Category: Trivia

“The Paper” (2025) / Z-View

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“The Paper” (2025)

Created by: Greg Daniels, Michael Koman; based on The Office created by Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant

Teleplay by:

  • (eps. 1-2) Greg Daniels & Michael Koman
  • (ep. 3) Patrick Kang & Michael Levin
  • (ep. 4) Amanda Rosenberg
  • (ep. 5) Mo Welch
  • (ep. 6) Eric Rahill
  • (ep. 7) Alex Edelman
  • (ep. 8) Ben Philippe
  • (ep. 9) L.E. Correia
  • (ep. 10) Paul Lieberstein

Directed by:

  • Greg Daniels (ep. 1)
  • Ken Kwapis  (ep. 2)
  • Yana Gorskaya (ep. 3)
  • Paul Lieberstein (ep. 4)
  • Tazbah Chavez (ep. 5)
  • Jason Woliner (ep. 6)
  • Jennifer Celotta (ep. 7)
  • Matt Sohn (ep. 8)
  • Dave Rogers (ep. 9)
  • Jeffrey Blitz (ep. 10)

Stars: Domhnall Gleeson, Sabrina Impacciatore, Chelsea Frei, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Ramona Young, Nancy Lenehan and Oscar Nuñez.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

The documentary crew that followed Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton, Pennsylvania, office has now turned their cameras to The Toledo Truth Teller Newspaper office.  The dying paper has hired a new editor. He has brought in volunteers from Enervate’s (the newspaper’s parent company) other departments to work as reporters.

  • “Pilot”  Ned Sampson is hired as new managing editor of the paper.  Esmeralda Grand, the former acting editor, appears to support Ned.  In reality she wants him gone.  The paper had been running AP items and filler.  Ned wants to publish real news from the community.  He brings in folks from other departments who have no writing experience.

 

  • “The Five W’s”  Ned sends his new “reporters” out to find stories for the first edition of the newspaper under his leadership.  Their efforts produce unintentionally comedic results. As the deadline looms, his reporters’ results include one of his reporters in the hospital, two of his reporters fell for a prank story, another is in jail and the serial killer leads Ned was chasing were caused by his phone calls to the morgue!  With no news to report, how will the first edition come out?

 

  • “Buddy and the Dude”  Esmeralda continues to spread dissent behind the scenes.  Mare, Ned’s best reporter (who he is attracted to) considers taking another job.  In an effort to connect with her (and keep her at the paper), Ned and Mare go undercover on a “big” story that could blow the lid on the mattress business.

 

  • “TTT vs the Blogger”  When high school students get a tour of the newspaper office, it’s obvious the students know more about reporting than the “reporters”.  Worse still, the high school editor has more followers to his blog than the newspaper has subscribers.  This leads to an escalating rivalry between Ned and the school paper’s editor that goes public.
  • “Scam Alert!”  A scammer has been taking financial advantage of lonely Toledo residents.  Ned talks to his team about making this a lead story.  They accidentally learn that Esmeraldo is one of the victims still being scammed.

 

  • “I Love You”  Ned’s idea of a series of consumer reports backfires when his reporters test products with disasterous results.

 

  • “I Love You”  Marv Putnam, CEO of Enervate, the newspaper’s parent company has to set up his office on the newspaper’s floor.  This puts the entire office on edge.

 

  • “Church and State”  When it’s learned that Softees’ “Man Wipes” have caused a major plumbing issue for the city, it’s a story.  But Ned is encouraged to not cover it.  “Man Wipes” are produced by the newspaper’s parent company.  The bad press could kill them.  Ned is torn between doing what’s right and doing what’s right for the company.  Then he comes through like a champ.

 

  • “Matching Ponchos”  Mare and Ned go on the road to investigate a cult.  Miscommunications create tension between the two.  Meanwhile the company takes to the air waves for damage control over the “Man Wipes” incident.

 

  • “The Ohio Journalism Awards”  Against all odds, The Toledo Truth Teller has been nominated for three Ohio Journalism Awards.  The team attend the awards.  Ned is just happy to have been nominated.  Mare is hoping for valedation.  Esmeraldo just wants the spotlight no matter who wins.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Paper is an nice way to spend 3o minutes.

It’s interesting to note that the lead of The Paper, Domhnall Gleeson co-starred in the limited series The Patient.  Gleeson’s co-star in The Patient was Steve Carell.  Carell was the lead of The Office.  The Paper is a spin-off (of sorts) of The Office.

The Paper (2025) earns 4 of 5 stars.

