Category: Trivia

“Commando” (1985) starring Arnold Schwarzenegger / Z-View

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Commando (1985)

Director:  Mark L. Lester

Screenplay: Steven E. de Souza; story by Joseph Loeb III,  Matthew Weisman, Steven E. de Souza

Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rae Dawn Chong, Dan Hedaya, Vernon Wells, James Olson, David Patrick Kelly, Alyssa Milano, Drew Snyder, Michael DeLano,
Bob Minor, Michael Adams, Gary Carlos Cervantes, Chelsea Field, Bill Paxton  and Bill Duke

Tagline:  Somewhere, somehow, someone’s going to pay.

The Plot…

John Matrix, a retired Special Forces Commando, is the single parent of a young daughter.  They live in a remote mountain house.  Life is great.

When a military helicopter flies in unannounced, Matrix knows bad news is coming.  Matrix’s former commander informs him that every member of his former squad has been executed.

Just then shots ring out.

A team of mercenaries attacks.  Matrix puts up a valiant fight, but his daughter is kidnapped.  The kidnappers work for Arius, the former dictator of Val Verde. Matrix  is told that if he kills Val Verde’s current leader, Matrix’s daughter will be released.  If not, she will be killed.  Matrix has less than twelve hours to complete his assignment.

The clock is ticking.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Commando is a classic 80s action movie.  It features over-the-top scenes, a hero who quips as he performs feats of strength and kills countless bad guys without breaking a sweat… all to a cool soundtrack.

Harold Lloyd’s Beverly Hills mansion was used for the final shootout with Arias’ soldiers.  If it looks familiar it could be because the mansion was also used in the final shootout in Beverly Hills Cop.

Val Verde is a fictional country, but the name has also appeared in Predator and Die Hard II.

Arnold’s line, “I lied” still makes me smile no matter how many times I’ve seen it delivered.

Commando (1985) rates 4 of 5 stars

“Emperor of the North” (1973) directed by Robert Aldrich; starring Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine and Keith Carradine / Z-View

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Emperor of the North (1973)

Director:  Robert Aldrich

Screenplay: Christopher Knopf

Stars: Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, Keith Carradine, Charles Tyner, Malcolm Atterbury, Simon Oakland, Harry Caesar, Hal Baylor, Matt Clark, Joe Di Reda, Liam Dunn, Robert Foulk, Jim Goodwin, Sid Haig, Karl Lukas  and Elisha Cook Jr.

Tagline:  You can ride Shack’s train and live you will be Emperor of the North

The Plot…

The Great Depression is in full swing.  A sub-culture of hobos travel the country by freight-hopping.  That is, they jump on trains without paying and hide in freight cars.  These vagabonds would often help themselves to whatever was being transported.

In an effort to keep the drifters off their trains, the railroad companies hired thuggish conductors.  These de facto enforcers would throw the hobos off the trains usually after a good beating. If the bums were lucky they lived with just bruises or broken bones.

The meanest and toughest of all railroad conductors was a brute known as Shack.  No hobo ever was able to ride the #19.  Most didn’t even try.  Shack carried a hammer as a matter of course.  He also had other tricks he used to maim or kill anyone who dared try to ride his train.  His reputation was perfect.

Then A-#1 came along.  Word was A-#1 got the best of Shack and rode the #19.  Of course no one was sure.  Especially since a young drifter, who called himself Cigaret was claiming it wasn’t A-#1 who outsmarted Shack.  It was him.

Now A-#1 has put out word that he’s going to ride the #19 all the way to Portland.  Shack’s heard.  He and his hammer will be waiting.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Emperor of the North was originally titled Emperor of the North Pole.  The title was changed because studio execs thought people would think it was a Christmas movie. Emperor of the North Pole was a hobo term explained in the movie.

Some posters for the movie had the tagline “Lee Marvin & Ernest Borgnine meet in the fight of the century”.  Their fight lives up to the tagline.  It is one of the most brutal movie fights up to that time.

Emperor of the North is underrated.

Emperor of the North (1973) rates 4 of 5 stars

“Night of the Hunter” (1955) directed by Charles Laughton; starring Robert Mitchum, Lillian Gish, Shelley Winters, Billy Chapin and Sally Jane Bruce / Z-View

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                                  Night of the Hunter alt poster by Laurent Carbonelle

Night of the Hunter (1955)

Director:  Charles Laughton

Screenplay: James Agee; based on THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER by Davis Grubb

Stars: Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, Lillian Gish, James Gleason, Evelyn Varden, Don Beddoe, Billy Chapin, Sally Jane Bruce, Gloria Castillo, Corey Allen, Paul Bryar and Peter Graves.

