Category: Trivia

“Capricorn One” written & directed by Peter Hyams; starring Elliott Gould, James Brolin, Brenda Vaccaro, Sam Waterston, O.J. Simpson, Hal Holbrook, Karen Black & Telly Savalas / Z-View

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Capricorn One (1978)

Director:  Peter Hyams

Screenplay:  Peter Hyams

Stars: Elliott Gould, James Brolin, Brenda Vaccaro, Sam Waterston, O.J. Simpson, Hal Holbrook, Karen Black, David Huddleston, David Doyle, Lee Bryant, Denise Nicholas, Robert Walden,  James Sikking, Alan Fudge, James Karen, Barbara Bosson and Telly Savalas. 

Tagline: Would you be shocked to find out that the greatest moment of our recent history may not have happened at all?

The Plot…

Capricorn One is set to be the first manned mission to Mars.  Mission Commander Charles Brubaker will be joined by Peter Willis and John Walker.  Just minutes before liftoff, the crew is secretly taken out of the capsule and driven to a remote desert military base.

In the meantime the launch proceeds as normal.  The world as well as mission control believe the crew is onboard.

The Capricorn One crew is met by NASA head Dr. James Kelloway.  Kelloway explains that it was recently discovered that Capricorn One’s life support system contained a fatal flaw. Had the crew been sent up, they would have died in route to Mars.

There was too much riding on the mission to cancel. A contingent of politicians already felt that the money to support the Mars mission and other NASA projects could be better spent elsewhere.  If Capricorn One failed, all funding would be cut off.  Private contractors and powerful politicians would lose billions.

So a secret plan was developed.  The mission to Mars would continue. The crew would perform their scheduled activities from a soundstage.  The audio/video would be sent via relays to appear that it was coming from Capricorn One. Very few people in the world would know.

Charles Brubaker isn’t buying it.  He believes that the public would understand. Peter and John agree.  They don’t want to fake the trip.  Funding need not be lost.  Kelloway says that powerful people aren’t willing to take the chance.  If Charles, Peter and John don’t agree to play along, not only are their lives in danger, but so are the lives of their families.

Reluctantly Charles, Peter and John agree to the charade.  Secretly Charles informs Peter and John when they return and their families are safe, he is going to come clean.

All goes well on Capricorn One’s trip to Mars.  The crew’s videos have everyone fooled.  The return flight to Earth is by the book.  Then on re-entry, the ship’s heat shield fails.  The ship explodes.  The crew could not survive.

Meanwhile back at the remote military base, Charles, Peter and John realize if they are thought to have died on the mission, there is no way that they can ever be seen again alive.

Miles from nowhere… in the middle of a desert… unsure where the closest city is, the three begin a run for their lives.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

NASA provided mock-up spacecraft, sets, vehicles and other technical assistance.

Capricorn One was the most successful independently produced movie of 1977.

Writer/director Peter Hyams wanted Robert Hooks or Bernie Casey for the role that went to O.J. Simpson. Simpson was the producers’ choice and they wouldn’t budge.

Peter Hyams also wrote and directed Outland (1981).  The corporation Con Amalgamate appears in both films.  In Capricorn One, it is the company that cut corners and made the faulty life-support system. In Outland, it is the corporation that runs mining on Io.

The scenes of the crop duster with Brubaker hanging on to the wing as it is chased by two military helicopters works!

Stunt pilot, Frank Tallman, said that the scenes with the crop duster chased by two military helicopters and all flying low to the ground through zig-zagging canyons was the most dangerous flying he ever did.

There were two different novelizations written for Capricorn One.  Each had a different author. Ron Goulart wrote the version published in the United States. Bernard Ross’ (aka Ken Follett!) take was published in the United Kingdom.  The U.K. version puts more emphasis on the reporter than the U.S. novel.

Capricorn One‘s two stars, Elliott Gould and James Brolin were both married to the same woman in real life.  Gould was married to Barbra Streisand from 1963 to 1971. Brolin married Streisand in 1998.