“Star Trek: Strange New Worlds”: Season 3 (2025) / Z-View

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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2025)

Created by: Akiva Goldsman, Alex Kurtzman Jenny Lumet; based on Star Trek created by Gene Roddenberry

Teleplay by:

  • (ep. 1) Davy Perez from a story by Henry Alonso Myers & Davy Perez
  • (ep. 2) Kirsten Beyer & David Reed
  • (ep. 3) Onitra Johnson & Bill Wolkoff
  • (ep. 4) Dana Horgan & Kathryn Lyn
  • (ep. 5) Onitra Johnson & Davy Perez
  • (ep. 6) David Reed & Bill Wolkoff
  • (ep. 7) Kathryn Lyn & Alan B. McElroy
  • (ep. 8) Dana Horgan & Henry Alonso Myers
  • (ep. 9) Alan B. McElroy
  • (ep. 10) Dana Horgan & Davy Perez

Directed by:

  • Chris Fisher (ep. 1)
  • Jordan Canning  (eps. 2, 8)
  • Dan Liu (ep. 3)
  • Jonathan Frakes (ep. 4)
  • Andi Armaganian (ep. 5)
  • Valerie Weiss (ep. 6)
  • Sharon Lewis (ep. 7)
  • Andrew Coutts (ep. 9)
  • Maja Vrvilo (ep. 10)

Stars: Anson Mount, Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, Christina Chong, Celia Rose Gooding, Melissa Navia, Babs Olusanmokun, Martin Quinn, Rebecca Romijn, Dan Jeannotte, Paul Wesley, Adrian Holmes, Melanie Scrofano, Cillian O’Sullivan, Warren Scherer and Carol Kane.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

During Season 3 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Captain Christopher Pike and the crew of the USS Enterprise face more dangerous adventures.

  • “Hegemony, Part II”  Pike leads an attempt to rescue crew members and colonists held captive on a Gorn ship outside of Federation territory.  Meanwhile Spock and Nurse Chapel work to find a cure to save Captain Marie Batel from Gorn eggs implanted in her body.

 

  • “Wedding Bell Blues”  Three months have passed.  The Enterprise is docked for repairs.  Nurse Chapel returns from her internship with Dr. Roger Korby who is now her new boyfriend (much to Spock’s dissapointment).  The next morning Spock awakens to find everyone planning for his and Nurse Chapel’s wedding.  Only Spock and Korby realize reality has changed.

 

  • “Shuttle to Kenfori”  The Gorn DNA in Captain Marie Batel’s body has awakened.  Her only chance for survival lies with a rare flower found on the planet Kenfori.  Because Kenfori is contested by both the Federation and the Klingons, it is off limits to both.  With the Enterprise monitoring from a distance, Pike and Dr. M’Benga go down to the planet to retrieve the flowers.  There they find scientists who’ve transformed into zombies.  When the Klingons discover that the Enterprise, they send down a war party to capture/kill Pike and M’Benga.  With each passing minute the odds of Captain Bartel’s survival diminishes.  Same can be said for Pike and M’Benga with zombies and Klingons out to kill them.

 

  • “A Space Adventure Hour”  La’an Noonien-Singh is directed to test/de-bug a new addition to the Enterprise.  The “holodeck” is a holographic simulator.  La’an decides to run a murder mystery scenario based on a 1960s show called The Last Frontier.  Crew member likeness will be used for the cast.  The holodeck begins draining huge amounts of energy and the test goes off the rails.  La’an is trapped. People are being murdered… or are they?

 

  • “Through the Lens of Time”  On a distant planet Spock, Nurse Chapel, Dr. Korby, Junior Medical Officer Gamble, and Beto (who is documenting the expedition) discover an ancient structure.  When Gamble picks up a glowing object it explodes in his face.  Gamble is transported back to the Enterprise.  Meanwhile Spock and his team become trapped in the ancient building.  There they learn that the structure was a prison — one with no escape.  Back on the Enterprise, Dr. M’Benga’s efforts to save Gamble have failed.  All scans show no brain activity… yet he appears awake.

 

  • “The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail”  When the USS Farragut is attacked by a huge ship of unknown orgin, the ship’s Captain is one of the injured.  James T. Kirk becomes acting Captain for the first time.  The Enterprise arrives to assist. Spock, Nurse Chapel, Lieutenant junior grade Scott, and communications officer Nyota Uhura join to assist Kirk on the Farragut. When the attack ship returns it attacks the Enterprise by draining its power and cutting off all communications.  The Enterprise is doomed unless Kirk can lead his new crew and with a damaged ship figure a way to take out the assault warship.

 

  • “What Is Starfleet?”  A documentary filmmaker has been allowed to travel with the Enterprise.  When Captain Pike is ordered to provide assistance to a non-Federation planet at war with a neighboring planet, the filmmaker begins to aggressively show all of Pike’s decisions/actions in a negative light.  The mission is further complicated when a creature of war being transported on the Enterprise escapes.

 

  • “Four-and-a-Half Vulcans”  In order to save a planet that prohibits humans from landing, Pike, Chapel, Uhura, and La’An undergo changes to their DNA to allow them to pass as Vulcans.  Once the mission is completed, their DNA will be changed back.  During the change they will for all purposes think, act and feel as a Vulcan.  The mission is a success.  When the four return to the Enterprise, they announce that they don’t want to change back to humans.  That would be illogical.

 

  • “Terrarium”  While flying a solo shuttle mission, Ortegas’ craft is pulled through a wormhole. The shuttle crashlands.  Shaken, but alive Ortegas discovers herself on a barren, hostile planet.  But she’s not alone.  A Gorn pilot who suffered the same fate is also there.  Gorn and humans are natural enemies, but in order for both to survive, they will need to trust each other.  Meanwhile the crew attempts to locate the planet where Ortegas crashed.  The Enterprise is on a mission to deliever needed vacines soon or colonists will die.  The clock is ticking.

