Category: Trivia

“Unforgiven” (1992) directed and starring Clint Eastwood; co-starring Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman and Richard Harris / Z-View

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Unforgiven (1992)

Director:  Clint Eastwood

Screenplay: David Webb Peoples

Stars: Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Richard Harris, Jaimz Woolvett,
Frances Fisher, Anna Thomson, David Mucci, Rob Campbell, Anthony James, Beverley Elliott, Liisa Repo-Martell, Shane Thomas Meier and Saul Rubinek.

Tagline: It’s a hell of a thing, killing a man

The Plot…

The year is 1880.  Will Munny is having a hard go of it.  His wife died three years ago leaving Will to raise two young children on his own.  At one time Will was a dangerous man. An outlaw. He made his living with his gun. Will did many things that he’s not proud of.  But he changed all that for his wife. Will gave up the drinking and evil ways to become a farmer.  He’s nowhere near as good with a plow as he was with a gun.

One day a young man shows up.  He calls himself The Schofield Kid.  He claims to be an experienced bounty hunter.  The Kid says that he’s after a $1,000 bounty and could use some help.  He knows Munny’s reputation with a gun. Says he’ll split the bounty 50-50.  All they need to do is ride to Big Whiskey and bring in a couple of cowboys.

Will initially turns down the offer.  Then realizes that he’s not making it as a farmer.  His share of the bounty would go a long way in providing for his kids. But Will’s older now and hasn’t fired a gun in years.  So Will recruits his old crime partner, Ned Logan to join in.  Ned is older now.  He too gave up the life and settled down… but the chance to ride with Will again (and his share of the bounty) is enough to get him on board.

Will, Ned and The Schofield Kid ride for Big Whiskey.  Little do they know that their biggest problem won’t be earning the bounty.  Big Whiskey is run by a crooked, sadistic Sheriff named “Little Bill” Daggett.  When Will, Ned and the Kid find themselves on the wrong side of Sheriff Daggett, it becomes clear they’re overmatched.

And it is too late to just ride away.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Unforgiven was nominated for nine 1993 Academy Awards and won four…

  • Nominee for Best Sound – Les Fresholtz, Vern Poore, Dick Alexander, Rob Young
  • Nominee for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration – Henry Bumstead, Janice Blackie-Goodine
  • Nominee for Best Cinematography – Jack N. Green
  • Nominee for Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen – David Webb Peoples
  • Nominee for Best Actor in a Leading Role – Clint Eastwood
  • Winner for Best Film Editing – Joel Cox
  • Winner for Best Director – Clint Eastwood
  • Winner for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Gene Hackman
  • Winner for Best Picture – Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood had the movie rights for quite a while before making the movie.  He felt he needed to be the right age to play Will Munny.

Eastwood not only directed and starred in the movie, but he also wrote the film’s main theme.

Jaimz Woolvett who plays The Schofield Kid, is in his feature film debut.

Unforgiven has my favorite Gene Hackman role.

Unforgiven (1992) rates 5 of 5 stars

“Jurassic World: Rebirth” (2025) starring Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali / Z-View

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Jurassic World: Rebirth (2025)

Director:  Gareth Edwards

Screenplay: David Koepp; based on characters by Michael Crichton

Stars: Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Luna Blaise, David Iacono, Audrina Miranda, Bechir Sylvain, Ed Skrein, Lucy Thackeray, Billy Smith and Jonny Lavelle.

Tagline: A new era is born.

The Plot…

Martin Krebs, an executive at ParkerGenix, offers Zora Bennett two million dollars to head a dangerous expedition.  If Zora accepts, her team will go to an abandoned dinosaur research laboratory located on a remote island somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean.  The island was deserted when experiments to mutate dinosaurs got out of hand.  Several scientists were killed and the dinosaurs escaped.  Now the mutated creatures thrive on the island.  It is illegal for anyone to go there.

ParkerGenix scientists believe that dinosaur DNA holds the key to a cure for heart disease.  Zora accepts the offer.  She recruits fellow mercenaries Duncan Kincaid, LeClerc, Nina and Bobby Atwater.  Martin Krebs from ParkerGenix and paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis will round out the team.

Their mission is to sneak onto the island, locate the three dinosaur species, retrieve DNA from each and get back alive.  It won’t be easy.

The mission is made even more difficult when nearing the island, they receive and SOS from a sinking sail boat.  They arrive in time to save a father, his young daughter, his grown daughter and her boyfriend.  Because they are so close to the island, and the clock is ticking, they have no choice but to bring the survivors along.

