Category: Trivia

“The Specialist” (1994) starring Sylvester Stallone & Sharon Stone / Z-View

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The Specialist (1994)

Director: Luis Llosa

Screenplay: Alexandra Seros based on THE SPECIALIST novels by John Shirley

Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Sharon Stone, James Woods, Rod Steiger, Eric Roberts, Mario Ernesto Sánchez, Emilio Estefan Jr. and Tony Munafo.

Tagline: The government taught him to kill. Now he’s using his skills to help a woman seek revenge against the Miami underworld.

The Plot…

May Munro (Stone) wants revenge.  When May was a young girl, hidden in a closet, she witnessed Thomas Leon (Roberts) brutally murder her mother and father.  Leon is the son of Joe Leon (Steiger), a notorious organized crime boss.  To get close enough to kill him will be impossible.  So may seduces Ray Quick (Stallone) to do it.  Quick is an ex-CIA demolition expert.  Although reluctant at first, Quick can’t resist May’s charms.  What Quick doesn’t know is that May is playing him… or is she?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Reportedly at one point David Fincher was set direct.  Stallone was on board with Fincher at the helm, but the studio balked due to the box office of Alien 3.

In 1993, The L.A. Times reported that The Specialist was the best unproduced thriller script in Hollywood according to a poll of agents, producers and studio executives.

Sharon Stone plays a character much younger than she was at the time of filming.  Stone was supposed to have witnessed Eric Roberts kill her parents when she was a child.  Roberts is just two years older than Stone.

Sly Stallone wrote the scene where Eric Roberts threatens him with a knife.  He wrote the scene since otherwise they had no scenes together.

The cat that Stallone adopts in the film also would go on to appear in Assassins, another Stallone movie.

It’s no secret that I’m a Stallone fan, so keep in mind your mileage may vary.

The Specialist (1994) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Plan 9 From Outer Space” (1957) written & directed by Ed Wood Jr., featuring Bela Lugosi / Z-View

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Plan 9 From Outer Space (1957)

Director: Edward D. Wood Jr.

Screenplay:  Edward D. Wood Jr.

Stars: Gregory Walcott, Tom Keene, Tor Johnson, Lyle Talbot, Conrad Brooks, Maila Nurmi, Bela Lugosi, Edward D. Wood Jr. and Criswell.

Tagline: Unspeakable Horrors From Outer Space Paralyze The Living And Resurrect The Dead!

The Plot…

Aliens are worried that humans will produce a doomsday bomb that could destroy the universe.  To stop them, the aliens put into motion Plan 9.  They resurrect the recent dead.  Humans will be so horrified that they will follow the aliens’ directives.  If not, the aliens will use the zombies to destroy them!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Plan 9 From Outer Space is Bela Lugosi’s last film.  Ed Wood and Lugosi were friends.  They had filmed snippets of scenes for an Ed Wood movie in development.  Bela Lugosi died and Ed Wood decided to incorporate these clips into Plan 9.  Wood also used the fact that Plan 9 would be Lugosi’s last film to induce some of the actors to join the project.

It’s funny to note that scenes featuring Lugosi’s character not played by Lugosi were completed by Wood’s wife’s chiropractor.  He was much taller and looked nothing like Bela Lugosi.  So Ed Wood told him to hunch over and always keep the cape in front of his face.  Problem solved.

The film was made on a miniscule budget.  Tor Johnson’s home was used as a location.  Johnson’s son was a San Fernando Police officer.  They got use of the police car and uniforms through him.  The alien’s flying saucer was adapted from a popular UFO model kit.  Bela Lugosi supplied his own cape (from playing Dracula on stage). The gravestones were made of cardboard or styrofoam and can be seen wiggling when actors brushed against them.

Harry Thomas did the make-up for Plan 9.  He become upset and asked his name be removed from the credits.  Thomas wanted the aliens to have elongated chins using appliances he would make, cat’s eye lenses (special contacts) and green hair (wigs). Ed Wood said that those ideas would be too expensive.  Ironically, the year before Henry Thomas worked on Cecil B. DeMille’s The Ten Commandments which was the most expensive movie ever made to that time.

