Category: Z-View

“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

“The Last of Us” Season 2 (2025) starring Pedro Pascal & Bella Ramsey / Z-View

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The Last of Us: Season 2 (2025)

Created by: Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann; based on The Last of Us by Naughty Dog

Teleplay by: Craig Mazin (episodes 1-5); Neil Druckmann & Halley Gross & Craig Mazin (episodes 6-7)

Directed by: Craig Mazin (episode 1); Mark Mylod (episode 2); Peter Hoar (episode 3); Kate Herron (episode 4); Stephen Williams (episode 5); Neil Druckmann (episode 6); Nina Lopez-Corrado (episodes 7)

Stars: Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Kaitlyn Dever, Rutina Wesley, Robert John Burke, Tati Gabrielle, Ariela Barer, Danny Ramirez, Catherine O’Hara, Alanna Ubach, Hettienne Park, Tony Dalton, Joe Pantoliano and Jeffrey Wright.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Five years have passed since the events of season one.  Although Joel and Ellie have settled in to the Jackson Hole community, some event radically changed their relationship.  As the series progresses we will discover the cause.  Also, something so tragically unexpected will happen that will change the trajectory of the series.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Last of Us is based on the popular video game of the same name.  I’ve never played it and didn’t know the story ahead of seeing the show.

Every episode contains twists, but none as brutal as in the second episode.

The characters are well cast and well played. Of course not enough can be said about Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.  They are supported by an amazing supporting cast. Standouts include Gabriel Luna, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Kaitlyn Dever, Tony Dalton, Joe Pantoliano and Jeffrey Wright.

I’ve never seen a lead character that has irritated me as much as Ellie did in season two.

Season two’s ending leaves me with questions.  Since I haven’t played the game or know the story, I’m interested to see what happens in season 3.

The Last of Us: Season 2 (2025) earns 4 of 5 stars.

“Bullet to the Head” (2012) directed by Walter Hill, starring Sylvester Stallone, Jason Momoa, Christian Slater and Sung Kang / Z-View

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Bullet to the Head (2012)

Director:  Walter Hill

Screenplay: Alessandro Camon; based on the comic Du plomb dans la tête by Matz 

Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Momoa, Christian Slater, Sung Kang, Sarah Shahi, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Holt McCallany, Brian Van Holt, Weronika Rosati, Dane Rhodes, Marcus Lyle Brown and Jon Seda.

Tagline: Revenge never gets old.

The Plot…

James Bonomo, a.k.a. Jimmy Bobo, and Louis Blanchard are hitmen hired to take out a dirty cop named Hank Greely.  After the successful mission, an attempt is made on Bobo and Blanchard by a large killer.  Blanchard is murdered, but Bobo survives.

Washington Police Detective Taylor Kwon is sent to investigate the execution of Hank Greely.  When corrupt cops attempt to kill Kwon, he is saved by Jimmy Bobo.  Kwon’s a police officer and Bobo is a killer.  Neither trusts the other, but Bobo and Kwon will have to work together if they want to survive.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Bullet to the Head is based on the French comic Du Plomb Dans La Tête (“Lead in the Head”).

Wayne “Running Scared” (2006) Kramer was originally set to direct.  He dropped out because he wanted a darker film than Sly Stallone.  Stallone then reached out to Walter Hill.

Thomas Jane was originally set to play the cop who teams with Jimmy Bobo.  Producer Joel Silver wanted a more “ethic” actor to increase overseas sales.  Jane was replaced by Sung Kang.

Sly Stallone’s character’s name is James “Jimmy Bobo” Bonomo.  In the film Oscar, Stallone’s gangster character says that he once worked with James “Jumpin’ Jimmy” Bonomo.

Bullet to the Head (2012) 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

“The Madness: Season One” (2024) starring Colman Domingo / Z-View

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The Madness (2024)

Created by:  Stephen Belber

Directors:  Clément Virgo (Eps. 1-2; 7-8); Jessica Lowrey (Eps. 3-4); Quyen Tran (Eps. 5-6)

Teleplay: Stephen Belber (Eps. 1; 8); Stephen Belber & V. J. Boyd (Ep. 2); Obehi Janice & Dana Kitchens (Ep. 3); Maurice Williams & Liz Ellis (Ep.4; story by Maurice Williams); Katie Swain (Ep. 5); Felicia Hilario (Ep. 6); V. J. Boyd & Dana Kitchens (Ep.7; story by Jeanine C. Daniels)

Stars: Colman Domingo, Marsha Stephanie Blake, John Ortiz, Bradley Whitford, Tamsin Topolski, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Gabrielle Graham, Deon Cole, Ennis Esmer, Hudson Wurster, Lochlan Miller, Alison Wright, Eugene Clark, Rothaford Gray, Chris Henry Coffey and Stephen McKinley Henderson.

Tagline: You can’t escape.