 

  • “New Life and New Civilizations”  It is revealed that Junior Medical Officer Gamble is dead and an alien is using his body.  The creature has a plan to free others like it from the structure discovered by Dr. Korby, Spock and the landing party some time back.  It will take the power of two star ships and absolutely perfect timing to stop the creature.  But Spock with the help of James T. Kirk has a plan.  At the same time Captain Pike’s love, Marie Bartel makes a decision that will affect both of them for the rest of their lives.  Oh, what could have been.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Ethan Peck, who plays Mr. Spock, is the grandson of actor Gregory Peck.  Ethan Peck is excellent as Spock.

I was a fan of the original Star Trek series, cartoon and movies with the original cast.  I never watched any other Star Trek productions.  So I’m not a die hard fan of everything Star Trek.  Believe me, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is exceptional.  Everything from the production values, the cast, the direction and the music is spot on.  Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a love letter to everything the original series strived to be.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is perfectly cast.  Anson Mount is perfect in his role, but so are Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, Celia Rose Gooding and Melissa Navia.  The series is well written with each major cast member displaying personality and getting a showcase.  If you’re a fan of the original series there are things that begin in Strange New Worlds that will reverberate in the original series.

In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Season 3 different characters continue to get the spotlight. This season saw a greater focus on humor.  I love Pike as a Captain, but seeing how Spock and Kirk first interacted is a real joy.  It’s also cool that when the focus moves to secondary characters, my interest is still there — Ortega, Nurse Chapel, M’Benga and Nyota Uhura are favorites.

I enjoyed every episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Season 3 and look forward to Season 4.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2025) earns 4 of 5 stars.

The 25 Best One Man Armies in the Movies

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Way back in 2009, EmpireOnLine.com posted their list of The 25 Best One Man Armies in the Movies.  Of course, Rambo came in at #1.  Who could argue with that?  Using just their choices I made my top ten list.  You can check it out here should you desire.

But since that list was made so long ago, I felt it was time to come up with an updated list of The 25 Best One Man Armies in the Movies.   These choices can [and should] be debated.  Isn’t that the purpose of lists?

Here are my suggestions…

  1. Rambo played by SYLVESTER STALLONE in the RAMBO franchise
  2. Lee played by BRUCE LEE in ENTER THE DRAGON
  3. John Wick played by Keanu Reeves in the JOHN WICK franchise

The rest appear in alphabetical order

Alejandro played by BENECIO DEL TORO in SICARIO

Billy Jack played by TOM LAUGHLIN in the BILLY JACK franchise

Bryan Mills played by LIAM NEESON in TAKEN

Chance Boudreaux played by JEAN-CLAUDE VAN DAMME in HARD TARGET

Detective Dave Bannon played by GLENN FORD in THE BIG HEAT

Geno Felino played by STEVEN SEAGAL in OUT FOR JUSTICE

Jack Reacher played by TOM CRUISE in the REACHER franchise

John Matrix played by ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER in COMMANDO

John McClane played by BRUCE WILLIS in the DIE HARD franchise

John Patrick Mason played by SEAN CONNERY in THE ROCK

Leon played by JEAN RENO in LEON THE PROFESSIONAL

Martin Riggs played by MEL GIBSON in the LETHAL WEAPON franchise

Marv played by MICKEY ROURKE in the SIN CITY franchise

Max Rockatansky played by MEL GIBSON in the MAD MAX franchise

Porter played by MEL GIBSON in PAYBACK

Scott Ward played by DAVE BAUTISTA in ARMY OF THE DEAD

Snake Plissken played by KURT RUSSELL in the ESCAPE FROM franchise

Tom Sharky played by BURT REYNOLDS in SHARKY’S MACHINE

Toorop played by VIN DIESEL in BABYLON A.D.

Tyler Rake played by CHRIS HEMSWORTH in the EXTRACTION franchise

Walker played by LEE MARVIN in POINT BLANK

Walker played by TOM HARDY in HAVOC

“The Outfit” (1973) starring Robert Duvall, Karen Black, Joe Don Baker and Robert Ryan / Z-View

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The Outfit (1973)

Director:  John Flynn

Screenplay: John Flynn, Walter Hill (uncredited); based on THE OUTFIT by Richard Stark

Stars: Robert Duvall, Karen Black, Joe Don Baker, Robert Ryan, Timothy Carey, Richard Jaeckel, Sheree North, Felice Orlandi, Marie Windsor, Jane Greer, Henry Jones, Joanna Cassidy, Tom Reese, Bill McKinney, Anita O’Day, Archie Moore, Tony Young and Elisha Cook Jr..

Tagline: Nobody plays rougher than The Outfit…Except maybe Earl, Cody and Bett!

The Plot…

When Earl Macklin gets out of prison, his girlfriend Bett picks him up.  She drives to a motel and informs Earl that his brother was recently murdered.  Late that night a man breaks into the hotel room and attempts to kill Earl.  Earl survives and gets the upper hand.  He then tortures the man for information.

Earl’s brother robbed a syndicate bank.  That’s the reason he was killed.  They sent the killer to take out Earl so he wouldn’t seek revenge.  Earl lets the killer live on the condition he takes a message to the people that hired him.  The message: The Outfit owes him $250,000.00.  If they pay, Earl will go away.  Until they do, Earl is going to cost them money that he’ll keep.  And they will still owe him the quarter million.