Plan 9 From Outer Space gained popularity after being named The Worst Film Ever Made.  It is a bad film, but far from the worst ever made.  The low budget, bad script, Lugosi stand-in, wooden performances, outlandish idea for a movie and more make for a humorous viewing, especially with friends.

Plan 9 From Outer Space (1957) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Violent City” aka “The Family” (1970) starring Charles Bronson, Telly Savalas & Jill Ireland / Z-View

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Violent City (1970)

Director: Sergio Sollima

Screenplay: Sauro Scavolini, Gianfranco Galligarich, Lina Wertmüller, Sergio Sollima, story by Dino Maiuri, Massimo De Rita

Stars: Charles Bronson, Telly Savalas, Jill Ireland and Michel Constantin.

Tagline: CHARLES BRONSON: A murderer whose love for a woman was VIOLENT. TELLY SAVALAS: A man who owns both the woman and the CITY.

The Plot…

Jeff Heston (Bronson) is a hitman who was ambushed and left for dead.  Heston believes he was set up by a former boss.  Now healed and ready for revenge… Heston discovers the person who set him up may have been his lover!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Violent City received a second release in the U.S. but retitled as The Family in an effort to cash in on The Godfather‘s success.

Jon Voight and Sharon Tate were considered for the leads.  At the time Charles Bronson was a bigger star in Europe and just becoming a leading man in the United States.  Bronson agreed to star on the condition that his wife, Jill Ireland would co-star.

Violent City (1970) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“The Big Knife” (1955) directed by Robert Aldrich, starring Jack Palance, Ida Lupino, Wendell Corey, Jean Hagen, Rod Steiger & Shelley Winters / Z-View

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The Big Knife (1955)

Director: Robert Aldrich

Screenplay: James Poe based on The Big Knife by Clifford Odets

Stars: Jack Palance, Ida Lupino, Wendell Corey, Jean Hagen, Rod Steiger, Everett Sloane, Wesley Addy, Paul Langton, Nick Dennis, Bill Walker, Shelley Winters, Robert Emhardt, Michael Fox, Strother Martin and Richard Boone (narrator)

Tagline: A journey to the dark heart of Hollywood.

The Plot…

Charlie Castle (Palance) is a famous movie star.  Charlie has all of the benefits of being on top.  He’s rich, has a upscale home, a lovely wife and young son.  From all appearances Charlie is on top of the world.

Appearances can be deceiving.

Charlie’s contract is up and he’s being pressured by studio owner, Stanley Hoff (Steiger) to sign a long-term deal.  Hoff has the power to make or break stars, and he uses it without discretion.  Charlie wants out.  Tired of Charlie’s career coming before his family, his wife Marion (Lupino) says she will leave him if he re-signs.

But Charlie has a dark secret that would cost him everything if it came out… and Stanley Hoff will tell the world if Charlie doesn’t sign the contract today.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Because of the unflattering look at Hollywood several studios turned down the film.  Director Robert Aldrich’s company made the movie.  After the film’s release Aldrich had trouble getting more directing jobs.  He made a couple of films in Europe before returning to the US.

Many thought that Steiger’s character was a take-off of Harry Cohen (Columbia’s studio head).  Cohen reportedly thought so as well and was offended.  According to director Aldrich, Steiger’s character had characteristics from Cohen as well as other studio heads.  Examples include: crying to get a star to sign (Louis B. Mayer) and wearing a hearing aide (Howard Hughes).

Clifford Odets play The Big Knife ran for over 100 performances, was directed by Lee Strasberg, and starred John Garfield as Charles Castle.  Garfield was scheduled to star, but died before the film was made.  Shelley Winters dedicated her performance to John Garfield.

