsibility for a New York bombing, the ATAC squad knows they must find and end Wulfgar by whatever means necessary.

Soon DaSilva and Fox will get the chance.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

David Shaber’s original script was meant to become French Connection 3.  Popeye Doyle (Gene Hackman) would be teamed with a wisecracking partner.  Hackman didn’t want to return, so 20th Century Fox sold the script to Universal where it was reworked into Nighthawks.

Nighthawks features the American debut of Rutgar Hauer.  Hauer was offered a role in the big budget film Sphinx at the same time as Nighthawks.  His salary for Sphinx would have been much more, but he opted to co-star in Nighthawks.

The original director, Gary Nelson (best known as the director of Freaky Friday and The Black Hole) was the original director.  Nelson was fired after a week of filming.  Bruce Malmuth was Nelson’s replacement.  Since Malmuth couldn’t make the next scheduled day of shooting, Stallone directed the subway chase scene.

Legendary stuntman Dar Robinson was the stunt coordinator on Nighthawks.  Sylvester Stallone did most of his own stunts including hanging from the Roosevelt Island Tramway 250 feet over the East River.

At the time of Nighthawks‘ release many people believed that a terrorist attack on American soil was unrealistic.  Then came the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing and 2001 World Trade Center attack (to name a few).

Nighthawks original cut was much longer (reportedly 2 1/2 hours vs the 99 minute theaterical version) and more violent.  Scenes with Lindsay Wagner, Rutger Hauer and Persis Khambatta were removed to streamline the film.  To reduce violence, an extended shootout in the disco was cut and the final standoff between Stallone and Hauer was cut.  I would love to see Stallone get a chance to create a new cut of Nighthawks (like he did for Rocky IV).

Some Nighthawks lobby cards/promotional photos show scenes deleted from the film. These include (Think what Stallone could do with these!):

  • Deke and Matthew on a different drug bust
  • Wulfgar and Shaka with a plastic surgeon
  • Deke and Irene at a party
  • Deke and Irene talking inside of her house and in her bedroom
  • A love scene between Wulfgar and Shaka
  • More of the Metropolitan Museum of Art United Nations meeting
  • Deke talking with the French ambassador whose wife was killed by Wulfgar on the tram
  • Deke and Irene holding each other on the stairs of her house after Deke killed Wulfgar

Nighthawks is an under-rated film.

Nighthawks (1981) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Death Wish” starring Charles Bronson / Z-View

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Death Wish (1974)

Director:  Michael Winner

Screenplay:  Wendell Mayes;  based on DEATH WISH by Brian Garfield

Stars:  Charles Bronson, Vincent Gardenia, William Redfield, Hope Lange, Steven Keats, Stuart Margolin, Kathleen Tolan, Olympia Dukakis, Art Evans, John Herzfeld, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, Eric Laneuville, Saul Rubinek and Jeff Goldblum.

Tagline: Vigilante, city style — Judge, Jury, and Executioner

The Plot…

When his wife is murdered and his daughter raped and left for dead, Paul Kersey, a mild-mannered middle-aged architect is told that finding the killers is unlikely.  It was a random crime.  One of many that happen daily and nightly in New York City.

Kersey decides to start carrying a weapon.  When a mugger attempts to rob him, Kersey kills the thug.  Kersey is surprised to get away with the homicide.

They say that the first killing is the hardest.  Kersey discovers that to be true as he becomes Judge, Jury, and Executioner of criminals prowling the streets and subways after dark.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Death Wish is based on Brian Garfield’s novel of the same name.  Several changes were made for the adaption including changing the protagonist’s name, job and making him bigger and more physical than the mild-mannererd accountant in the book.  Brian Garfield said he thought Bronson was miscast — Garfield also didn’t like the changes made to his book.

Death Wish features the film debut of Jeff Goldblum.  John Herzfeld, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs and Eric Laneuville make cameos as muggers.

Jill Ireleand, Charles Bronson’s real life wife, usually appears in his films as his wife/love interest.  Bronson didn’t want her in this film because of the scene where she would be “humiliated” by the muggers.  Bronson suggested “someone like Hope Lange”.  So the producers got Hope Lange.