Earl wants his money.  And he doesn’t care how many people he has to kill to get it.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Film legend, Robert Ryan’s last released film. He was also in Executive Action filmed after The Outfit, but released first.

The Outfit features Joanna Cassidy’s film debut.

Former Light Heavyweight Champion Archie Moore has a role as a tough guy.  Moore held the light heavyweight boxing title for ten years — longer than any champ in that division.

The great (and eccentric) character actor Timothy Carey appears in a supporting role.  Same could be said of Elisha Cook, Jr.

The Outfit (1973) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Dredd” (2012) starring Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby and Lena Headey / Z-View

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Dredd (2012)

Director:  Pete Travis

Screenplay:  Alex Garland; based on Judge Dredd by John Wagner, Carlos Ezquerra

Stars: Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby, Lena Headey, Jason Cope, Tamer Burjaq and Deobia Oparei.

Tagline: Judgment is coming

The Plot…

In a dystopian future law officers are given authority to become judge, jury and executioner (as needed).  These police are called Judges.  The bring law and order to the Mega-City One where 800 million residents eke out a living.

Judge Dredd, a veteran officer is tasked to assess Cassandra Anderson. If Anderson survives the day making appropriate decisions and leving correct setences, she will become a Judge.

Dredd and Anderson are called to the Peach Tree Towers.  There they find three murder victims who had been tortured and skinned before being tossed from one of the 200 storey towers.  The Peach Tree Towers are the home base of Madeline “Ma-Ma” Madrigal.  Ma-Ma is head of a notorius drug cartel.  She was sending a message through the torture murders of the three victims.

Dredd and Anderson capture one of Ma-Ma’s soldiers and decide to take him in for questioning.  Ma-Ma is not going to let that happen.  Ma-Ma and her crew take control of the building’s security room.  They disrupt communications going in or out of the towers.  Ma-Ma then lowers the Tower’s nuclear blast shields.  No one is getting in or out.

Ma-Ma then announces over the Towers communication system that a bounty has been placed on the heads of Dredd and Anderson.  Anyone who kills them will be rewarded.  Anyone who helps them will, along with their families, be executed.

Alone and outnumbered, with no help coming, Dredd and Anderson decide to take the fight to Ma-Ma and her cartel.

Prepare to be judged.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

In the comics that Judge Dredd is based on, Dredd is never seen without his helmet on.  Karl Urban refused to take his helmet off for any scenes.

Although Pete Travis is listed as the director of Dredd, many say that Alex Garland directed most of the movie.  Karl Urban has stated this as well.

Karl Urban is excellent as Judge Dredd.  The same for Lena Headey as Ma-Ma.

Dredd (2012) (1932) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“The Mummy” (1932) starring Boris Karloff / Z-View

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The Mummy (1932)

Director:  Karl Freund

Screenplay:  John L. Balderston; story by Nina Wilcox Putnam, Richard Schayer

Stars: Boris Karloff, Zita Johann, David Manners, Noble Johnson, Leonard Mudie and Edward Van Sloan.

Tagline: A love that defied time drives a beautiful girl to her doom!

The Plot…

An archaeological expedition discovers the ancient burial chamber of Imhotep.  Through a study of the mummifed body and writings left in the chamber, it is learned that a curse was placed on Imhotep. Although wrapped in the traditional cloth of the dead, Imhotep was buried alive!  Placed with Imhotep was the Scroll of Thoth.  The scroll was believed to hold secrets that return the dead to life.

When one of the archaeologists reads the scroll, he is driven insane as he witnesses the resurrection of Imhotep.  Imohotep escapes.

Years pass.  Imhotep has worked his way into modern society. He is now Ardath Bey, an expert in ancient Egyptian history.  When Imhotep/Bey meets Helen Grosvenor he falls in love.  Imohotep believes Helen to be the reincarnation of the Princess he dared to love… and that cost him his life.  Determined to have her at any cost, Imhotep plans to kill, mummify and revive her.  Then they will both be immortal.

How do you stop something that has beaten death?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Mummy was inspired by the discovery of Pharaoh Tutankahmen’s tomb.  There allegedly was a curse on anyone who broke the burial chamber seal.

Boris Karloff, who became a big star after Frankenstein, was cast as the lead for The Mummy.  Although a star, his face was again hidden by make-up.

The Mummy (1932) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Tom Horn” (1980) starring Steve McQueen / Z-View

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Tom Horn (1980)

Director:  William Wiard

Screenplay:  Thomas McGuane, Bud Shrake; based on LIFE OF TOM HORN, GOVERNMENT SCOUT AND INTERPRETER by Tom Horn

Stars: Steve McQueen, Linda Evans, Richard Farnsworth, Billy Green Bush, Slim Pickens, Peter Canon, Elisha Cook Jr., Roy Jenson, Harry Northup, Steve Oliver, Bill Thurman, Bert Williams, Bobby Bass, Mickey Jones and Geoffrey Lewis.

Tagline: Before they could settle the West, they had to hang the man who tamed it.

The Plot…

Tom Horn was famous in his own time.  But his time has passed.  Known for his skills as a frontiersman, a U.S. Army scout, a tracker, and a crack shot… Horn is now a drifter.  The Indian Wars are over.  A man with Tom Horn’s skills aren’t in demand.  So Horn just drifted from place to place scrapping by.