The Big Knife (1955) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Training Day” (2001) directed by Antoine Fuqua, screenplay by David Ayer, starring Denzel Washington & Ethan Hawke / Z-View

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Training Day (2001)

Director: Antoine Fuqua

Screenplay: David Ayer

Stars: Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Scott Glenn, Tom Berenger, Harris Yulin, Raymond J. Barry, Cliff Curtis, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Macy Gray, Eva Mendes, Nick Chinlund, Jaime Gomez, Raymond Cruz, Noel Gugliemi, Samantha Esteban, David Ayer, Peter Greene and Terry Crews.

Tagline: The only thing more dangerous than the line being crossed, is the cop who will cross it.

The Plot…

It’s L.A. police officer Jake Hoyt’s (Hawke) training day.  Hoyt has been teamed with the highly decorated narcotics Detective Alonzo Harris (Washington).  Hoyt badly wants the promotion.  He’s about to discover that Detective Harris is a cop who will cross any lines to make a bust.  Very quickly Harris makes it clear that is the expectation for Hoyt if he is to get promoted to the team.

Hoyt is hesitant at first, but is slowly seduced by Detective Harris’ reputation, charisma and results. As the shift continues, Hoyt learns something that puts his life at risk.  What do you do when your partner/mentor is worse than the gangbangers you’re after?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Both of Training Days leads were nominated for Academy Awards with one winning…

  • Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role – Denzel Washington (winner)
  • Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role nominee – Ethan Hawke

Ethan Hawke had more screen time than Denzel Washington, yet was nominated for an Academy Award in the Supporting Role category.

Training Day was originally set up to be directed by Davis Guggenheim, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Matt Damon.

Actors reportedly considered for Jake Hoyt included Tobey Maguire, Eminem, Paul Walker, Freddy Prinze Jr., Ryan Phillippe, Christian Bale, Mark Wahlberg and Scott Speedman.

Antoine Fuqua filmed in real gang locations. Real gang members from Rollin’ 60 Crips, PJ Watts Crips, and B. P. Stones (a Bloods set) appear on-screen.

The coffee shop where Washington and Hawke first meet has been used in several movies including Se7en, Gone in 60 Seconds, Ghost World, and Catch Me If You Can.

Lights Out (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Sanford and Son”: Season 2 (1973) starring Redd Foxx & Demond Wilson / Z-View

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Sanford and Son: Season 2 (1973)

Based on: Steptoe and Son by Ray Galton, Alan Simpson
Developed by: Bud Yorkin, Norman Lear (uncredited)

Director: Peter Baldwin (Eps. 15, 19-20, 22-24, 28, 35-36, 38); Rick Edelstein (Eps. 16, 21, 25, 27, 34); Jack Shea (Eps. 17-18, 26, 29-32, 37); Sid McCoy (Ep. 33)

Teleplay: Terry Ryan (Ep. 15); Allan Katz & Don Reo (Eps. 16, 22-24, 30, 34); Richard Pryor & Paul Mooney (Eps. 17, 25); Everett Greenbaum & Jim Fritzell (Ep. 18, 37); Ilunga Adell (credited as Adell Stevenson) (Eps. 19, 21, 26, 31, 38); Lloyd Garver & Ken Hecht (Ep. 27, 32); Lee Kalcheim and Aaron Ruben (story by Lee Kalcheim) (Ep. 28); Odie Hawkins and Aaron Ruben (story by Odie Hawkins) (Ep. 29); Aaron Ruben (story by : Ray Galton & Alan Simpson) (Ep. 33, 35-36)

Stars: Redd Foxx, Demond Wilson, LaWanda Page, Don Bexley, Beah Richards, Hal Williams, Nathaniel Taylor, Noam Pitlik, Dick O’Neill, Gregory Sierra, Slappy White, Davis Roberts, Marguerite Ray, Roscoe Lee Browne, Lynn Hamilton, Thalmus Rasulala, Ron Glass, William Hansen, Larry J. Blake, Howard Platt, Roger E. Mosley, Vernon Weddle, Ja’net DuBois, Liam Dunn, Kim Hamilton, Mary Wickes, Gabriel Dell, Lena Horne, John Amos, Joan Prather, Paula Kelly, Alma Beltran, James Wheaton, Maida Severn, Burt Mustin, Jonathan Harris, Herb Voland, Lincoln Kilpatrick Jr., Jack DeLeon and Kelly Thordsen.