Tagline: The scenes…the story…The stars BUT ABOVE ALL – THE SUSPENSE!

The Plot…

The Great Depression has a stranglehold on the country.

Harry Powell is the proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing.  Powell claims to be a traveling preacher.  In truth Powell is a psychotic serial killer.

Powell’s hatred for women consumes him.  He says to himself, “There are things you do hate, Lord. Perfume-smellin’ things, lacy things, things with curly hair…There’s too many of them. I can’t kill the world.”  Powell travels the countryside taking advantage of the weak.  He steals and kills without regret.  Then moves on to find the next victim.

Powell is caught in a stolen car.  Sent to prison, he is celled with Ben Harper.  Harper and a friend, unable to find jobs become desperate enough to rob a bank.  Two men and Harper’s friend were killed in the theft.  Harper made it home to hid the bank’s $10,000.  As the police came to arrest him, he told his two small children where the money was hidden, and made them swear to never tell.

Harry Powell learns of the $10,000 robbery and attempts to get Harper to tell where he hid the loot.  Harper takes the secret to his grave when he is hanged for his crimes.  When Powell is released from prison he decides to call on Harper’s widow.

Powell plans to woo and wed widow Harper.  Once he finds the hidden cash, he’ll kill the woman and her little children too.

“It’s a hard world for little things.”

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Night of the Hunter is based on Davis Grubb’s novel THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER.

Night of the Hunter is sadly the only film ever directed by Charles Laughton.

When Mitchum’s character is seen in silhouette in the distance riding a horse, it is actually a dwarf on a pony.  The scene was filmed in forced perspective.

Robert Mitchum said that Charles Laughton was his favorite director and Night of the Hunter was the favorite film that he starred in.

The Harry Powell character was based on a real serial killer named Harry Powers.  Powers found his victims through “lonely hearts” advertisements.  Powers killed women and their children then stole their money and valuables.  When Powers was caught, police found many letters from women wanting to meet him.  Powers was convicted and hung for his crimes.

There’s a shot of Winters that is haunting.  It will stay with you forever.

Stephen King has called Night of the Hunter the scariest film of all time.

Night of the Hunter is a classic.  Everyone should watch it at least once.

Night of the Hunter (1955) rates 5 of 5 stars

“Total Recall” (1990) directed by Paul Verhoeven; starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside, Rachel Ticotin and Ronny Cox / Z-View

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Total Recall (1990)

Director:  Paul Verhoeven

Screenplay: Ronald Shusett, Dan O’Bannon, Gary Goldman; story by Ronald Shusett, Dan O’Bannon, Jon Povill; based on “We Can Remember It for You Wholesale” by Philip K. Dick

Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside, Rachel Ticotin, Ronny Cox, Marshall Bell, Mel Johnson Jr., Michael Champion, Roy Brocksmith, Ray Baker, David Knell, Alexia Robinson, Debbie Lee Carrington, Lycia Naff, Robert Costanzo and Dean Norris.

Tagline: How would you know after memory implantation if your mind is yours?

The Plot…

The year is 2084.  Mars is now a colonized planet.  The leader of the planet is Vilos Cohaagen.  Cohaagen is a dictatorial ruler who came to power thanks to his management of the mining of turbinium ore.  Cohaagen rules with an iron hand.

Douglas Quaid is a construction worker on Earth.  Quaid continues to have recurring nightmares about being on Mars.  In his dreams Quaid is involved with a woman and on a mysterious mission.  Quaid realizes that a trip to Mars is out of the question.  So he decides to check out Rekall.

Rekall uses the latest technology to implant memories that are no different than one would actually have experienced.  Quaid decides to purchase a memory of Mars.  Because the memories are implanted a customer can be or do anything.  Quaid decides to be a secret agent sent on a mission to save Mars.  Once the memory is implanted, he will believe that everything he remembers is true.

During the implant stage, Quaid begins struggling.  The Rekall techs see that Quaid has had a procedure to repress memories.  Concerned that unlocking these memories would put them at odds with Cohaagen, the Rekall workers shut down the process.  

On the way home Quaid is attacked.  Quaid is surprised to discover he is able to kill his attackers.  Now he’s confused.  Is he a former spy?  Is it just a memory?  If he is a spy, and his cover is blown, who can he trust?  What was his mission?