Capricorn One is my favorite film written by Peter Hyams.  It is also my favorite film directed by Peter Hyams.  It also features my favorite Elliott Gould performance.

Capricorn One is under-rated.

Capricorn One (1978) rates 5 of 5 stars

“Madea’s Destination Wedding” (2025) written, directed by and starring Tyler Perry / Z-View

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Madea’s Destination Wedding (2025)

Director:  Tyler Perry

Screenplay: Tyler Perry

Stars: Tyler Perry, Cassi Davis, David Mann, Tamela J. Mann, Diamond White, Xavier Smalls, Bree Shannon and Rocky Myers.

Tagline: Hellur from Bahamas.

The Plot…

Madea, the immediate family and a couple of friends are invited to a quicky wedding for Madea’s grandniece, Tiffany.  All expenses paid.

Tiffany’s dad, Brian, is concerned since he just met the groom-to-be, Xavier.  Xavier is arrogant and immature.  Worse still, Brian has been put in a position where he feels he needs to foot the entire wedding bill.  As if that weren’t enough, Tiffany wants a destination wedding at an expensive resort in the Bahamas.

Brian suggests that Tiffany not rush into things.  Tiffany’s mom appears to want the wedding even more than Tiffany.

There are a number of mishaps getting ready for the trip.  But when Madea and the family arrive at the resort they start living it up.  Then Madea discovers something that could change everything.

If anyone has a reason why these two should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.  Madea isn’t one to hold her peace.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Tyler Perry writes, directs and stars (playing three characters) in Madea’s Destination Wedding.  This is the first Madea film where Perry doesn’t use make-up.  Instead he used digital technology to erase his beard and change his face.

Madea’s Destination Wedding is the 13th in the series!

Madea’s Destination Wedding (2025) rates 2 of 5 stars

“Devil’s Advocate” starring Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino and Charlize Theron / Z-View

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Devil’s Advocate (1997)

Director:  Taylor Hackford

Screenplay: Jonathan Lemkin, Tony Gilroy; based on THE DEVIL’S ADVOCATE by Andrew Neiderman

Stars: Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino, Charlize Theron, Jeffrey Jones, Judith Ivey, Connie Nielsen, Tamara Tunie, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Debra Monk, Vyto Ruginis, Laura Harrington, Pamela Gray, George Wyner, Chris Bauer, Heather Matarazzo, Leo Burmester and Craig T. Nelson.

Tagline: The newest attorney at the world’s most powerful law firm has never lost a case. But he’s about to lose his soul.

The Plot…

Kevin Lomax is a young, newly married hotshot lawyer.  Kevin has never lost a case.  That could change when Kevin comes to realize his client, a teacher, accused of molesting a student, is a guilty pervert.  Kevin considers his options.  He could excuse himself from the case.  He could not do his best and allow his client to be found guilty.  Kevin makes a decision.  He brings the young girl to the witness stand and destroys her credibility.  His client gets off and Kevin’s undefeated streak is intact.

When John Milton’s big time New York City law firm offers Kevin a job, he is surprised… and interested.  Taking the position would mean uprooting his wife and moving from a small suburban home to the big city.  He’d get a lot more money and prestige, but have less time for his wife.  There’d be temptations that would be hard to resist.

But it’s not like he’d be selling his soul.  Right?

Court is in session!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Keanu Reeves accepted a lower salary in order that there was enough money in the budget to get Al Pacino.  When Pacino learned of this, he donated to charity the same amount that Reeves lowered his pay.

The boxing match that takes place in the film was an actual title fight between Roy Jones Jr. and Bryant Bannon.  Jones won by a second round TKO.

Keanu Reeves turned down Speed 2: Cruise Control but chose to make Devil’s Advocate instead.

In the last scene of the film Al Pacino looks into the camera breaking the fourth wall and speaks his last line.  I love it.