The Plot…

Muncie Daniels is on the verge of making it big.  Muncie is becoming well known, not for being the son of an activist infamous for murder,  but for being a television celebrity.  Muncie’s talk show guest ratings have been high, and an offer for his own show is in the works.  Unfortunately, Muncie’s home life has suffered.  He has a grown daughter from a woman he never married.  He also has an estranged wife and teenage son.

When Muncie decides to take a weekend for himself to decompress, he rents a cabin in the woods.  As he’s getting things in, Muncie meets the man in the next cabin over.  The man informs Muncie that if he ever needs anything to pop over.

Later, Munice is surprised when all the power in the cabin goes out.  Muncie heads over to his neighbor’s to see if the power is on there.  No one answers the knock on the door, so Muncie heads around back.  He is shocked to see…

… two men cutting up his neighbors body!

Muncie takes off running through the woods with the killers in pursuit.  Before it is over, Muncie finds himself framed for the murder of his neighbor.  Worse still Muncie discovers a billionaire in behind the conspiracy. Now wanted by the FBI and every police department in the country, Muncie must find a way to clear his name.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The story starts of well enough but as the episodes go on it meanders and drags.  The plot is excellent.  The actors, especially Colman Domingo, John Ortiz, Deon Cole, Bradley Whitford and Stephen McKinley Henderson shine.

The problem is the story.  At times it meanders and drags.  If someone had come in with a final edit to make the story leaner, allow the characters to make better (more realistic) decisions, then my rating would have been higher.

The Madness (2024) rates 3 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

“Shade” (2003) written & directed by Damian Nieman; starring Stuart Townsend, Gabriel Byrne, Thandie Newton, Jamie Foxx, Melanie Griffith and Sylvester Stallone / Z-View

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Shade (2003)

Director:  Damian Nieman

Screenplay: Damian Nieman

Stars: Stuart Townsend, Gabriel Byrne, Thandie Newton, Jamie Foxx, Melanie Griffith, Sylvester Stallone, Dina Merrill, George Tovar, Frank Medrano, Jason Cerbone, Mark De Alessandro, Glenn Plummer, Carl Mazzocone, Bo Hopkins, Mark Boone Junior, Tony Burton, Michael Dorn and Hal Holbrook.

Tagline: When gambling your life, leave nothing to chance.

The Plot…

Tiffany and Miller are card hustlers and con artists.  They are pulling off scams to get enough money to get Vernon into a high stakes underground poker game.  Vernon is a card shark as well as a sleight of hand artist.  With a $250,000.00 buy-in, there will be enough money in the game to set the three for life… if Vernon can win.

The main obstacle will be Dean “the Dean” Stevens.  His poker skills are legendary.  Of course if Vernon can’t beat the Dean fairly, there are other ways to win… if he’s willing to bet his life and those of Tiffany and Miller.

Let’s deal.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Damian Nieman, the writer/director of Shade is also a professional card magician. Nieman taught the cast the skills needed to perform their tricks on camera.

Shade (2003) rates 4 of 5 stars

“I Trapped the Devil” (2019) / Z-View

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I Trapped the Devil (2019)

Director:  Josh Lobo

Screenplay: Josh Lobo

Stars: Scott Poythress, AJ Bowen, Susan Burke, Jocelin Donahue and Chris Sullivan.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Steve’s got a lot going on.  He’s stressed and unsure of what to do next.

Things get worse when his brother, Matt and Matt’s wife Karen, show up unannounced.  Steve knows that Matt and Karen have been worried about him.  They think that his mental state is deteriorating.  Steve knows he’s not crazy.

But how is he going to explain to them that the man trapped in his basement is actually the devil?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I Trapped the Devil has a great concept.  Sadly the movie never comes close to reaching the potential presented.   I made it through the whole thing, so I’ll give it two out of five stars.  Truthfully, you’d be better off to watch the Twilight Zone episode, The Howling Man.

I Trapped the Devil (2019) rates 2 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

PEOPLE LIKE US: A GRIFTER’S SONG, Book 2 by J.D. Rhodes / Z-View

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PEOPLE LIKE US ( A GRIFTER’S SONG, BOOK 2) by JD Rhodes

First sentence…

Aunt Sally was the real deal, Sam said.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Sam and Rachel are lovers. On the run. That’s because they’re also grifters who conned the wrong folks. Mafia folks. Now Sam and Rachel have to keep moving. And they have to keep scamming to pay the cost of a life on the run.

When Sam is contacted by his former mentor, Aunt Sally, she says that she needs his help with a big money scam she’s set up.  A rich Civil War memorabilia collector needs to be reeled in.  Sam’s ready to join Sally on the score.  Rachel isn’t so sure.

Aunt Sally could be scamming them.  Luring Sam and Rachel in where the mob can punch their tickets.  THAT would put big money in Sally’s hands.  Sam says Sally would never do that.  Sally can be trusted.

The need for quick cash outweighs Rachel’s fears.  They agree to help Aunt Sally.  Soon Sam and Rachel will know if Sally can be trusted.  They’ll also learn that a mob hitman is in town, closing in on them.  Coincidence?

Rating:

“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