Horn is in a small town, when he meets cattle rancher John Coble.  Coble is impressed with Horn’s legend and surprised to find him without work and struggling.  He offers Horn a job.  Coble is a member of a Cattle Rancher Association that has been plagued by rustlers.  The Association agrees to hire Horn to rid the territory of cattle thieves… by whatever means needed.  Horn is assured by the group as well as the US Marshall that once he gives the rustlers fair warning, he is legally allowed to do whatever it takes to get rid of them.  Horn takes the job.

Horn does what he was hired to do.  He rids the area of rustlers.  His methods are violent but effective.  Many men are killed.  The rustling stops.  The Cattle Association  no longer needs Horn.  Especially since they’ve been getting bad press.  When a young boy is found murdered by a rifle shot of the same caliber that Tom Horn uses,  some Association members see a way out.

Horn is set up to take the fall for the murder.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Tom Horn was a troubled production.  Steve McQueen wasn’t happy with the script and ordered multiple rewrites.  The original director, Don Siegel decided to move on.  Siegel was replaced by replaced by Elliot Silverstein.  Silverstein was replaced by James William Guercio.  McQueen fired Guercio after just three days.  McQueen wanted to direct, but since filming had started, union rules prevented an actor to replace a director.  So William Wiard, a television director was brought in to finish filming.  Tom Horn is the only feature film on Wiard’s resume.  Many believe that McQueen directed much of the movie himself.

In addition to the troubles listed above, Steve McQueen’s health was suffering.  He was often short of breath and towards the end of filming even began coughing up blood.  McQueen would learn that he had advanced cancer.  Just a couple of weeks before Tom Horn premiered, The National Enquirer broke the story that Steve McQueen had terminal cancer.  When asked at the premiere, McQueen denied reports of his cancer.

Tom Horn was a real-life legend.  The movie is based on his autobiography that he wrote while in jail awaiting trial.

Tom Horn (1980) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“The Black Camel” (1931) starring Warner Oland and Bela Lugosi / Z-View

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The Black Camel (1931)

Director:  Hamilton MacFadden

Screenplay:  Barry Conners, Philip Klein, Dudley Nichols (uncredited); written by Hugh Stanislaus Stange (adaptation), based on THE BLACK CAMEL by Earl Derr Biggers

Stars: Warner Oland, Bela Lugosi, Victor Varconi, Murray Kinnell, J.M. Kerrigan, Mary Gordon, Dwight Frye and Robert Young.

Tagline: The unsolved secrets of Hollywood

The Plot…

Shelah Fayne is a movie star.  Her friends are beginning to worry about her.  Shelah is thinking of marrying a man she has only known a week.  Shelah will make a decision once she speaks to her favorite psychic, Tarneverro.

When Shelah is murdered Inspector Charlie Chan gets the case.  There are many suspects.  One is the killer.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Bela Lugosi plays the psychic.  Dwight Frye appears uncredited as Jessop.  Lugosi and Frye appeared together in Dracula which was released the same year.

Warner Oland made five Charlie Chan films based on novels written by Charlie Chan creator Earl Derr Biggers.  Sadly The Black Camel is the only one that survived.  The other four were lost due to studio fires.

Robert Young who went on to fame playing Marcus Welby, M.D., makes his film debut in The Black Camel.

Most folks enjoy The Black Camel more than I.  Keep in mind your mileage may vary.

The Black Camel (1931) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Casino” (1995) directed by Martin Scorsese; starring Robert DeNiro, Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci / Z-View

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Casino (1995)

Director:  Martin Scorsese

Screenplay:  Nicholas Pileggi, Martin Scorsese; based on CASINO: LOVE AND HONOR IN LAS VEGAS by Nicholas Pileggi 

Stars: Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, James Woods, Don Rickles, Alan King, Kevin Pollak, L.Q. Jones, Dick Smothers, Frank Vincent, John Bloom, Pasquale Cajano, Melissa Prophet, Steve Allen, Jayne Meadows, Jerry Vale and Frankie Avalon.

Tagline: Luck has nothing to do with the games they play.

The Plot…

The year is 1973 and Las Vegas is booming.  Especially for the Chicago Mob thanks to Sam “Ace” Rothstein.  Rothstein has doubled profits for his Chi-town buddies.  Skimmed cash is sent back weekly.  All is great.

Then Rothstein’s childhood pal shows up.  Nicky Santoro is a hothead and mob enforcer known by the cops for his past crimes.  Nicky’s come to Vegas to make his fortune.  Rothstein tells Nicky all will be good if he keeps a low profile.

Of course Nicky’s gotta be Nicky.

Add Ginger McKenna to the mix and things get, uh… explosive.  Ginger is an ex-showgirl, ex-prostitute and con artist.  Rothstein loves her dearly.  She loves what Rothstein can give her.

Let’s roll the dice.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Sharon Stone was nominated for a Best Actress in a Leading Role Academy Award.

Martin Scorsese allowed Robert DeNiro and Joe Pesci to improvise much of the dialogue in their scenes.

Scorsese,  DeNiro and Pesci are gold.