Devil’s Advocate (1997) rates 4 of 5 stars

“National Lampoon’s Animal House” (1978) directed by John Landis, starring John Belushi / Z-View

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National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978)

Director:  John Landis

Screenplay: Harold Ramis, Douglas Kenney, Chris Miller

Stars: John Belushi, Karen Allen, Tom Hulce, Stephen Furst, Mark Metcalf, Mary Louise Weller, Martha Smith, James Daughton, Douglas Kenney, James Widdoes, Tim Matheson, Peter Riegert, Bruce McGill, Donald Sutherland, John Vernon, Cesare Danova, Verna Bloom, Stephen Bishop, Otis Day and Kevin Bacon.

Tagline: It was the Deltas against the rules… the rules lost!

The Plot…

1962.  Dean Vernon Wormer has had enough from the antics of the Delta Tau Chi fraternity. Wormer wants Faber College to be respectable… even if he has to play underhanded.  So Wormer enlists Greg Marmalard, President of the elite Omega Theta Pi fraternity to join him.  Wormer places the Delta house on “Double Secret Probation” and the plan is set in place to rid the campus of the Delta‘s once and for all.

What Wormer didn’t take into consideration is that although the Delta ringleaders, John “Bluto” Blutarsky, Robert “Hoov” Hoover, Eric “Otter” Stratton, Daniel Simpson “D-Day” Day, Donald “Boon” Schoenstein as well as new pledges Larry “Pinto” Kroger and Kent “Flounder” Dorfman are flunking out of college, they won’t be expelled without a fight!

Toga Party!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

John Belushi improvised his cafeteria scenes of loading his tray and “I’m a zit!” Belushi also improvised the scene where he suddenly grabs Stephen Bishop’s guitar and smashes it into the wall.

After the success of Animal House, DeWayne Jessie legally changed his name to Otis Day and he began touring with a band he named Otis Day and the Knights.

For three days work, Donald Sutherland was offered a percentage of Animal House’s gross or $75,000.00.  Sutherland opted for the cash.  Had he taken the percentage he would have made three or four million dollars more.  Interesting to note, that even though Sutherland only appeared in a few scenes he made more than John Belushi, the movie’s star.  Belushi made $40,000.00.

Animal House features Kevin Bacon and Karen Allen’s feature film debuts.

1962 as selected for Animal House because the writers thought it was America’s last innocent year.  The climatic homecoming parade occurs on November 21, 1963, the day before President Kennedy’s assassination.

The actor who played the bass player in Otis Day’s band was legendary blues artist Robert Cray!  Cray was unknown at the time.

Animal House has an amazing supporting cast!

When Animal House was released I was the perfect age for it.  I had just graduated high school the year before and was enjoying my freshman year in college.

National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978) rates 5 of 5 stars

“Dark Side of the Ring”: Season 2 / Z-View

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Dark Side of the Ring: Season 2 (2020)

Created by:  Evan Husney, Jason Eisener

Director:  Jason Eisener

Stars: Chris Jericho, Jim Ross, Dean Malenko, Vickie Guerrero, James E. Cornette, Chavo Guerrero Jr., Steve Austin, Vince Russo, Bruce Prichard, Sam Fatu, Don Muraco, Jimmy Hart, David Schultz, John Stossel, Hulk Hogan, Mick Foley, B. Brian Blair, Joe Laurinaitis, Paul Ellering, Nikita Koloff 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:  Benoit – Part One.  Chris Benoit was a wrestling superstar.  At the top of his game, Benoit had it all.  A beautiful wife and wonderful 7-year-old-son, plus everything that fame and fortune could buy.  From the outside life looked great.  Then over a period of three days, Chris Benoit murdered his wife, his son and himself.

 

  • Ep. 2: Benoit – Part Two.  What caused Benoit to go off the rails?  Steroids?  Taking so many head shots in pro wrestling?  Those close to the tragedy speak for the first time.