A trip to Mars will be required to discover the truth.  But can Quaid ever really be sure?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Total Recall (1990) was nominated for three 1991 Academy Awards and won one…

  • Nominee for Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing – Stephen Hunter Flick
  • Best Sound – Nelson Stoll, Michael J. Kohut, Carlos Delarios, Aaron Rochin
  • Winner for Special Achievement Award – Eric Brevig, Rob Bottin, Tim McGovern, Alex Funke

Arnold Schwarzenegger was supposed to star in Robocop, directed by Paul Verhoeven.  But the deal fell through.  When Schwarzenegger saw Robocop, he was determined to do a film with Verhoeven.  Verhoeven was in talks to direct Black Rain. When the film was delayed, Schwarzenegger lobbied to get Verhoeven on board to helm Total Recall.  Since Verhoeven also wanted to work with Schwarzenegger, he passed on Black Rain.

Patrick Swayze was originally set to star with Bruce Beresford as director. When Dino De Laurentis’ company went bankrupt Schwarzenegger convinced Carolco to buy the rights. In early drafts the Quaid character was called Quill and was an accountant.  Once Arnold was on board the named changed as did the occupation.  Quaid was now a muscular construction worker.

Russell “Highlander” Mulcahy had been in talks to direct Total Recall.  Sylvester Stallone wanted Mulcahy to direct Rambo III (1988).  Stallone won out.  Ironically, Mulcahy was fired just a few weeks into filming due to creative differences with Stallone. Peter MacDonald (Rambo III‘s second-unit director) took over.

DC published a Total Recall comic book adaptation written by Elliot S. Maggin and drawn by Tom Lyle.

Total Recall (1990) rates 4 of 5 stars

“28 Days Later” written by Alex Garland; directed by Danny Boyle; starring Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Brenden Gleeson and Megan Burns / Z-View

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28 Days Later (2002)

Director:  Danny Boyle

Screenplay: Alex Garland

Stars: Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Megan Burns, Christopher Eccleston, Alex Palmer, David Schneider, Toby Sedgwick, Noah Huntley, Kim McGarrity, Luke Mably, Stuart McQuarrie and Brendan Gleeson.

Tagline: Day 1: Exposure – Day 3: Infection – Day 8: Epidemic – Day 15: Evacuation – Day 20: Devastation

The Plot…

Jim awakens after being in a coma for 28 days.  He’s in a hospital bed, but the hospital is deserted.  Jim throws on some clothes and heads out into the street.  Broad daylight and no one is seen.

Jim goes into a church.  In the sanctuary are dozens of people.  Most show signs of major physical trauma.  They appear to be sleeping.  When a priest sees Jim and begins to attack, the infected come out of their slumber and attack as well.

Jim barely escapes.  Jim comes to realize that while he was in a coma, a fast-acting virus turned normal people into mindless, frenzied, killing machines.  There are few survivors in a city that once held over 7 million souls.  Jim meets and befriends three who have endured: Selena, a young woman about his age, Frank, a middle-aged man and his teenage daughter Hannah.

A radio broadcast repeats the message that protection can be found at a location outside of Manchester.  The four debate if there is truly salvation there.  The broadcast could be outdated.  Everyone there could be dead.  The people there could be as dangerous as the infected.  The journey will require them to pass through multiple congested areas.

Ultimately the group decides to go.  Unexpected dangers await. Not all will survive.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Megan Burns, who plays Frank’s teenage daughter Hannah, had appeared in only one other film prior to 28 Days Later.  Megan retired from acting after 28 Days Later to pursue a career as a musician.  Her stage name is Betty Curse.

28 Days Later re-invigorated the zombie genre.  Although some argue that the infected aren’t zombies, since they have lost control of their bodies and reasoning, I think they fit the definition.

28 Days Later is a classic.  Well written, well directed and well acted.  <Chef’s kiss>

28 Days Later (2002) rates 5 of 5 stars

“Lockout” (2012) directed by Stephen Saint Leger, James Mather; starring Guy Pearce & Maggie Grace / Z-View

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Lockout (2012)

Director:  Stephen Saint Leger, James Mather

Screenplay: Stephen Saint Leger, James Mather, Luc Besson; story by Luc Besson; based on Escape from New York by John Carpenter, Nick Castle and Escape from L.A. by John Carpenter, Debra Hill, Kurt Russell

Stars: Guy Pearce, Maggie Grace, Peter Stormare, Vincent Regan, Joe Gilgun, Tim Plester, Peter Hudson, Nick Hardin and Lennie James.

Tagline:  Take no prisoners.

The Plot…

2079.  When Agent Snow discovers an unknown operative within the CIA is selling government secrets, he is framed for murder.  Sentenced to 30 years, Snow will be sent to the United States first space prison.  The worst killers, deviants and psychos are sent to MS One, where they spend their sentences in suspended animation.

Critics of this form of punishment claim the prolonged periods of stasis leads to mental psychosis and derangement.  The President’s daughter Emilie has come to MS One to check out conditions at the prison.