As their boat nears the island, it is attacked by several Spinosaurus dinosaurs.  Several crew members are knocked overboard.  The craft is driven ashore but now useless.  Those that make it to the island alive will have to survive 24 hours.  At that point a rescue helicopter will circle and attempt to pick up survivors.

Getting through the 24 hours alive will be difficult enough.  Attempting to complete their mission is still a goal.

The clock is ticking.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

This is the only Jurassic Park sequel to feature all new characters.

Jonathan Bailey who plays Dr. Henry Loomis, can also be heard playing clarinet in several orchestral tracks of the film’s score.  Baily also performs the solo heard when his character first touches a dinosaur.

There are plenty of scares and intense scenes as expected.

There is a baby dinosaur that appears throughout the film once the team gets on the island.  Its inclusion seemed out of place to me unless they were shooting a children’s movie.  Yeah, it is cute, but for me seemed so out of place.

Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo are excellent.

Jurassic World: Rebirth (2025) rates 3 of 5 stars

“Silverado” (1985) directed by Lawrence Kasdan, starring Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Kevin Costner, Danny Glover and Brian Dennehy / Z-View

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Silverado (1985)

Director:  Lawrence Kasdan

Screenplay: Lawrence Kasdan, Mark Kasdan

Stars: Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Kevin Costner, Danny Glover, Brian Dennehy, Linda Hunt, Jeff Goldblum, Rosanna Arquette, Joe Seneca, Jeff Fahey, Marvin J. McIntyre, Brad Leland, Sheb Wooley, Jonathan Kasdan, Todd Allen, Bill Thurman, Meg Kasdan, Dick Durock, Gene Hartline, Jake Kasdan and John Cleese.

Tagline: A dangerous place, in a lawless time… ‘Til four friends risked all to make things right.

The Plot…

Four strangers, Emmett an ex-con, Paden a former outlaw, Jake a slow-witted fast gunslinger and Mal a drifter meet on the road to Silverado.  Along the way they will have adventures and become friends.

In Silverado, Paden learns that one of his crime partners, Cobb is Sheriff.  Cobb has a sweet deal.  Not only is Cobb the Sheriff, but he also owns the bar and runs the town for Mr. McKendrick.  McKendrick is owner of the biggest ranch in the area.  Nothing happens in Silverado without McKendrick’s okay.  McKendrick also holds a grudge against Emmett, Jake and Mal.  He wants them dead.

Paden is going to have to make a choice.  Cobb has offered him a sweet deal.  All he has to do is nothing.  Just standby and watch his friends be gunned down.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Silverado was nominated for two 1986 Academy Awards…

  • Nominee for Best Music, Original Score – Bruce Broughton
  • Nominee for Best Sound – Donald O. Mitchell, Rick Kline, Kevin O’Connell, David M. Ronne

Silverado features Jeff Fahey’s feature film debut.

Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Kevin Costner and Danny Glover were perfectly cast.  The four had great chemistry.  Brian Dennehy made a great villain — a bad guy, but very likable.  It was nice seeing Linda Hunt, Jeff Goldblum, Rosanna Arquette, Joe Seneca, Jeff Fahey, John Cleese and Sheb Wooley appear.

If the box office had been better there could have been a sequel.  Sadly it was not to be.

Silverado is an under-rated gem.  If you’re a western fan, Silverado checks all the right boxes.

Silverado (1985) rates 5 of 5 stars

“Species” (1995) starring Natasha Henstridge, Michael Madsen, Ben Kingsley, Alfred Molina, Forest Whitaker and Marg Helgenberger / Z-View

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Species (1995)

Director:  Roger Donaldson

Screenplay: Dennis Feldman

Stars: Natasha Henstridge, Michael Madsen, Ben Kingsley, Alfred Molina, Forest Whitaker, Marg Helgenberger, Jordan Lund, Don Fischer, Virginia Morris, Esther Scott, William Utay, Roger Donaldson and Whip Hubley.

Tagline: For three million years, the human race has been at the top of the evolutionary ladder. Nothing lasts forever

The Plot…

SETI (Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence) scientists are elated when they receive a transmission. The message contains alien DNA.  So the government funds a laboratory to splice the DNA with that of female human.  Scientists are shocked when the baby “girl” begins growing at a rapid rate.  They name the child Sil.

Within a short time Sil is the size of a pre-teen.  Super smart and strong, the scientists become concerned when Sil displays violent outbursts while sleeping.  The decision is made to terminate Sil before she reaches full strength.  When the execution fails Sil escapes.  Soon she will reach adulthood.  At that point, she will be infinitely more dangerous.