 

  • Ep. 3: The Life and Crimes of New Jack. Jerome Young aka New Jack was a wrestler known for his extreme antics in and out of the ring.  Some of New Jack’s stunts resulted in real life charges.  In one match he incorrectly “bladed” an opponent severing two of the man’s artery’s.  His opponent survived after 50 stitches. New Jack was charged with aggravated assault.  In another match New Jack tasered an opponent then threw him him from a 40′ scaffold.  His opponent missed the tables that were to break his fall and instead landed on the top rope.  New Jack said he meant to do that.  There are several other incidents… like the time he stabbed an opponent with a real knife.

 

  • Ep. 4: The Brawl for All. In 1998, Tough Man Competitions and the UFC were gaining in popularity.  The WWE had legitimate roughnecks working for them.  Problem was most were mid-card wrestlers.  So someone came up with the idea to have real fights.  Contestants would wear boxing gloves and fight in three one minute rounds.  Fans hated it.  Several wrestlers were hurt.  And it was hard to promote – why weren’t the top level superstars competing?

 

  • Ep. 5: Jimmy Snuka and the Death of Nancy Argentino.  Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka was a pro wrestling superstar.  Sadly, Snuka may have committed murder — and got away with it.  On May 10, 1983, Snuka called for an ambulance. His mistress, Nancy Argentino, was severely injured. She later died from traumatic brain injuries. Autopsy findings revealed more than two dozen cuts and bruises on her head, ear, chin, arms, hands, back, buttocks, legs, and feet. The Forensic pathologist said the case should be investigated as a homicide. Snuka had previously been arrested for beating Miss Argentino.  No charges were filed.  Then 32 years later, Snuka was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter for Argentino’s death.  Yet, Snuka never stood trial.

 

  • Ep. 6: The Assassination of Dino Bravo.  Dino Bravo was a popular pro wrestler in Canada before branching out to other organizations.  Bravo always did well in the ring during his twenty-two year career.  But outside the ring, things went south.  At the age of 44, Bravo was found dead from eleven gunshots to the head and torso.  His murderer(s) were never caught.

 

  • Ep. 7: David Schultz: The Slap Heard Round the World.  These days everyone knows that pro wrestling is sports entertainment.  For decades that wasn’t the case.  Wrestlers and promoters went out of their way to make sure that professional wrestling was thought of as “real”.  On December 28, 1984, 20/20 reporter John Stossel was backstage at a Madison Square Garden event.  Stossel approached David “Dr. D” Schultz with the cameras rolling and started an interview.  Stossel told Schultz he thought wrestling was fake.  Schultz responded by slapping Stossel hard in the head. When Stossel got up, visibly shaken, Schultz gave him another slap which again knocked him down.  Stossel sued.  Schultz was fired.  Schultz said that he hit Stossel at the direction of Vince McMahon. This is the story of those slaps and the aftermath.

 

  • Ep. 8: Cocaine & Cowboy Boots: The Herb Abrams Story. Herb Abrams called himself Mr. Electricity.  Abrams had a plan to build a wrestling organization that would rival the WWE.  He even got a million dollars to produce a weekly wrestling show.  Sadly things went south.  Before Abrams died police found him in his New York City office nude, covered in baby oil, and destroying his office furniture with a baseball bat.

 

  • Ep. 9: The Last Ride of the Road Warriors.  The Road Warriors were one of the most popular tag teams of their generation.  Legitimate tough guys, they were popular with fans everywhere.  At the top of their game, things started to unravel.  Alcohol and substance abuse by one would bring both down.

 

  • EP. 10: The Final Days of Owen Hart.  Owen Hart came from the Hart Wrestling Dynasty.  Stu Hart was Owen’s father and Bret Hart, his brother.  On May 23rd 1999, Owen was to make a dramatic and comedic entrance to the ring.  He was to be lowered from the rafters.  Then Owen would dangle a few feet above the ring as if he couldn’t get released.  Sadly, the stunt went wrong.  Owen was released from the harness while still eighty feet in the air.  He fell to his death.  Owen’s widow and others discuss the mistakes made.

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 2 (2020) rates 5 of 5 stars

“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