Although there are rumors that Denzel Washington appears uncredited in Death Wish as a mugger, and the actor looks like him, Washington denies it is him.  Further, Washington hadn’t started acting at that time!

Death Wish is the fourth of sixth films that director Michael Winner and Charles Bronson made.

The success of Death Wish led to four sequels and a reboot starring Bruce Willis. Before Willis, Sylvester Stallone was set to direct and star in a remake.

I saw Death Wish when it was first released and many times over the years.  It holds up.  I was surprised that Paul Kersey never found/had a run-in with the punks who murdered his wife and raped his daughter.  A lot of movies would have forced that.

Death Wish (1974) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Backrooms” (2026) directed by Kane Parsons, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve and Mark Duplass / Z-Views

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Backrooms (2026)

Director: Kane Parsons

Screenplay:  Will Soodik; based on Backrooms by Kane Parsons

Stars:  Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett and Lukita Maxwell.

Tagline: See how far it goes.

The Plot…

Clark wanted to be an architect.  Instead he owns a struggling furniture superstore.  He’s in a failing marriage and drinks too much.  Things at home are so rough, Clark’s moved into the basement of his store.

Late one night the power begins to flicker.  Clark sees a light coming from a wall.  When he moves over to check it out, he goes through the wall.  On the other side Clark discovers a maze of backrooms that appear to go on forever.

Clark decides to investigate, only to discover too late, he’s not alone.  And whatever is down there has bad intentions… and is searching for him.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Backrooms began as an anthology of video segments uploaded by Kane Parsons to Youtube.  Due to the popularity of the series several movie studios expressed interest in a feature film adaptation.

To create Backrooms 30,000 square feet of maze were built.

With Backrooms release, Kane Parsons became the youngest person to direct a film to open at #1 at the box office.  He was just 20 years old.

Backrooms reminds me of an extended episode of The Twilight Zone.  I just wish Backrooms had a stronger ending.

Backrooms (2026) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Marjoe” (1972) starring Marjoe Gortner / Z-View

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Marjoe (1972)

Director: Howard Smith, Sarah Kernochan

Stars:  Marjoe Gortner

Tagline: You Keep the Faith…Marjoe Keeps the Money.

The Plot…

Marjoe Gortner’s parents were traveling evangelists.  While still a small child, his parents discovered Marjoe’s ability to mimick adults.  They devised the story that Marjoe while taking a bath was struck by the Holy spirit.  Marjoe was ordained at the age of four.  His parents practiced with Marjoe the words to say, the hand gestures to make and the body language to project for each sermon.  Marjoe was a sensation everywhere they went.  After each sermon the money poured in.

Marjoe, in his twenties, decided to expose the methods used to dupe folks.  He took a documentary crew with him on his last revival tour.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Marjoe was nominated and won the Academy Award for Best Documentary, Features –Howard Smith, Sarah Kernochan

Marjoe’s father appeared in one scene unaware that the documentary was an exposé.

Marjoe Gortner went on to have a career as an actor.

Marjoe (1972) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Desperado” (1995) written & directed by Robert Rodriguez, starring Antonio Banderas, Joaquim de Almeida & Salma Hayek / Z-View

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Desperado (1995)

Director: Robert Rodriguez

Screenplay:  Robert Rodriguez

Stars:  Antonio Banderas, Joaquim de Almeida, Salma Hayek, Steve Buscemi, Cheech Marin, Carlos Gómez, Carlos Gallardo, Danny Trejo and Quentin Tarantino

Tagline: He came back to settle the score with someone. Anyone. EVERYONE.

The Plot…

A man known as El Mariachi arrives in a small Mexican border town. He’s come to kill the drug cartel crime lord Bucho.  As Mariachi works us way up the chain of command, it becomes clear, he’ll kill anyone and EVERYONE who gets in his way.

As one of the taglines says, “When the smoke clears, it just means he’s reloading.”

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Antonio Banderas directed the bathroom scene that takes place before the second tavern shootout.

Robert Rodriguez and Danny Trejo are second cousins.