As Snow is prepped for transport to MS One, word comes that a riot at the penitentiary has left the convicts in charge.  The leader of the prisoners has warned that if an armed response is mounted, all the hostages will be killed.  The inmates don’t yet know that the President’s daughter is one of their captives.

Soon they will.

It is determined that the best chance to rescue Emilie is to sneak in one well-trained soldier. Chance fits the bill.  If Snow is successful in getting Emilie safely out, he’ll receive a full pardon.

What chance does one man have against a prison full of the worst of the worst?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

If you think the plot of Lockout sounds like John Carpenter’s Escape from New York and Escape from LA, you’re not alone.  John Carpenter thought so as well.  He sued for  plagiarism  and won.

The prisoners who lead the takeover are brothers named Alex and Hydell.  Lee Harvey Oswald,  the assassin who killed John F. Kennedy, used the alias Alex Hydell.

At the end of the film, Snow’s first name is revealed to be Marion.  In Sylvester Stallone’s Cobra, we learn Cobretti’s first name is also Marion.  No wonder they go by their last names (or a variation).

Lookout is so underrated.  A bulked-up Guy Pearce has the look and attitude of a great anti-hero.  I would have loved to have seen more films with this character.

Peter Stormare and Lennie James are always welcome additions to any project.  Lockout is no exception.

When I first saw Lockout I rated it as a solid 4.  Over the years it has grown on me.  Every time I revisit the film, I enjoy the ride.  Therefore I am upping my rating to a 5.  Your mileage may vary.

Lockout (2012) rates 5 of 5 stars

“Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning” (2025) directed by Christopher McQuarrie; starring Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Esai Morales and Pom Klementieff / Z-View

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Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning (2025)

Director:  Christopher McQuarrie

Screenplay: Christopher McQuarrie, Erik Jendresen; based on Mission Impossible by Bruce Geller.

Stars: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Henry Czerny, Holt McCallany, Janet McTeer, Nick Offerman, Hannah Waddingham, Tramell Tillman, Angela Bassett, Greg Tarzan Davis, Charles Parnell, Rolf Saxon, Katy O’Brian, Sydney Cole Alexander and Shea Whigham.

Tagline:  None.

The Plot…

Ethan Hunt is contacted by the President of the United States.  The Entity (a powerful artificial intelligence) has  started taking control of each country’s nuclear arsenal.  In just a short period of time, the Entity will command every nuclear weapon in the world.  Including all those held by the United States.

The Entity, once secure in a bunker safe from nuclear and electromagnetic fallout will launch every country’s nuclear bomb.  This will wipe out almost all of humanity.  The few who survive will restart the world under the direction of the Entity.

Ethan Hunt has a key to the Entity’s source code.  But that is just part of the potential solution.  The President wants the source code key.

Ethan has another plan.  A plan that, if it works, would render the Entity powerless.  But, and this is a HUGE (pardon the pun) but, the odds of Ethan’s plan working are minute.  The lives of every person on the planet hang in the balance.

Light the fuse…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

With Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, Tom Cruise earned his second Guinness World Record.  The first was for being the actor with the most consecutive $100-million grossing movies.  The second was for the most burning parachute jumps by an individual (16).

The action is all-out and way over the top.  It matches the plot.  The expectation for every Mission Impossible movie is it ups the ante on both.  Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning succeeds.  Unless Ethan Hunt was to save the entire universe, it is appropriate that the series ends here.

Esai Morales makes a great villain.  He’s one cocky scoundrel.

Shea Whigham is always good.

Congratulations to Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie the driving forces behind the success of the Mission Impossible franchise.  It was a great run.

Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning features breathtaking stunts, repeated last minute “saves”, a lot of running, ever mounting problems and death-defying solution after death-defying solution.  Too much of a good thing?  Maybe for some.  But just what I expected for the franchise finale.  They stuck the landing.

Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning (2025) rates 5 of 5 stars

“The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” (1966) directed by Sergio Leone; starring Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach & Lee Van Cleef / Z-View

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The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)

Director:  Sergio Leone

Screenplay: Age & Scarpelli, Luciano Vincenzoni, Sergio Leone; story by Luciano Vincenzoni, Sergio Leone.

Stars: Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, Lee Van Cleef.

Tagline:  The Man with No Name Returns!

The Plot…

1862.  The Civil War continues to tear the country apart.  $200,000 in gold is buried in a secret grave in an unknown cemetery by a Confederate soldier named Bill Carson.

“Angel Eyes”, a sadistic mercenary has heard the rumor of buried gold.  He knows the name of the soldier who buried the loot, but not gold’s hiding place.