Tagline: Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson play two guys who know the score – and how to beat the game. America, you’re in for a yock…Archie, you’re in for a shock

The Plot…

Fred Sanford (Foxx) and his son, Lamont (Wilson) are junk dealers.  Fred’s wife died years ago and Lamont stays on to assist his dad with the business.  Together they get into various misadventures as they attempt to get ahead.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

In its second season Sanford and Son became the 2nd highest rated show on television.  Also in its second season, Sanford and Son earned two Primetime Emmy nominations:

  • Outstanding Comedy Series
  • Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series – Redd Foxx

Season two saw the first appearance of semi-regulars Bubba (Don Bexley), Rollo (Nathaniel Taylor), Julio (Gregory Sierra), and Aunt Esther (LaWanda Page).

Season two notable guest stars include: Roscoe Lee Brown (The Cowboys); Ron Glass (Barney Miller); Gregory Sierra (Barney Miller); Roger E. Mosley (Magnum PI); Ja’Net DuBois (Good Times); Lena Horne; John Amos (Good Times) and Jonathan Harris (Lost in Space).

Richard Pryor co-wrote two episodes.

Sandford and Son: Season 2 (1973) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“The Continental: From the World of John Wick” (2023) starring Mel Gibson, Colin Woodell & Ayo Adegun / Z-View

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The Continental: From the World of John Wick (2023)

Developed by Greg Coolidge, Kirk Ward, Shawn Simmon based on John Wick by Derek Kolstad

Director: Albert Hughes (Eps.1, 3); Charlotte Brändström (Ep. 2)

Teleplay: Greg Coolidge & Kirk Ward and Shawn Simmons (Ep. 1); Shawn Simmons and Greg Coolidge & Kirk Ward & Ken Kristensen (Ep. 2), story by Greg Coolidge & Kirk Ward & Shawn Simmons (Ep.2); Greg Coolidge & Kirk Ward & Ken Kristensen (Ep. 3)

Stars: Mel Gibson, Colin Woodell, Mishel Prada, Hubert Point-Du Jour, Nhung Kate, Jessica Allain, Ayo Adegun, Jeremy Bobb, Adam Shapiro, Katie McGrath, Marina Mazepa, Mark Musashi, Kirk Ward, Dan Li, Chris Ryman, Fflyn Edwards, Ben Robinson, Peter Bergin and Peter Greene.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Set in the 1970s, The Continental: From the World of John Wick details how young Winston Scott (Woodell) was pulled into the world of assassins and rose to become the director of The Continental.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Continental: From the World of John Wick continues, as the title implies, the world-building of the John Wick movie franchise.  It is stylish, action-packed with outrageous characters and a welcome addition.

I loved the opening titles which reminded me of the opening credits to Casino Royale (2006).

The Continental: From the World of John Wick features a sweet soundtrack from the 1970s.

In the third episode, KD checks into The Continental.  She is given room 818, which is the same room John Wick gets in the first movie.

Kirk Ward plays a creepy huge thug to the hilt.  Short white hair, skintight sleeveless t-shirt, a kilt, heavy workboots and black eye makeup make for a scary appearance.  Add in his caresses and loving pats to the man he’s about to torture and you have one sick, memorable henchman.

Let’s not forget Katie McGrath as The Adjudicator.  She wears a half-mask that covers something so grotesque that it sickens those who get a glance behind the covering.  Oh, and what about the strange assassins known as The Twins aka Hansel (Musashi) and Gretal (Mazepa).

Mel Gibson adds gravitas.

I hope we get more adventures in this world.