Desperado is a remake of Robert Rodriguez’s earlier film El Mariachi.  Rodriguez self-financed El Mariachi using credit cards and his personal finances.  The budget was just $7,000.00.

Carlos Gallardo played the title role in El Mariachi and also plays one of the two musicians who comes to assist El Mariachi in Desperado.

Desperado (1995) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Animal Crackers” (2017) / Z-View

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Animal Crackers (2017)

Director: Scott Christian Sava, Tony Bancroft

Screenplay:  Scott Christian Sava, Dean Lorey

Stars:  Emily Blunt, Danny DeVito, John Krasinski, Ian McKellen, Sylvester Stallone, Patrick Warburton, Raven-Symoné, Harvey Fierstein, Wallace Shawn, Gilbert Gottfried, Tara Strong, James Arnold Taylor, Kevin Grevioux and Lydia Rose Taylor.

Tagline: A magical adventure in every bite!

The Plot…

Owen and Zoe meet at Owen’s family circus as children.  Years later, they marry.  Owen leaves the circus to work at his father-in-law’s dog biscuit factory as a taster.   When Owen inherits the circus, Zoe decides to give it a go.

The circus has seen better days.  Then Owen and Zoe find a box of magical animal crackers.  Eating an animal shaped cracker turns the person into the real animal!  Owen eats different crackers and becomes the circus’ star attraction.

Owen’s evil uncle, wants the circus and plans to steal the magic animal crackers.

 And now if I can direct your attention to the center ring… the show is about to start!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Animal Crackers is based on a graphic novel that co-Director Scott Christian Sava wrote for his two children.  He set the story in his hometown of Franklin, Tennessee.

Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, who voice the married couple, Zoe and Owen, are married in real-life.

I watched this with my grandchildren (ages 3 and 7), they loved it.  Their laughter was contagious!

Animal Crackers (2017) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Rambo” (2008) directed by and starring Sylvester Stallone / Z-View

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Rambo (2008)

Director: Sylvester Stallone

Screenplay:  Art Monterastelli, Sylvester Stallone

Stars:  Sylvester Stallone, Julie Benz, Paul Schulze, Matthew Marsden, Graham McTavish, Rey Gallegos, Tim Kang, Jake La Botz, Maung Maung Khin and Ken Howard.

Tagline: Live for nothing, or die for something.

The Plot…

Twenty years have passed since Rambo’s rescue of Colonel Trautman in Afghanistan.  Rambo makes his living as a snake catcher and ferryman.

When Michael Burnett approaches Rambo to take his missionary group up river, Rambo refuses. Burnett wants to go into a war zone to render humanitarian aide to villagers brutalized by the Burmese Army.  Burnett’s fiancée, Sarah, makes an appeal to Rambo, but he again refuses.  Burnett’s group believes in nonviolence.  They’re traveling without weapons or additional security.  Odds would be against their survival.

Later that night Sarah speaks to Rambo again.  Burnett’s group is going with or without him.  Against his better judgment, Rambo agrees to take them up river, drop them off and return home.

Not long after, Arthur Marsh informs Rambo that Burnett’s group are held prisoner by Burmese soldiers.  Marsh has hired mercenaries to rescue them.  He wants Rambo to take the mercs up river.

Rambo agrees.  But this time, Rambo’s not just doing a drop off.  This time, he’s going to war.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Rambo’s creator, David Morrell had this to say about the movie: “I’m happy to report that overall I’m pleased. The level of violence might not be for everyone, but it has a serious intent. This is the first time that the tone of my novel FIRST BLOOD has been used in any of the movies. It’s spot-on in terms of how I imagined the character – angry, burned-out, and filled with self-disgust because Rambo hates what he is and yet knows it’s the only thing he does well.”

Rambo, like Rocky Balboa is such a great bookend to its franchise.  While it is true that each had more movies to come, at the time it was thought that each would end the series.

One of my favorite John Rambo scenes is when the river pirates stop the group.  Stallone’s direction, shows Rambo silently assessing the situation.  Rambo determines the greatest dangers and the order he needs to eliminate them.  I also love the scene when Sarah returns in the pouring rain to try to convince Rambo to take them up river.