Casino (1995) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“The Wire” Season 5 created by David Simon / Z-View

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The Wire: Season 4 (2008)

Created by: David Simon

Teleplay by:

  • (eps. 1, 10) David Simon from a story by David Simon, Ed Burns;
  • (ep. 2) William F. Zorzi from a story by David Simon, William F. Zorzi
  • (ep. 3) Chris Collins from a story by David Simon, Chris Collins
  • (eps. 4, 6) Ed Burns from a story by David Simon, Ed Burns
  • (ep. 5) David Mills from a story by David Simon, David Mills
  • (ep. 7) Richard Price from a story by David Simon, Richard Price
  • (ep. 8) Dennis Lehane from a story by David Simon, Dennis Lehane
  • (ep. 9) George Pelecanos from a story by David Simon, George Pelecanos

Directed by:

  • Joe Chappelle (eps. 1, 9)
  • Ernest Dickerson (ep. 2)
  • Scott Kecken & Joy Kecken (ep. 3)
  • Dan Attias (ep. 4)
  • Agnieszka Holland (ep. 5)
  • Seith Mann (ep. 6)
  • Dominic West (ep. 7)
  • Anthony Hemingway (ep. 8)
  • Clark Johnson (ep. 10)

Stars: Dominic West, Reg E. Cathey, Aidan Gillen, Clark Johnson, Tom McCarthy, Clarke Peters, Wendell Pierce, Sonja Sohn, Michelle Paress, John Doman, Deirdre Lovejoy, Lance Reddick, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Jamie Hector, Neal Huff, Corey Parker Robinson, Tristan Wilds, Jermaine Crawford, Seth Gilliam, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Andre Royo, Domenick Lombardozzi, Michael Kostroff, Jim True-Frost, Frankie Faison, Chad Coleman, Robert F. Chew, Method Man, Felicia Pearson and Michael K. Williams.

Tagline: Read Between the Lines.

The Plot…

The economy is hurting everyone.  Budget cuts have forced The Baltimore Sun newspaper to cut personnel.  Carcetti, the newly elected mayor isn’t able to institute the changes he wanted because of the school system shortfall.  Money needed to be diverted there.  This has caused shortfalls for the police who are no longer getting or being paid overtime.  The Major Crimes Unit has been shut down.  This has left the Vacant Buildings Murders and the Stansfield Investigation stopped in their tracks.

McNulty, back to his old drinking ways, comes up with a plan.  He arrives on a murder scene before anyone else.  He then disfigures the corpse and ties a ribbon around the dead man’s wrist.  McNulty figures if there is a serial killer on the loose, the department will have to find funds to investigate.  He leaks the story to a reporter.

A dead homeless person.  The story doesn’t create a buzz.  So McNulty takes it to the next level.  He uses dentures to put bite marks on another homeless person who died on the street.  He leaks the story.  Now it appears there is a serial killer with a sexual fetish preying on the homeless.  The killer seems to be escalating.  More murders are assured.  No one is safe.

The story takes off. Under pressure to catch the killer, the mayor (who wants to run for Governor in the next election) finds funds to bring back the Major Crimes Unit.  McNulty now has access to unlimited overtime that he plans to use to bring down the Stansfield crime family and solve the Vacant Buildings Murders.  Despite institgating a plan that would get him fired and arrested, McNulty seems to have things under control.

Then a Baltimore Sun Reporter claims that the killer is in contact with him.  Although the reporter is lying everyone believes him.  Papers are flying off the stands. The reporter keeps upping the ante with his tales of the killer contacting him.  Soon the FBI is called in.

McNulty knows the reporter is lying but the only way to prove it is to turn himself in.  With the publicity the case is getting, plus the Feds itching to get involved, McNulty feels the noose tightening.

Meanwhile Omar is back to his old ways ripping off drug dealers.  But now there is a price on his head.  And every criminal in the city is looking to collect.

Marlo is feeling his increasing power.  He shuts down the co-op.  Snoop and Chris are turned loose on any who oppose him.  Especially anyone considered a snitch.  Michael, who had been on the rise in Marlo’s organization may be talking to the cops.  If that’s the case, he has to disappear.

The Wire’s final season goes out with a bang.  Not all will survive.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Wire was a Nominee for a 2008 Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series –  David Simon (writer/story by), Ed Burns (story by) for the -30- episode

The Wire‘s final season builds upon everything that came before. It finished as it started: well written, well directed and well acted.

The Wire: Season 5 (2008) earns 5 of 5 stars.

THE STEPS (A Memoir) by Sylvester Stallone is Coming!

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For years Sylvester Stallone fans have hoped Sly would write his memoir.  And now he has.  It’s titled THE STEPS.  Here’s the lowdown…

A gritty, inspiring, heart-wrenching memoir by the Academy Award-winning legend and icon Sylvester Stallone, about his unlikely path to stardom and the creation of the greatest underdog story ever told.

In the fifty years since Sylvester Stallone ran up the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum, he and those steps have become symbols of resilience and determination, and have inspired millions from all over the world to pursue their dreams.

In THE STEPS, Stallone recounts how he pursued his own dreams. A culmination of decades of reflection, Stallone shares where he came from — a difficult birth, an even more difficult childhood, years of struggle in school being misunderstood — and he explains how the real story of a successful life is built by facing, embracing, and ultimately overcoming our challenges. It’s found in the distances we are willing to go and the steps we must take to get from where we are to where we want to go.