The Continental: From the World of John Wick (2023) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Shōgun” (2024) starring Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano & Hiroyuki Sanada / Z-View

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Shōgun (2024)

Created by Rachel Kondo, Justin Marks, based on Shōgun by James Clavel

Director: Jonathan van Tulleken (Eps.1-2); Charlotte Brändström (Ep. 3); Frederick E.O. Toye (Eps. 4-5, 9-10); Hiromi Kamata (Ep. 6); Takeshi Fukunaga (Ep. 7); Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour (Ep. 8)

Teleplay: Rachel Kondo & Justin Marks (Eps. 1-2); Shannon Goss (Eps. 3, 8); Nigel Williams & Emily Yoshida (Ep. 4); Matt Lambert (Eps. 5, 7); Maegan Houang (Ep. 6); Rachel Kondo & Caillin Puente (Ep. 9); Maegan Houang & Emily Yoshida (Ep. 10)

Stars: Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, Yûki Kedôin, Akiko Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Sanada, Takehiro Hira

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

17th century.  John Blackthorne (Jarvis), one of the few surviving sailors shipwrecked in Japan, finds himself a pawn in a power struggle between factions.  Literally a stranger in a strange land, Blackthorne is viewed as a savage.  Yet, using his cunning and skills he will rise to a position of respect, not realizing the depth of deception and long-range plans being formed around him.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

This miniseries is based on James Clavell’s novel of the same name.  Clavell based many of the characters in his book on real historical figures.  James Clavell’s daughter (Michaela Clavell) served as an executive producer of the series.

Shōgun is amazing from top to bottom.  Great writing, acting, directing and production values make this series a joy to watch.

Shōgun currently has an 8.8/10 rating on IMDb.  At Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 99% rating with reviewers and a 90% average audience score.

Shōgun (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Sanford and Son”: Season 1 (1972) starring Redd Foxx & Demond Wilson / Z-View

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Sanford and Son: Season 1 (1972)

Based on: Steptoe and Son by Ray Galton, Alan Simpson
Developed by: Bud Yorkin, Norman Lear (uncredited)

Director: Bud Yorkin (Eps. 1-4); George Tyne (Ep. 5); Coby Ruskin (Ep. 6); Bob LaHendro (Ep. 7); Peter Baldwin (Ep. 8, 11 – 13); Charles S. Dubin (Eps. 9 – 10); Bruce Bilson (Ep. 14)

Teleplay: Aaron Rubin, Ray Galton, Alan Simpson (Eps. 1 – 11, 13 – 14); Everett Greenbaum, James Fritzell, Ray Galton (Ep. 12)

Stars: Redd Foxx, Demond Wilson, Hal Williams, Noam Pitlik, Lynn Hamilton, White, William Lanteau, Paulene Myers, Lillian Randolph, Stanley Bennett Clay, Leonard Stone, Judyann Elder, Dick Van Patten, James Wheaton, Peter Bonerz, Gabriel Dell, Florida Friebus and Rick Hurst.

Tagline: Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson play two guys who know the score – and how to beat the game. America, you’re in for a yock…Archie, you’re in for a shock

The Plot…

Fred Sanford (Foxx) and his son, Lamont (Wilson) are junk dealers.  Fred’s wife died years ago and Lamont stays on to assist his dad with the business.  Together they get into various misadventures as they attempt to get ahead.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

In its first season Sanford and Son became the 6th highest rated show on television.  Also in its first season, Sanford and Son earned three Primetime Emmy nominations:

  • Outstanding Comedy Series
  • Outstanding New Series
  • Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series – Redd Foxx

One of the running gags of the series is that in each episode Fred Sanford would find a reason to clutch his chest as if having a heart attack and proclaim, “Hear that, Elizabeth? I’m coming to join you!”  Sadly, Redd Foxx died of a heart attack in 1991.

Fred Sanford was supposed to be 65 years old.  Redd Foxx was just 49 during filming of the first season.

Sanford and Son‘s theme music is by Quincy Jones and it is titled The Streetbeater.

Sandford and Son: Season 1 (1972) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Southern Comfort” directed by Walter Hill, starring Keith Carradine and Powers Boothe / Z-View

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Southern Comfort (1981)

Director: Walter Hill

Screenplay: Michael Kane, Walter Hill, David Giler

Stars: Keith Carradine, Powers Boothe, Fred Ward, Franklyn Seales, T.K. Carter, Lewis Smith, Les Lannom, Peter Coyote, Alan Autry, Brion James, Allan Graf, Ned Dowd and Sonny Landham.