Tuco, a Mexican bandit, knows the name of the cemetery, but not the grave.

“Blondie”, a bounty hunter, knows the name on the grave, but not the name of the cemetery.

Blondie and Tuco form an uneasy alliance to get the buried gold.  They believe their biggest problem is neither trusts the other.  They will come to realize their gravest threat is Angel Eyes.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Most think that The Good, the Bad and the Ugly was made as part of The Man with No Name Trilogy.  The truth is that Eastwood originally played different characters in each film.  It was Clint Eastwood’s idea to release the three films (A Fistful of Dollars; For A Few Dollars More and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly) in the US during the same year as a trilogy.  Changes to dialogue were made to never tell Eastwood’s character’s real name.

Sergio Leone originally wanted Charles Bronson to play Angel Eyes.  Bronson was committed to The Dirty Dozen, so Lee Van Cleef got the role.

Clint Eastwood came up with the name Angel Eyes for Van Cleef’s character.

Due to a miscommunication, the big scene where the bridge is blown up first happened when no cameras were rolling.  The bridge had to be rebuilt so it could be blown up on camera.

Eli Wallach improvised the line, “When you have to shoot, shoot, don’t talk!”

Ennio Morricone’s soundtrack album peaked at #4, but stayed on Billboards Album chart for over a year.

Although The Good, the Bad and the Ugly was released after A Fistful of Dollars and For A Few Dollars More, it is actually a prequel to the two films.

Eastwood’s character, labeled the Good actually kills more people than the Bad and the Ugly combined.  Angel Eyes, the bad, kills the fewest people in the film.

Angel Eyes is shown to be missing the tip of one of his fingers.  This is not a special effect.  Lee Van Cleef lost the tip of a finger in a carpentry accident.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly made Clint Eastwood a movie star.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) rates 5 of 5 stars

“Get Carter” (2000) directed by Stephen Kay; starring Sylvester Stallone, Rachael Leigh Cook, Miranda Richardson, Alan Cumming, Mickey Rourke & Michael Caine / Z-View

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Get Carter (2000)

Director:  Stephen Kay

Screenplay: David McKenna; based on JACK’S RETURN HOME by Ted Lewis.

Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Rachael Leigh Cook, Miranda Richardson, Rhona Mitra, Johnny Strong, John C. McGinley, Alan Cumming, Gretchen Mol, Tom Sizemore, John Cassini, Mickey Rourke, Mark Boone Junior, Darryl Scheelar, Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe, Tyler Labine, Stephen Kay, Frank Stallone and Michael Caine.

Tagline:  The Truth Hurts

The Plot…

Jack Carter, a Vegas mob enforcer, returns to Seattle for his estranged brother, Ritchie’s funeral.  Ritchie was killed in a car crash after drinking.  Problem is Ritchie never drank.  As Jack digs deeper, he starts to believe Ritchie was murdered.

But why?

Clues point in several directions.  Ritchie’s death could have something to do with the club he managed.  Cliff Bumbry, the owner of the club has his fingers in other pies.  Did Ritchie have dirt on Cliff?

Rumor is Ritchie was having an affair.  Could that have led to Ritchie’s murder?

Some leads point to tech millionaire Jeremy Kinnear.  How were he and Ritchie linked?

Worse still, Cyrus Paice may be involved.  Paice was a rival of Jack’s when Jack was coming up.  There’s still bad blood.

As Jack digs deeper he will discover the truth.

The truth hurts.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Get Carter (2000) is a remake of Get Carter (1971) which starred Michael Caine. Caine co-stars in the remake.  Stallone and Caine also appeared together in Victory (1981).  Caine was originally only supposed to appear in a one scene cameo.  The scene scored so high with test audiences, the film was adjusted to give Caine a bigger role.

When producers were hesitant to hire Mickey Rourke (because of his past behaviors), Stallone guaranteed a portion of his salary, to cover any delays caused by Rourke.  Rourke was on-time and ready every day.

Gretchen Mol plays an important role but is not listed in the film’s credits.

Tom Sizemore’s voice (also uncredited) is heard when Carter talks to his Vegas boss.

Director Stephen Kay appears uncredited as a party guest.  Get Carter features Stephen Kay’s second outing as a feature film director.  Kay would go on to direct multiple highly rated episodes of The Shield; Sons of Anarchy; Yellowstone; Mayor of Kingstown; Lioness and Landman.

Frank Stallone appears uncredited in the funeral scene.

Get Carter (2000) is one of my all-time favorite films.  The movie and especially Stallone’s character resonates with me.  In it you’ll see some of Stallone’s best acting (especially the roof top scene with Rachael Leigh Cook).  The film isn’t perfect or a classic, but it remains one of my go-to movies.  Your mileage may vary (a lot on this one).