In a narrative framed between his arrival in New York City in 1969 and the triumph of Rocky at the 1977 Academy Awards, Stallone weaves a vivid and propulsive portrait of struggle, subsistence, and ultimately success. He writes of his early days and later years, too, and the persistence, creativity, and resilience that led not only to the creation of Rocky but to a career filled with remarkably iconic roles. THE STEPS is a testament to Stallone’s extraordinary life and a profound meditation on the importance of vision and willpower and hard work.

THE STEPS will be released on May 5, 2026.  Pre-orders are available now.  If you order from one of the links below, we will get a small percentage of each sale, without increasing the price of the book.  Your support is appreciated.

THE STEPS hardcover

THE STEPS paperback/large print

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“Sphere” (1998) directed by Barry Levinson / Z-View

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Sphere (1998)

Director:  Barry Levinson

Screenplay:  Stephen Hauser, Paul Attanasio; adaptation by Kurt Wimmer; based on SPHERE by Michael Crichton

Stars: Dustin Hoffman, Sharon Stone, Samuel L. Jackson, Peter Coyote, Liev Schreiber, Queen Latifah, Bernard Hocke, James Pickens Jr. and Huey Lewis.

Tagline: A Barry Levinson film

The Plot…

A spacecraft is discovered on the ocean floor under 300 years of coral growth. A team of the best minds in their field was formed. U.S. Navy Captain Harold Barnes will lead the squad that includes astrophysicist Dr. Ted Fielding, psychologist Dr. Norman Goodman, marine biologist Dr. Beth Halperin and mathematician Dr. Harry Adams.

As the team goes down, a vicious storm approaches topside.  Communication will be lost until the weather clears.

The exploration team is surprised to discover that the spacecraft appears to be American.  Further, a huge sphere of unknown make-up is in the craft.  It reflects everything in the room except the people.

The team returns to their craft to recharge.  They are surprised when their computers begin to display encoded messages.  Once deciphered the communication appears to be coming from the sphere.  Everything the crew says or does is known by the sphere.  While they wait for the storm topside to clear, strange things begin happening.  And one member of the crew doesn’t seem to be himself.

And then things go really bad…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Sphere is an interesting film right up until the final resolution.  THAT killed it for me.

Dustin Hoffman was reportedly disappointed in the film.  He felt that some issues could have been corrected had the film not have a hard release date.

Sphere (1998) rates 2 of 5 stars.

RIP: Robert Redford

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It was announced that Robert Redford died today in his sleep. Mr. Reford was 89.

Charles Robert Redford was born in Santa Monica, California.  He attended Van Nuys High School in Van Nuys, California.  According to Mr. Redford his focus was on sports and art rather than academics.  After his graduation in 1954, Robert Redford attended the University of Colorado.  After a year and a half, Mr. Redford was kicked out.

Instead of trying to find another college, Robert Redford decided to travel.  He lived for a time in France, Spain, and Italy.  When Mr. Redford returned to the United States he settled in New York. He took painting classes at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, as well as classes at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Manhattan.

In 1959, Robert Redford made his Broadway debut in small parts in Tall Story and later that year in The Highest Tree.  Mr. Redford reprised his Tall Story role when it was made into a feature film in 1960.  At this point Robert Redford began alternating between stage, television and feature films.  As his career progressed Robert Redford continued to act, but also worked as a producer and director.

Robert Redford’s career included multiple awards for his work.  Examples include…

Nominated for five Academy Awards, winning two…

  • 1974 Nominee for Best Actor in a Leading Role for The Sting
  • 1981 Winner for Best Director for Ordinary People
  • 1995 Nominee for Best Director for Quiz Show
  • 1995 Nominee for Best Picture for Quiz Show, shared with: Michael Jacobs, Julian Krainin, Michael Nozik
  • 2002 Winner for Honorary Award as an Actor, director, producer, creator of Sundance, inspiration to independent and innovative filmmakers everywhere. 

Nominated for two Directors Guild of America Awards, winning one…

  • 1981 Winner for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures for Ordinary People
  • 1995 Nominee for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures for Quiz Show

Nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards…

  • 1963 Nominee for Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role by an Actor for Alcoa Premiere in the episode “The Voice of Charlie Pont”
  • 2013 Nominee for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special for All the President’s Men Revisited; shared with: Andrew Lack, Laura Michalchyshyn, Nancy Daniels, Denise Contis, Peter Schnall

Nominated for eleven Golden Globe Awards, winning six…

  • 1966 Winner Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer – Male for Inside Daisy Clover
  • 1975 Winner Henrietta Award for World Film Favorite – Male
  • 1977 Winner Henrietta Award for World Film Favorite – Male
  • 1978 Winner Henrietta Award for World Film Favorite – Male
  • 1981 Winner Golden Globe for Best Director – Motion Picture for Ordinary People
  • 1993 Nominee Golden Globe for Best Director – Motion Picture for A River Runs Through It
  • 1994 Winner Cecil B. DeMille Award
  • 1995 Nominee Golden Globe for Best Director – Motion Picture for Quiz Show
  • 1999 Nominee Golden Globe for Best Director – Motion Picture for The Horse Whisperer
  • 2014 Nominee Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for All Is Lost
  • 2019 Nominee Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for The Old Man & the Gun

Some of the television projects that feature Robert Redford include: Maverick; Rescue 8; The Deputy; Playhouse 90; Tate (2 episodes); Perry Mason; The Iceman Cometh; Our American Heritage; Play of the Week (3 episodes); Naked City; The Americans; Whispering Smith; Route 66; Bus Stop; The New Breed; Alfred Hitchcock Presents; The Twilight Zone; Dr. Kildare (2 episodes); Alcoa Premiere; The Untouchables; The Alfred Hitchcock Hour (2 episodes); The Dick Powell Theater; Breaking Point; The Virginian; The Defenders; One More Chance and Dark Winds.