Tagline: In the Louisiana backwaters, it’s easy to make enemies…and VERY difficult to escape from them.

The Plot…

One weekend when the Louisiana Army National Guard is running maneuvers in a bayou, nine soldiers become lost.  As frustrations with their squad leader grow, the men come upon a campsite.  Although no one is there, the site contains three canoes.  Rather than wait for the owners to return, the soldiers decide to leave a note explaining that they “borrowed” the canoes and will leave them once they find their way to civilization.

As they are paddling across the swamp, they hear yelling.  The Cajun hunters have returned and believe the soldiers are stealing their boats.  One of the National guardsmen, stupidly fires his machine gun filled with blanks towards the Cajuns.  The hunters dive for cover and return fire.  The Guardsmen’s leader is killed.  The guardsmen paddle deeper into the swamp.

Lost, with only a few rounds of live ammunition, the soldiers will have to battle each other, the elements and angry Cajun hunters if they are to survive.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Ned Dowd, who played one of the Cajun hunters, transitioned from acting to producing.  Some of these films include The Last of the Mohicans (supervising producer); The 13th Warrior (producer); Reign of Fire (line producer) and Apocalypto (executive producer).

Many believe that Southern Comfort is an allegory for America’s involvement in Viet Nam.  Walter Hill denies this.

Alan Autry, made his feature film debut playing Corporal ‘Coach’ Bowden.  He was listed in the credits as Carlos Brown.

Walter Hill had one of the best starts as any director.  His first seven films were Hard Times; The Driver; The Warriors; The Long Riders; Southern Comfort; 48 Hrs. and Streets of Fire.

Southern Comfort (1981) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“L.A. Confidential” (1997) directed by Curtis Hanson, starring Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger & Danny DeVito / Z-View

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L.A. Confidential (1997)

Director: Curtis Hanson

Screenplay: Brian Helgeland, Curtis Hanson based on L.A. CONFIDENTIAL by James Ellroy

Stars: Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger, James Cromwell, Danny DeVito, David Strathairn, Ron Rifkin, Matt McCoy, Paul Guilfoyle, Paolo Seganti, Elisabeth Granli, Sandra Taylor, Steve Rankin, Graham Beckel, Allan Graf, Symba Smith, Brenda Bakke and Simon Baker.

Tagline: Everything is suspect…everyone is for sale…and nothing is what it seems.

The Plot…

The year is 1953.  Three L.A. detectives find themselves at odds when investigating a series of murders.

  • Straight laced, by-the-book, Ed Exley (Pearce) is the son of a police legend.  Exley’s father was killed in the line of duty.  The murderer never caught.
  • Jack Vincennes (Spacey) is most concerned with his role as technical advisor on a popular cop tv show. Vincennes makes additional cash by providing inside info on celebrity busts to the publisher of a sleazy gossip rag.
  • Bud White (Crowe) isn’t above throwing a beat-down on criminals and is willing to cross certain lines to get justice.

When a police scandal known as Bloody Christmas, puts the reputation of the L.A. police force in jeopardy, Exley devises a solution.  This gets Exley a promotion, but puts him at odds with most of the force.  Then a multiple killing at a coffee house that includes one of the disgraced police officers is assigned to Exley.  Evidence leads to three African-American ex-cons. A shootout ensues and Exley kills them in self-defense.  Exley is cited for bravery and the case closed…

However inconsistences compel Exley to take a closer look.  Were he, as well as the suspects, set up? The evidence points to police and political corruption.  Still an outcast, despite his medal of valor, if Detective Exley refuses to back down, he will be the next targeted for murder.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

L.A. Confidential is based on the novel by James Ellroy.