The government pulls together a team that includes anthropologist Dr. Stephen Arden, molecular biologist Dr. Laura Baker, “empath” Dan Smithson, and mercenary Preston “Press” Lennox.  They are to track and kill SIL.  A backup squad will be on standby to assist.

The clock is ticking.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Sil was designed by Swiss artist H. R. Giger.  Giger also designed the creatures in Alien.  Giger created the “nightmare train” effects used when Sil is dreaming.  Interestingly enough, Giger had been attached to an alien on a train film titled Isobar.  Isobar was to star Sylvester Stallone, but the film was never made due to Carolco Pictures’ financial troubles.

Species features the theatrical movie debut of  Natasha Henstridge who played Sil.

Dennis Feldman, Species screenwriter, followed up with a four-issue comic book adaptation drawn by Jon Foster as well as two alternate comic book continuations: Species: Human Race and a one-shot Species: Offspring. Feldman also wrote the sequel film, Species II.

Arnold Schwarzenegger reportedly showed interest in the script but moved on due to budget restrictions.

I loved the idea of the team of diverse talents that included an empath.

Species (1995) rates 4 of 5 stars

“Dark Side of the Ring”: Season 1 (2019) / Z-View

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Dark Side of the Ring: Season 1 (2019)

Created by:  Evan Husney, Jason Eisener

Director:  Jason Eisener

Stars: Dutch Mantell, Scott Hall, Jimmy Hart, Lanny Poffo, Jake Roberts, Eric Bischoff, Lex Luger, Randy Savage, Ricky Steamboat, Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, James E. Cornette, Bruce Prichard, Earl Hebner, Vince Russo, Ric Flair, Ted DiBiase, Owen Hart, Mick Foley, Tony Atlas, Kevin Von Erich, Abdullah the Butcher and Dave Meltzer.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Each episode of Dark Side of the Ring profiles a professional wrestler or event that has become infamous among professional wrestling insiders.  Interviews with those who were there, archival footage and reenactments are used in each episode.

Ep. 1: The Match Made in Heaven.  Randy The Macho Man Savage was one of the most popular wrestlers of his time.  When he brought on Miss Elizabeth as his manager, his popularity went even higher.  Elizabeth became as popular as Savage.  Maybe more so.  They were in love both in the wrestling world and real-life.  But there was no happily- ever-after in their future.  No, their love would end in tragedy.

  • Ep. 2: The Montreal Screwjob.  There was a long pro wrestling tradition that a champion who was retiring, or leaving a territory, would lose the title before going. Bret The Hitman Hart was the WWF Champion. Hart was leaving the WWF to go to the WCW.  Vince McMahon, owner of the WWF, was worried that Hart would break tradition and take the title with him.  So behind the scenes McMahon created a plan to make sure the championship belt didn’t leave with Hart.  McMahon’s conspiracy became known as the The Montreal Screwjob.  It changed the face of professional wrestling forever.  Now there was no doubt that backstage decisions determined in-ring outcomes.

 

  • Ep. 3: The Killing of Bruiser Brody.  Bruiser Brody was intimidating.  He stood 6’8″ and weighed 300 pounds.  Brody had the reputation of being contentious.  What made it worse was Brody was often out of control.  It wasn’t an act.  Brody frequently argued with fellow wrestlers and promoters.  While wrestling in Puerto Rico, Brody got into a locker room argument with José González, better known as Invader 1.  Before the night was over Brody lay dying in the shower the result of stab wounds from González.

 

  • Ep. 4: The Last of the Von Erichs.  Fritz Von Erich (real name Jack Adkisson) was a popular wrestling villain.  Von Erich had six sons.  His first child was killed in a freak accident at the age of six. The five other sons all grew up to become professional wrestlers.  Sadly, four of the five would die at a very young age.  Three from suicide.  Many said the family was cursed.  The only surviving son discusses the family legacy.

 

  • Ep. 5: The Mysterious Death of Gorgeous Gino. Gino Hernandez was a wrestling star on the rise.  He got over in every territory.  The fame and money was starting to come.  Unfortunately Gino got mixed up with the wrong crowd and he was using drugs.  When friends became concerned and busted into his apartment, they found his decomposing body.  Did Gino overdose?  Was he murdered?  The autopsy report was full of errors.  His family never saw his body.  Did Gino fake his own death?