Get Carter (2000) rates 5 of 5 stars

“Saving Private Ryan” (1998) directed by Steven Spielberg; starring Tom Hanks, Edward Burns, Matt Damon and Tom Sizemore / Z-View

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Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Director:  Steven Spielberg

Screenplay: Robert Rodat

Stars: Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns, Barry Pepper, Adam Goldberg, Giovanni Ribisi, Jeremy Davies, Ted Danson, Paul Giamatti, Dennis Farina, Max Martini, Nathan Fillion, Ryan Hurst, Dale Dye, Bryan Cranston, David Wohl and Vin Diesel.

Tagline:  The mission is a man.

The Plot…

June 6, 1944.  D Day.  Operation Overlord is underway.  American forces storm the German fortified beaches of Normandy.  The coastline has been divided into five sections.  At Omaha Beach the American forces face the most resistance.

Omaha Beach is heavily fortified with German machine gun nests, artillery, as well as mines and barbed wire.  The US soldiers coming ashore have a wide-open beach with no cover making them easy targets.  The Germans hold the high ground.  Yet the US soldiers, despite heavy losses ultimately prevail.

Immediately following the Battle of Omaha Beach, Captain Miller is given an assignment.  The US Department of War has learned that the Ryan family has four sons in the service.  Against all odds, three of the four Ryan men have been killed in action.  The fourth, Private James Ryan is behind enemy lines with the 101st Airborne.  Captain Miller’s mission is to put together a team, penetrate into enemy territory, find Private Ryan and get him safely out.  Ryan will be given a ticket home.

Captain Miller enlists six battle-tested soldiers and an interpreter with no combat experience to accompany him.  No all will survive.  Private Ryan may already be dead.

The man is the mission.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Saving Private Ryan was nominated for eleven 1999 Academy Awards.  It won five…

  • Nominee for Best Music, Original Dramatic Score – John Williams 
  • Nominee for Best Makeup – Lois Burwell, Conor O’Sullivan, Daniel C. Striepeke
  • Nominee for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration – Thomas E. Sanders, Lisa Dean
  • Nominee for Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen – Robert Rodat
  • Nominee for Best Actor in a Leading Role – Tom Hanks
  • Nominee for Best Picture – Steven Spielberg, Ian Bryce, Mark Gordon, Gary Levinsohn
  • Winner for Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing – Gary Rydstrom, Richard Hymns
  • Winner for Best Film Editing – Michael Kahn
  • Winner for Best Sound – Gary Rydstrom, Gary Summers, Andy Nelson, Ron Judkins
  • Winner for Best Cinematography – Janusz Kaminski
  • Winner for Best Director – Steven Spielberg

 Frank Darabont and Scott Frank did uncredited rewrites on Robert Rodat’s screenplay.  John Milius also made suggestions.

Saving Private Ryan opens with the storming of Omaha Beach.  It runs over 20 minutes and sets the tone for all to follow.  It is one of the most amazing and realistic depictions of battle put on film.  There were up to 1,000 extras and cost $11 million to film.

During his research Steven Spielberg spoke with many World War II veterans.  They asked that Spielberg not make a typical Hollywood war movie.  They wanted the audience to understand the brutality and terror of war.  Spielberg was surprised that Saving Private Ryan became a hit, despite the realism of the opening scene.  Spielberg further said that he would have refused to cut the film even if it had to be released with an NC-17 rating.

The Department of Veterans Affairs set up a special 800 number for past and current soldiers traumatized from the film.  There were reportedly 100s of calls to the line.

Steven Spielberg cast Matt Damon as Private Ryan because he wanted an unknown actor with All-American good looks.  Before Saving Private Ryan was released, Damon was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar and won an Academy Award for Best Screenplay, both for Good Will Hunting.  By the time Saving Private Ryan was released Damon was a star.

Vin Diesel wasn’t a star when hired for Saving Private Ryan. Steven Spielberg saw Diesel’s self-directed short films, Multi-Facial (1995) and Strays (1997).  He recognized Diesel’s talent.

Nathan Fillion, Ryan Hurst and Bryon Cranston appear in small roles.

Saving Private Ryan is a classic.

Saving Private Ryan (1998) rates 5 of 5 stars

“My Mom Jayne” directed by & starring Maariska Hargitay / Z-View

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My Mom Jayne (2025)

Director:  Mariska Hargitay

Tagline:  Reclaming her mother’s story, and her own.

The Plot…

Mariska Hargitay was three years old when he mother, Jayne Mansfield was killed in a tragic auto accident.  Mariska and her siblings were injured in the wreck.