I know it’s sacrilege, but if push came to shove, I’d pick Rambo over First Blood.

Rambo (2008) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“The Last Run” (1971) starring George C. Scott / Z-View

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The Last Run (1971)

Director: Richard Fleischer

Screenplay:  Alan Sharp

Stars:  George C. Scott, Tony Musante, Trish Van Devere and Colleen Dewhurst .

Tagline: In the tradition of Hemingway and Bogart.

The Plot…

Harry Garmes was a getaway driver.  And a good one.  But he left his life of crime years ago.  After his son died.  And his wife left him.  Now Garmes lives alone in a small fishing village in southern Portugal.

When Garmes is unexpectedly offered a job, he accepts it.  Garmes is to drive Paul Rickard, an escaped convict, across the border.  Garmes wasn’t expecting Rickard to show up with his girlfriend.

Or that he would fall for her.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Last Run had a troubled production.  The original director was John Huston.  Huston and George C. Scott repeatedly clashed.  Within a few weeks, Huston walked.  Richard Fleischer came on as director.  The original leading lady, Tina Marquand, was replaced with Trish Van Devere.  Despite these problems and more, the film finished one week and just $30,000 over budget.

Colleen Dewhurst and George C. Scott were married during the production of The Last Run.  Dewhurst completed her scenes and returned to the US.  As production continued George C. Scott and Trish Van Devere fell in love.  After filming completed Scott divorced Dewhurst and married Van Devere.

George C. Scott said he made this film because it felt like something Bogart would have done.  It does have an “old time” feel.

The Last Run (1971) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Platoon” written & directed by Oliver Stone; starring Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe and Charlie Sheen / Z-View

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Platoon (1986)

Director: Oliver Stone

Screenplay:  Oliver Stone

Stars:  Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, Charlie Sheen, Keith David, Forest Whitaker, Kevin Dillon, John C. McGinley, Mark Moses, Tony Todd, Dale Dye, Oliver Stone and Johnny Depp.

Tagline: The first casualty of war is innocence.

The Plot…

1967.  The Viet Nam war rages.  While most US soldiers are drafted, Chris Taylor volunteered for duty.  Taylor arrives in Viet Nam and finds himself in a Platoon under the command of a young and inexperienced Lieutenant named Wolfe.  Although Wolfe gives the final orders, it is the two battle-tested Sergeants, Barnes and Elias, that the men respect.

Staff Sergeant Barnes has a soul as scarred as his face.  Barnes is there to get the job done.  He is hard, even brutal…to the enemy as well as those soldiers under him.  To Barnes the only good gook is a dead gook. Sergeant Elias has compassion for his men and an understanding of his enemy.  Elias is more of a “hearts and minds” soldier.

Each Sergeant has members of the platoon that prefer their leadership.  A mission goes sideways.  Members of the platoon are killed.  Barnes incites and leads his men as they commit war crimes.

Taylor will have to make a choice.  Look the other way or take a stand.  Either decision could mark him for death.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Platoon was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won four…

  • Nominee for Best Cinematography – Robert Richardson
  • Nominee for Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen – Oliver Stone
  • Nominee for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Willem Dafoe
  • Nominee for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Tom Berenger
  • Winner for Best Film Editing – Claire Simpson
  • Winner for Best Sound –  John Wilkinson, Richard D. Rogers, Charles Grenzbach, Simon Kaye
  • Winner for Best Director – Oliver Stone
  • Winner for Best Picture – Arnold Kopelson

Oliver Stone cast his leads against type.  Before Platoon Tom Berenger was usually the hero and Willem Dafoe the villian.  It worked.  Each man was nominated for an Academy Award.

When Jim Morrison (lead singer of The Doors) died, a Platoon script was in his possession.  Oliver Stone sent it to him in hopes that he would play Chris Taylor.

I saw Platoon when it was first released.  I thought it was good.  I went back a week later for another viewing and liked it much better.