 

  • Ep. 6: The Fabulous Moolah.  Mary Lillian Ellison better known as The Fabulous Moolah was the first woman to be inducted in the WWF Hall of Fame.  She holds the record as longest reigning champion in combination of all of her reigns.  She held the title on and off for 28 years!  Moolah was also THE booker and promoter for women wrestlers across the country.  This is where he reputation goes off the rails. All the promoters worked with Moolah to book women wrestlers.  Moolah wouldn’t sign a woman unless she signed a contract to train with her.  Moolah charged them for training.  They must also live on her compound.  Moolah charged them for rent.  Then, as their agent Moolah got 25% or more of their pay.   Sadly that is not the worst of the accusations.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Dark Side of the Ring is must-see viewing for fans of professional wrestling.  Even if you think you know the stories covered, new information and insights are presented.

Dark Side of the Ring: Season 1 (2019)rates 5 of 5 stars

“Running Scared” (2006) written & directed by Wayne Kramer, starring Paul Walker / Z-View

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Running Scared (2006)

Director:  Wayne Kramer

Screenplay: Wayne Kramer

Stars: Paul Walker, Cameron Bright, Chazz Palminteri, Vera Farmiga, Karel Roden, Johnny Messner, Ivana Milicevic, Michael Cudlitz, Bruce Altman, Arthur J. Nascarella, John Noble, Idalis DeLeon, David Warshofsky, Jim Tooey, Thomas Rosales Jr. and Elizabeth Mitchell.

Tagline: Its Find The Gun, Or Death…

The Plot…

When a drug deal goes bad, a shootout occurs.  Several people are killed.  Tommy Perello and his crew are the only survivors.  Perello orders Joey Gazelle, an up-and-comer, to get rid of the guns his gang used in the drug deal.

Joey takes the guns, but heads home before ditching the weapons.  Once home, Joey hides the arms in the basement.  Joey doesn’t realize that his son Nicky and Nicky’s friend from next door, Oleg, saw where the weapons were hidden.  Oleg steals one of the revolvers.

As soon as Oleg gets home his abusive stepfather, Anzor, starts in.  Oleg has had enough and shoots his stepdad.  Oleg runs off taking the gun with him.

Hearing the shot, Joey next door. Anzor is wounded. He explains Oleg shot him.  Joey realizes that Oleg used a gun that Joey was supposed to have ditched.  That gun will link Joey and Perello’s crew to the drug deal’s multiple murders.

The police will be out in full force looking for Oleg.  Joey’s got to find Oleg before the cops.  If they find Oleg first, Joey and his crime partners will get life in prison.  If they’re lucky.  If Tommy Perello or the crew discover what happened, the end result will be even worse.

Oleg is on the move.  So is Joey.  Both are running scared.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Running Scared has more twists than a rollercoaster. The movie starts in the middle of a drug deal that suddenly goes bad. An insane shootout takes place and we’re off an running. Along the way we’ll meet drug dealers, pimps, crooked cops, child molesters, and Russian mobsters.

The movie maintains momentum as Joey [Paul Walker] attempts to retrieve a stolen gun used in a mob killing. Then finds himself on a mission to save a kid.

Paul Walker does a fine job in the starring role.  The supporting cast is first rate: Chazz Palminteri, Vera Farmiga, Michael Cudlitz, Arthur J. Nascarella, John Noble, Elizabeth Mitchell, Bruce Altman and David Warshofsky shine.

Writer/director Wayne Kramer is a talent to keep an eye on.  His direction of the action scenes is inventive.  His story doesn’t take us on the expected journey.  Kudos to him.

Paul Walker’s brother appears in the scene retracing the path of a bullet and Walker’s character is shown in both houses.  It is actually Paul’s brother sitting at the kitchen table.

Running Scared is an underrated gem.

Running Scared (2006) rates 5 of 5 stars

“The Devil and Daniel Webster” (1941) directed by William Dieterle; starring Edward Arnold and Walter Huston / Z-View

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The Devil and Daniel Webster (1941)

Director:  William Dieterle

Screenplay: Dan Totheroh, Stephen Vincent Benét; based on The Devil and Daniel Webster  by Stephen Vincent Benét

Stars: Edward Arnold, Walter Huston, Jane Darwell, Simone Simon, Gene Lockhart, John Qualen and H.B. Warner.

Tagline: What would YOU give for seven years of power, luxury, wealth…all the thrills you ever wanted and never dared to seek?