L.A. Confidential was nominated for 9 Academy Awards and won two:

  • Best Picture (nominee) – Arnon Milchan, Curtis Hanson, Michael G. Nathanson
  • Best Actress in a Supporting Role (winner) – Kim Basinger
  • Best Director – Curtis Hanson (nominee)
  • Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published (winner) – Brian Helgeland, Curtis Hanson
  • Best Cinematography (nominee) – Dante Spinotti 
  • Best Art Direction-Set Decoration (nominee) – Jeannine Oppewall (art director), Jay Hart (set decorator)
  • Best Sound (nominee) – Andy Nelson, Anna Behlmer, Kirk Francis
  • Best Film Editing (nominee) – Peter Honess
  • Best Music, Original Dramatic Score (nominee) – Jerry Goldsmith

Kevin Spacey asked director Curtis Hanson who he would dream cast in the role of Jack Vincennes if the film had been shot in the 1950s.  Hanson surprised him.  Dean Martin, because of his slick, loose style and questionable character was his choice. (Although that choice surprised me as well, I like it! – Craig)

Simon Baker, perhaps best known for his television series The Mentalist, made his feature film debut in L.A. Confidential.

Kevin Spacey got top billing but had less screen time than the other two leads.

L.A. Confidential (1997) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Midnight” (1934) aka “Call It Murder” (1947) featuring Humphrey Bogart

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Midnight (1934) aka Call It Murder (1934)

Director: Chester Erskine

Screenplay: Chester Erskine

Stars: Humphrey Bogart, Sidney Fox, O.P. Heggie, Henry Hull, Margaret Wycherly, Richard Whorf and Granville Bates.

Tagline: One woman was to die at midnight!…another woman was to kill at the same hour…why?

The Plot…

On the night of a woman’s scheduled execution, the jury foreman is having trouble dealing with the verdict.  Then something happens that brings the decision home.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Midnight was originally released in 1934.  Humphrey Bogart was listed 8th in the credits.  Then in 1947, after Bogart became a big star, the film was re-released with the title Call It Murder.  Bogart was given a more prominent role in ads despite his small role.

Richard Whorf who plays Arthur Weldon, would continue acting, but also branch out into directing television and feature films.

Midnight aka Call It Murder (1934) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Assault on Precinct 13” (1976) written & directed by John Carpenter, starring Austin Stoker & Darwin Joston / Z-View

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Assault on Precinct 13 (1976)

Director: John Carpenter

Screenplay: John Carpenter

Stars: Austin Stoker, Darwin Joston, Laurie Zimmer, Martin West, Tony Burton, Charles Cyphers, Nancy Kyes, Henry Brandon, Frank Doubleday, John Carpenter and Kim Richards.

Tagline: A cop with a war on his hands. His enemy… an army of street killers. His only ally… a convicted murderer.

The Plot…

After members of Street Thunder, a gang who had stolen assault rifles, is ambushed by LA police officers, the gang is out for retribution.

Lieutenant Ethan Bishop’s (Stoker) first assignment is to take command of a Precinct house that is being closed down.  There are only a couple of police officers and secretaries there.  Then a prison transport bus pulls in.  One of the prisoners is sick.  They want to hold a few of the prisoners, one guilty of killing several men, in the jail cells.  What should be a quiet night is turned upside down when a man comes running in.  He witnessed gang members murder his little daughter and an ice cream salesman.

Now the Precinct house is under attack by the street gang.  They’ve killed the two cops on duty.  The phone lines have been cut and no one will be coming to the rescue.  What chance do Lieutenant Bishop, two secretaries and two convicts have for survival?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

John Carpenter originally titled the screenplay The Anderson Alamo.  He later changed it to The Siege.  No studio was interested in distributing the film until Turtle Releasing Organization.  They changed the title to Assault on Precinct 13.  The is a mistake since the police station attacked is Precinct 9, Division 13.

Assault on Precinct 13 was made on an ultra low budget.  Carpenter wrote and directed from a script that he wrote in eight days.  Carpenter also wrote the film’s score (in just three days).  Using the pseudonym, John T. Chance (John Wayne’s character’s name in Rio Bravo), John Carpenter also served as the movie’s editor.  The film was shot in less than a month.  (Oh, and by the way, John Carpenter also plays one of the gang members killed trying to climb through a police station window.)