Mariska grew up in a world where her mother was known everywhere because of her international celebrity.  Yet because Mariska was only three when her mother was killed,  she has no memories of her mom.  This documentary is an effort to remedy that.  Along the way Mariska will learn a secret buried for over six decades that will change everything.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Jayne Mansfield is often thought of as a knockoff of Marilyn Monroe.  At first that was true.  Mansfield leaned into the beautiful dumb blonde role.  The truth is she could speak several languages and play multiple instruments.  She was far from dumb.  When she tried to change the public perception of her, it didn’t work.

Jayne Mansfield wanted fame and it led to poor choices in the men in her life.  The one exception Mickey Hargitay.

Mariska’s discovery changes her world.

The bars on the back of semi-trucks that prevent cars from driving under them are called “Mansfield-bars”.  Legislation was started due to Mansfield’s tragic death when he car went under a semi.  Although the accident took place in 1967, the safety bars weren’t made mandatory until years later.

My Mom Jayne (2025) rates 3 of 5 stars

RIP Lalo Schifrin

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Lalo Schifrin died yesterday from from complications of pneumonia. Mr. Schifrin was 93.

Lalo Schifrin was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  His birth name was Boris Claudio Schifrin.  He legally changed his name to Lalo when he came to the United States.

Lalo Schifrin was trained as a classical musician before falling in love with jazz.  Mr. Schifrin received a scholarship to the Conservatoire de Paris.   He studied during the day and played jazz in clubs at night.  While still in his twenties, Mr. Schifrin returned to Argentina.  He began radio, television, and film work.  Mr. Schifrin wrote for Xavier Cugat’s dance orchestra, Dizzy Gillespie and Duke Ellington.  He was also recording his own music.

  • Lalo Schifrin began to get work for American television and films.  He became one of the most prolific and productive composers.  He was nominated for six Academy Awards, and in 2019 was given an Honorary Oscar.  Mr. Schifrin was nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards as well as three Golden Globes.  He was nominated for 19 Grammy Awards and won four.

Mr. Schifrin has 226 composer credits and 207 soundtrack credits on his IMDb resume.  Some of his best known works include the themes to THE Cat; Mission Impossible, Mannix and Starsky and Hutch.   Some of his best known film scores include Enter the Dragon, Cool Hand Luke, Bullitt, Dirty Harry, Rush Hour, The Amityville Horror, The Eagle Has Landed and so many others.

Mr. Schifrin’s best known composition is probably the Mission Impossible theme song.  It’s a classic.  My sentimental favorite is for Enter the Dragon.  Truth is, I loved all of his music.  Mr. Schifrin is a legend for good reason.  His music which will live on forever.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Lalo Schifrin’s family, friends and fans.

“Con Air” (1997) written by Scott Rosenberg; directed by Simon West, starring Nicholas Cage, John Cusack & John Malkovich / Z-View

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Con Air (1997)

Director:  Simon West

Screenplay: Scott Rosenberg

Stars: Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, John Malkovich, Colm Meaney, Mykelti Williamson, Nick Chinlund, Renoly Santiago, Ving Rhames, Dave Chappelle, Rachel Ticotin, Steve Eastin, Danny Trejo, M.C. Gainey, Landry Allbright, Monica Potter, Brendan Kelly, Jesse Borrego and Steve Buscemi.

Tagline:  Buckle Up!

The Plot…

Eight years ago Cameron Poe, a decorated Army Ranger was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter.  A drunken thug had attacked Poe and his pregnant wife.  Poe accidentally killed the man.  Poe has been a model prisoner and is set to be paroled.

Poe is one of the convicts set to board a prison transport plane.  Most of the other felons are headed to a supermax prison.  They include a serial rapist, an arsonist, a drug lord, a mass murderer, a terrorist, a psycho criminal genius, and a serial killer.

The convicts take over the plane.  They murdered to get control.  They’ll kill anyone who tries to stop them.  It will be up to Poe to see they don’t succeed in their escape.

As the tag line says, “Buckle Up!”

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Con Air was nominated for two 1998 Academy Awards…

  • Nominee for Best Best Music, Original Song – Diane Warren, For the song “How Do I Live”.
  • Nominee for Best Best Sound – Kevin O’Connell,Greg P. Russell, Art Rochester

Con Air is dedicated to Phil Swartz, an effects specialist who was killed when a rigged plane fell and crushed him.

Con Air is a fun, over-the-top action film.  Buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Con Air (1997) rates 5 of 5 stars

“Braveheart” (1995) directed & starring Mel Gibson / Z-View

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Braveheart (1995)

Director:  Mel Gibson

Screenplay: Randall Wallace

Stars: Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Angus Macfadyen, Sean Lawlor, James Cosmo, Ralph Riach, Ellen Greene, Brendan Gleeson, Tommy Flanagan and Brian Cox.