Platoon (1986) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“The Street Fighter” starring Sonny Chiba / Z-View

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The Street Fighter (1974)

Director:  Shigehiro Ozawa

Screenplay:  Kōji Takada, Motohiro Torii

Stars:  Sonny Chiba, Yutaka Nakajima

Tagline: If you’ve got to fight…fight dirty!

The Plot…

Terry Tsurugi, a martial arts master, is approached by the Yakuza to kidnap Sari, a billionaire’s daughter.   Terry opts to instead protect her.

Now the forces of the Yakuza are gunning for Terry and Sari.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I wanted to see The Street Fighter when it was first released in 1974.  I couldn’t because it was rated X because of the violent fight scenes.  No one under 17 admitted.  I had just turned 16.  When I finally got to see The Street Fighter I was so disappointed.

Sonny Chiba is a legend among many martial arts fans.  To me his facial expressions/grimaces were over the top and even comical.

The Street Fighter (1974) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Spartacus” (1960) directed by Stanley Kubrick, starring Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons, Charles Laughton, Peter Ustinov, John Gavin, Tony Curtis and Woody Strode / Z-View

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Spartacus (1960)

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Screenplay: Dalton Trumbo; based on SPARTACUS by Howard Fast.

Stars:  Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons, Charles Laughton, Peter Ustinov, John Gavin, Tony Curtis, John Ireland, Herbert Lom, John Dall, Charles McGraw, Harold J. Stone, Hume Cronyn, Richard Farnsworth and Woody Strode.

Tagline: They trained him to kill for their pleasure. . .but they trained him a little too well. . .

The Plot…

Spartacus, a Thracian slave, is so rebellious that he is sentenced to die.  Before the execution is carried out, Lentulus Batiatus buys Spartacus. Batiatus trains former slaves to become gladiators.  These gladiators will die fighting each other to provide entertainment for rich and powerful Romans.

Spartacus’ rebellious ways continue at the school for gladiators.  Pushed to his limit, Spartacus fights back against one of his oppressors.  To his (and everyone’s surprise) the other gladiators-in-training join in Spartacus’ revolt.

Spartacus and his well-trained gladiators move from village to village freeing slaves along the way.  Most freed slaves join the rebellion.

Rome is worried.  The slave uprising must be put down.   So the most powerful army in the world turns its sights on Spartacus.  The revolt must be crushed!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Spartacus was nominated for six 1961 Academy Awards and won four…

  • Nominee for Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture – Alex North
  • Nominee for Best Film Editing – Robert Lawrence
  • Winner for Best Costume Design, Color– Valles, Bill Thomas
  • Winner for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Color – Alexander Golitzen, Eric Orbom, Russell A. Gausman, Julia Heron
  • Winner for Best Cinematography, Color – Russell Metty
  • Winner for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Peter Ustinov

Anthony Mann was the original director of Spartacus.  Creative differences between Mann and Kirk Douglas led to Stanley Kubrick coming on as director.  The salt mine locations were the only Mann directed scenes to make the final cut.  Ironically, Douglas and Kubrick also had major creative differences.

A few years after the release of Spartacus, Anthony Mann directed Kirk Douglas in The Heroes of Telemark.

Stanley Kubrick disliked the working conditions of this film.  It is the only “work-for-hire” credit on his resume.  On every other Kubrick film, he had complete control.

A scene cut for the original release was restored in 1991.  It is the scene where Marcus Licinius Crassus (Sir Laurence Olivier) attempts to seduce Antoninus (Tony Curtis) using inuendo of snails and oysters.  The original soundtrack was lost.  Curtis re-recorded his lines.  Since Olivier had died, Anthony Hopkins (who was known to imitate Olivier’s voice) was brought in to re-record Olivier’s lines.  Hopkins is thanked in the updated credits

The 1991 restoration contains exactly four additional minutes of footage than the original release.  Two minutes are the famous “snails and oysters” scene with the additional two minutes going to the overture, intermission, and exit music.

Kirk Douglas said that he made Spartacus because he was turned down for the lead in Ben-Hur.

I was surprised to see Hume Cronyn as a gladiator!

Spartacus is a classic.  A film everyone should see.

Spartacus (1960) rates 5 of 5 stars.