Darwin Joston, who is excellent as the killer Napoleon Wilson, was John Carpenter’s next door neighbor.

Charles Cyphers and Nancy Loomis would work with John Carpenter on his next film, Halloween.

Frank Doubleday, the actor who kills the ice cream man and little Kim Richards, would go on to appear as Romero in John Carpenter’s Escape from New York.

Assault on Precinct 13 hit me at a perfect time.  It was one of the first films I discovered after getting a VCR back in 1980.  I loved the movie then and still do.  Your mileage may vary.

Assault on Precinct 13 (1976) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“30 Days of Night” (2007) starring Josh Harnett, Melissa George & Danny Huston / Z-View

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30 Days of Night (2007)

Director: David Slade

Screenplay: Steve Niles, Stuart Beattie, Brian Nelson based on 30 Days of Night by Steve Niles & Ben Templesmith

Stars: Josh Hartnett, Melissa George, Danny Huston, Ben Foster, Mark Boone Junior, Elizabeth Hawthorne and Nathaniel Lees.

Tagline: They’re Coming!

The Plot…

The remote city of Barrow, Alaska, because of it’s location has a month of darkness once a year.  Most of the city’s inhabitants leave.  Those that stay have to live with “30 days of night”.  This year they will also have to deal with a coven of vampires who have come to Barrow to feast!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Steve Niles conceived 30 Days of Night as a graphic novel.  Although he pitched the idea, there was no interest.  Niles then reworked the idea and pitched 30 Days of Night as a movie.  Again there was no interest.  Niles put the idea on the back-burner until a discussion at IDW Publishing brought 30 Days of Night back from the, uh, dead.  Niles and artist Ben Templesmith’s 30 Days of Night comic was a hit.  This led to several movie studios showing interest in adapting 30 Days of Night.

A picture of Steve Niles can be seen in the attic hideout.

30 Days of Night does a great job of building suspense and ratcheting the tension as the vampires destroy Barlow’s ability to communicate with the outside world.  Then we see vampire attacks to those on the outskirts of the city.  The full-on attack of the city with the overhead shots of the mayhem is still a favorite scene.

Danny Huston is amazing as Marlow the leader of the vampire coven.  Kudos also to Ben Foster.

30 Days of Night (2007) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Mars Attacks” (1996) directed by Tim Burton / Z-View

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Mars Attacks (1996)

Director: Tim Burton

Screenplay: Jonathan Gems, Tim Burton (uncredited) based on Topps Mars Attacks! trading cards

Stars: Jack Nicholson, Pierce Brosnan, Sarah Jessica Parker, Annette Bening, Glenn Close, Danny DeVito, Martin Short, Michael J. Fox, Rod Steiger, Lukas Haas, Natalie Portman, Jim Brown, Lisa Marie, Sylvia Sidney, Paul Winfield, Pam Grier, Jack Black, Joe Don Baker, Christina Applegate  and Tom Jones.

Tagline: Nice planet. We’ll take it!

The Plot…

An armada of Martian ships have come to Earth.  At the first meeting between the Martian and US Ambassador and accident makes the Martians think that they are under attack.  The aliens then decide to take over the Earth.

Let the fun begin!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Tim Burton directs an all-star cast.

Tim Burton pitched the idea by showing Warner Bros. the Mars Attacks! trading cards released in 1962.  The cards featured art by Wally Wood and Norman Saunders.  The card set told of a Martian invasion of Earth.  Because the cards were aimed at the kiddie market, many parents felt that the violence was too graphic.  This led to a limited distribution.  The Mars Attacks! cards have become collector’s items.  In the 1980s, Topps revisited the Mars Attacks! by re-releasing the card set, new Mars Attacks! cards and comic books.

Mars Attacks! marks Sylvia Sidney’s final film appearance.

Although Tim Burton co-wrote the film with Jonathan Gems, but gave Gems full credit.  Jonathan Gems wrote the Mars Attacks! novelization and dedicated the book to Tim Burton.

Mars Attacks (1996) rates 3 of 5 stars.