The Plot…

Jabez Stone has been going through a string of bad luck.  Newly married, Jabez has struggled making a go as a farmer.  Worried he won’t have enough money to care for his new wife and mother, in a fit of rage Jabez declares he’d sell his soul for two cents.  Suddenly a man appears.

The man calls himself Mr. Scratch.  Scratch says that if  Jabez would like seven years of riches and prosperity, it will only cost him his soul.  Before Jabez can answer, Scratch makes a bag of gold coins appear.  Jabez thinks the gold would solve all of his problems.  And seven years is a long time away… surely he can think of a way to break the deal.

Jabez signs the contract.

Jabez’s luck changes immediately.  His personality does as well… just not as fast.  Jabez becomes greedy.  Scratch manipulates things from behind the scenes.

Seven years passes quickly.  Scratch will be collecting Jabez’s soul soon.  Then Jabez gets an idea… perhaps the great lawyer Daniel Webster can find a way to break the contract.

Daniel Webster meets Mr. Scratch and realizes Jabez has made a deal with the devil.  Webster takes the case… but what chance does a mere mortal have against Mr. Scratch?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Devil and Daniel Webster was nominated for two 1942 Academy Awards and won one…

  • Nominee for Best Actor in a Leading Role – Walter Huston
  • Winner for Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic Picture – Bernard Herrmann

The Devil and Daniel Webster was first released with the title All That Money Can Buy.  In different territories it was released as Mr. Scratch or Here is a Man or Daniel and the Devil.

Thomas Mitchell was originally cast as Daniel Webster.  He was injured during a carriage ride scene.  He was thrown from the carriage and was hospitalized for months before recovering.  Edward Arnold was then cast as Webster.  All of Mitchell’s scenes has to be reshot.

The effects shots of Mr. Scratch and others called up from hades are pretty cool.  Especially for the time.

The Devil and Daniel Webster (1941) rates 4 of 5 stars

“A Fistful of Dollars” (1964) directed by Sergio Leone; starring Clint Eastwood / Z-View

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A Fistful of Dollars (1964)

Director:  Sergio Leone

Screenplay: Víctor Andrés Catena, Jaime Comas Gil, Sergio Leone, Fernando Di Leo (uncredited), Duccio Tessari (uncredited) Tonino Valerii; written by Adriano Bolzoni, Mark Lowell, Víctor Andrés Catena, Sergio Leone; based on Yojimbo (1961)  by Akira Kurosawa, Ryūzō Kikushima

Stars: Clint Eastwood

Tagline:  In his own way he is, perhaps, the most dangerous man who ever lived!

The Plot…

When a gunfighter rides into the frontier town of San Miguel, he learns that two crime families are at war.  Seeing an opportunity to get rich, the gunslinger decides to play both sides of the street.

It’s a plan that could cost him his life.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

A Fistful of Dollars was seen as overly violent when first released.  Critics said The Man with No Name was just another gun thug willing to kill anyone for money.  In fact before A Fistful of Dollars was shown on ABC in 1975, a prologue was added.  It featured a stand-in for Eastwood, a couple of shots of Eastwood’s eyes and Harry Dean Stanton as a government official.  Eastwood’s character is offered a pardon if he goes to San Miguel and cleans up the town.  Now instead of a greedy coldblooded killer, Eastwood is a man on a mission for justice. Bah!

Akira Kurosawa sued since A Fistful of Dollars is basically Yojimbo as a western. Leone settled out of court, reportedly for 15% of the worldwide receipts of A Fistful of Dollars.  What’s funny is that Yojimbo is an adaption of Dashiell Hammett’s gangster novel RED HARVEST.  The lone gunfighter becomes a ronin going against samurai for Yojimbo.

Clint Eastwood was offered the role after it was turned down by Steve Reeves, Henry Fonda, James Coburn, Charles Bronson and Richard Harrison.  The role was then offered to the star of the television series Rawhide, Eric Fleming.  Fleming turned it down, but suggested his Rawhide co-star, Clint Eastwood.  The rest is history.

A Fistful of Dollars (1964) rates 4 of 5 stars

Tony DeZuniga Draws Rambo Too!

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Antony de Zuñiga who worked primarily under the name Tony DeZuniga, was an exceptional comics artist and illustrator.  Mr. DeZuniga was the co-creator of Jonah Hex and Black Orchid. He was the first Filipino artist to work for Marvel or DC Comics.  He paved the way for other talented artists.

Most folks know Tony DeZuniga for his beautiful inking.  As you can see above, with the Rambo commission I was fortunate to get from Mr. DeZuniga, he was a consummate penciler as well.

“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