Some of Robert Redford’s feature films include: Tall Story; War Hunt; Inside Daisy Clover; The Chase; This Property is Condemed; Barefoot in the Park; Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid; Downhill Racer; Tell Them Willie Boy is Here; The Hot Rock; Jeremiah Johnson; The Candidate; The Way We Were; The Sting; The Great Gatsby; The Great Waldo Pepper; Three Days of the Condor; All the President’s Men; A Bridge Too Far; The Electric Horseman; Ordinary People (director); Brubaker; The Natural; Out of Africa; Legal Eagles; The Milagro Beanfield War (director); Havana; Sneakers; A River Runs Through It (voice and director); Quiz Show (director); Indecent Proposal; The Horse Whisperer (star and director); The Legend of Bagger Vance (director); The Last Castle; Spy Game; An Unfinished Life; Charlotte’s Web; The Conspirator (director); All is Lost; Captain America: The Winter Soldier; The Old Man and the Gun and Avengers: End Game.

I first became aware of Robert Redford before I ever saw him in anything.  I can remember my mom and her friends gushing over how handsome he was.  I first saw him act in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.  I could see what the ladies were talking about.  My two favorite Robert Redford performances are in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Three Days of the Condor.  Of course Mr. Redford was good in everything.  I enjoy seeing him popup in unexpected places like Alfred Hitchcock or The Twilight Zone.  As good an actor as he was, I hope people realize he was also a great human being.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Robert Redford’s family, friends and fans.

“The Alto Knights” (2025) directed by Barry Levinson, starring Robert De Niro / Z-View

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The Alto Knights (2025)

Director:  Barry Levinson

Screenplay:  Nicholas Pileggi

Stars: Robert De Niro, Debra Messing, Kathrine Narducci, Cosmo Jarvis, Michael Rispoli, James Ciccone, Wallace Langham, Ed Amatrudo, Mike Seely and Brian Scolaro.

Tagline: The most dangerous enemy is an old friend

The Plot…

Frank Costello and Vito Genovese grew up together as best friends.  They became notorius crime bosses for different families.  When Costello plans to retire he informs Genovese.  Genovese smells a doublecross.  Soon a gang war irrupts.  Who will survive?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Who cares?  I tapped out after about 30 minutes.

A lot of the movie is voice overs played as old time photos appear.  I also thought having De Niro play both parts was more distracting than it should be.

Although Robert De Niro plays both Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, an actor was hired to play opposite De Niro during filming.  De Niro felt it was needed to get the best performance.  So the actor would play Costello while De Niro acted as Genovese.  The De Niro and the actor would switch parts and redo the scenes.  The actor hired has been kept a secret.

The Alto Knights (2025) rates 1 of 5 stars.

“Predator 2” (1990) starring Danny Glover / Z-View

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Predator 2 (1990)

Director:  Stephen Hopkins

Screenplay:  Jim Thomas, John Thomas based on characters created by Jim Thomas, John Thomas 

Stars: Danny Glover, Gary Busey, Kevin Peter Hall, Rubén Blades, Maria Conchita Alonso, Robert Davi, Adam Baldwin, Kent McCord, Morton Downey Jr., Calvin Lockhart, Steve Kahan, Henry Kingi, Elpidia Carrillo, Lilyan Chauvin and Bill Paxton.

Tagline: He’s in town with a few days to kill.

The Plot…

1997.  Los Angeles is suffering one of the worst summer heat waves in history.  When temperatures rise, tempers flare which is only adding to problems facing L.A.’s finest.  A gang war between Columbian and Jamacan drug cartels is in full force.  Gunfire and turf battles erupt with frequency. Lieutenant Mike Harrigan and his drug task force have their hands full.

When Special Agent Peter Keyes leading a Federal Task Force arrives, Harrigan thinks that they’ve come to assist in taking down the cartels.  Soon Harrigan will learn the real reason.  A Predator has come to town to collect trophies.

Hunting season is now open.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Kevin Peter Hall returned to play the Predator.  For scenes at the end of the movie where additional Predators show up, members of the L.A. Lakers were recruited for the roles.

John McTiernan, director of the original Predator, was getting $2 million a film and producers didn’t want to pay that much.

Elpidia Carrillo, who played Anna in the first film, is listed in the credits, but you will have to look hard to find her.  Carrillo shows up on a video monitor in Federal Agent Keye’s mobile headquarters.  Carrillo filmed other scenes that didn’t make the final cut.

Danny Glover, Gary Busey and Steve Kahan co-starred in Lethal Weapon (1987).  Kahan played Glover’s boss in all the Lethal Weapon films.

It was nice seeing Kent McCord of Adam-12 fame in a supporting role.

I loved Predator.  Predator 2 is good, but falls short of the original.  Predator 2 leans more into the humor, over-the-top scenes and gore.

Predator 2 (1990) rates 3 of 5 stars.