Tagline:  Every man dies, not every man really lives.

The Plot…

In the year 1280, King Edward 1 of England known as Longshanks conquers Scotland.  Longshanks installs Overlords to rule.  The people of Scotland have lost their freedom and are treated poorly.  William Wallace was just a boy.  His father and older brother were killed in the war to keep Scotland free.  William was sent away to live with his Uncle.

Now a man, William returns to the village of his birth.  He sees firsthand the mistreatment of the Scottish people.  William secretly marries his childhood sweetheart.  They wed in secret because Longshanks has granted his English Overlords jus primae noctis.  This law allows the English rulers the right to have sex with any Scottish female.  The Overlords especially like to take advantage of this on the bride’s wedding night.

When pushed too far, William leads the overthrow of the local English ruler.  The Scottish people rally around William’s charismatic leadership.  Soon he has a small army.  After winning several battles, William allows a survivor to live.  William tells him, “Go back to England and tell them there that Scotland’s daughters and her sons are yours no more. Tell them Scotland is free.”

Longshanks is unwilling to give up Scotland.  He sends his armies to put down the rebellion and kill William Wallace.

All men die, but not all truly live.  This is the story of William Wallace

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Braveheart was nominated for ten 1996 Academy Awards and won five…

  • Nominee for Best Music, Original Dramatic Score – James Horner
  • Nominee for Best Film Editing – Steven Rosenblum
  • Nominee for Best Best Sound – Andy Nelson, Scott Millan, Anna Behlmer, Brian Simmons
  • Nominee for Best Costume Design – Charles Knode
  • Nominee for Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen – Randall Wallace
  • Winner for Best Makeup – Peter Frampton, Paul Pattison, Lois Burwell
  • Winner for Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing – Lon Bender, Per Hallberg
  • Winner for Best Cinematography – John Toll
  • Winner for Best Director – Mel Gibson
  • Winner for Best Picture – Mel Gibson, Alan Ladd Jr., Bruce Davey

Braveheart, while fictionalized, does what Gibson intended.  It entertains and inspires.

Braveheart (1995) rates 5 of 5 stars

“Léon: The Professional” (1994) written & directed by Luc Besson; starring Jean Reno, Gary Oldman & Natalie Portman / Z-View

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Léon: The Professional (1994)

Director:  Luc Besson

Screenplay: Luc Besson

Stars: Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, Natalie Portman, Danny Aiello, Peter Appel, Don Creech, Michael Badalucco, Ellen Greene and Frank Senger.

Tagline:  A professional hitman, an innocent witness, a corrupt detective who went too far

The Plot…

Twelve year old Mathilda is about to walk into her family apartment when she realizes something is wrong.  So she walks past the door and down to her neighbor Leon’s home.  Leon is hesitant but allows Mathilda in.

Leon knew Mathilda came from a dysfunctional household.  She lived with her little brother, stepmother and father.  Leon and Mathilda learn that her dad was working with drug-dealing DEA agents.  When the cooked cops discovered that dad was stealing from them, they decided to make an example of him.  Mathilda almost walked in as the cops were killing her father, step-mother and even her little brother.

Mathilda has no one.  She begs Leon to take her in.  He agrees to let her stay.  Mathilda is surprised to learn that her simple-minded neighbor is a professional killer.  Mathilda asks Leon to train her.  She wants to avenge her little brother.  Leon’s apartment contains many weapons.  He teaches Mathilda basics about some of them.

While Leon is on a job, Mathilda gathers some of Leon’s guns.  She then leaves him a note and heads out to kill the corrupt cops that murdered her little brother.  Leon knows that a little 12 year old girl has no hope of surviving a gun battle with trained cops.

But he might.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Jean Reno came up with the idea to play Leon as mentally slow and emotionally repressed. Reno felt that audiences would then better accept that 12 year old Mathilda was safe living with a grown man.

The International version contains more scenes of  “awkward sexual tension” than the American release.  American test audiences did not like the scenes where Mathilda professes to love Leon.  Natalie Portman has said that she’s asked more about this film than any of her other performances.  She further stated that Mathilda and Leon’s relationship hasn’t aged well.

Leon is Natalie Portman’s feature film debut.

Keith A. Glascoe played Benny.  Glascoe later left acting to become a NY City Fireman. Mr. Glascoe died in the collapse of the World Trade Center towers on Sept. 11, 2001.  RIP.

Léon: The Professional (1994) rates 5 of 5 stars