Category: Z-View

SWITCHBLADE SVENGALI by Coy Hall / Z-View

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SWITCHBLADE SVENGALI by Coy Hall

First sentence…

The vamp drained me, but I couldn’t withdraw from the conversation.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

It’s been over a decade since Royce Pembrook was lured back into a world he’d left behind.  When Anna Vogel, his old crime partner, showed up needing help, Royce didn’t hesitate.

And he was nearly killed for his kindness.

But Royce Pembrook survived.  He moved to a new city.  Changed his name.  And went back to doing what he loved and did better than almost anyone.  Royce’s demeanor put folks at ease.  He was great at reading people.  With those two skills and a few others, holding séances was a breeze.  Royce couldn’t really communicate with the dead.  But his patrons didn’t know that. They always left feeling better.  Word spread and the money came easy.

Royce built up a regular clientele.  He was smart.  Royce didn’t bleed them dry.  He provided a service that they could afford.  No one was ever dissatisfied.  Two of Royce’s best patrons were a couple of old sisters.  Their brother didn’t care for Royce.  He liked his sisters’ relationship with Royce even less.  The brother didn’t believe there was a real friendship there.  Royce realized this guy could be a problem.

Then a real problem showed up.  Someone from Royce’s past had found him.  She knew Royce had changed his name.  She didn’t just want to destroy Royce’s connections with his rich patrons.  No, she wanted Royce exposed for a fraud… and then she wanted him dead.

+++++

This is Coy Hall’s second Royce Pembrook tale.  If Royce survives this one, I’d love to see more. (Yeah, I know if he does, but I’m not ruining it for those who haven’t read the story yet.)

Coy Hall is an excellent writer who isn’t afraid to create “lead” characters who are flawed.

Rating:

“Surviving Black Hawk Down” (2025) / Z-View

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Surviving Black Hawk Down (2025)

Directors:  Sam Hobkinson, Jack Macinnes (Eps. 1-3)

Tagline: The war was just the beginning

The Plot…

Surviving Black Hawk Down explores the true October 1993 Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia made famous in the Ridley Scott film Black Hawk Down.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

What makes this film unique is that real life American and Somalia soldiers involved in the Battle of Mogadishu are interviewed.

Surviving Black Hawk Down (2025) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Burial” (2022) / Z-View

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Burial (2022)

Director:  Ben Parker

Screenplay: Ben Parker

Stars: Harriet Walter, Charlotte Vega

Tagline: Some secrets should stay buried

The Plot…

1945.  A small squad of Russian soldiers is ordered to retrieve Hitler’s remains.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The description that got me to tune in said that a small squad of Russian soldiers transporting Hitler’s remains go up against Nazi werewolves.  Turns out there are no werewolves.  The description was talking about Nazis working behind enemy lines that were called Werwolf units.

I tapped out at 44 minutes.

Burial (2022) rates 1 of 5 stars.

“The Conspiracy Show with Richard Syrett”: Season 1 (2011) / Z-View

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The Conspiracy Show with Richard Syrett: Season 1 (2011)

Director:  Jalal Merhi (Eps. 1-13)

Writer: Ron Craig, Richard Syrett (Ep. 1); Richard Syrett (Eps. 2 – 13)

The Plot…

Radio host Richard Syrett explores conspiracies, paranormal and supernatural beliefs, and a variety of other topics.  Each episode presents believers and skeptics who calmly present their evidence/beliefs.

Topics in season one include:

  • UFOs: The increasing amount of UFO reports, including those from the government – what is the truth?
  • 9/11 Controlled Demolition: Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth and Firefighters for 9/11 Truth present evidence that a controlled demolition brought down the towers.
  • Past Life Regression: Can past-life regression therapy prove the theory of reincarnation?
  • Chemtrails: Evidence that chemicals are being sprayed at high altitudes for reasons unknown.
  • Are We Running Out of Oil?: Are we running out of oil or do we have an inexhaustible supply?
  • Who is the AntiChrist?: Is the AntiChrist here or coming or is there really no Biblical basis to believe the AntiChrist is coming?
  • Electronic Harassment: Victims of alleged electronic harassment discuss the use of electronic devices to harass, torture, and/or physically cause harm.  Is the government involved?
  • Demonic Possessions and Exorcisms: Can people truly become possessed by demons or the devil?
  • Time Travel: Whistleblowers claim the government has used time travel already.
  • The New World Order:  Is a secret, powerful cabal controlling world events?
  • The Rendelsham Forest UFO Incident: What many consider an event with the best evidence for an UFO encounter is explored.
  • The Central Banking Conspiracy: Does a powerful, secretive cabal of international bankers truly control world events?
  • Vampires: Do vampires really exist?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I like that the host is respectful and presents both sides of each topic.  Since he interviews guests separately we don’t get arguments and shouting.  Each person presents their “evidence”.  At the end of each episode Syrett gives us his thoughts and we are left to decide how we feel.

Each episode runs less than 30 minutes.

The Conspiracy Show with Richard Syrett: Season 1 (2011) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“WarHunt” (2022) starring Robert Knepper and Mickey Rourke / Z-View

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WarHunt (2022)

Director:  Mauro Borrelli

Screenplay: Mauro Borrelli, Reggie Keyohara III, Scott Svatos; story by Mauro Borrelli

Stars: Robert Knepper, Jackson Rathbone, Ben McKeown, Terence Maynard and Mickey Rourke.

Tagline: The war was just the beginning

The Plot…

1945.  When an American cargo plan carrying secret cargo crashes behind enemy lines, a crack squad of commandos is sent to retrieve it.  The Nazis should be the least of their worries.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Robert Knepper and Mickey Rourke deserve better.  So does the audience.  I tapped out after 34 minutes.

WarHunt (2022) rates 1 of 5 stars.

“Fruitvale Station” (2013) written & directed by Ryan Coogler; starring Michael B. Jordan / Z-View

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Fruitvale Station (2013)

Director:  Ryan Coogler

Screenplay: Ryan Coogler

Stars: Michael B. Jordan, Melonie Diaz, Octavia Spencer, Chad Michael Murray, Ahna O’Reilly, Ariana Neal, Joey Oglesby and Kevin Durand.

Tagline: Every step brings you closer to the edge.

The Plot…

The true story of the last day of life for 22 year old Oscar Grant III (Jordan) who was shot in the back by a police officer in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day 2009.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Ryan Coogler’s first feature film is an impressive debut.  Even more so when you consider that he also wrote it.

Michael Jordan and Ocatavia Spencer are, as always, at the top of their game.

Kevin Durand is perfect in his role as one of the cops.

Fruitvale Station (2013) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Mike Mignola: Drawing Monsters” (2022) / Z-View

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Mike Mignola: Drawing Monsters (2022)

Director:  Kevin Konrad Hanna, Jim Demonakos

Stars: Mike Mignola, Christine Mignola, Mike Carlin, Art Adams, Stephen Green, Duncan Fegredo, Guillermo del Toro, Patton Oswalt and Ron Perlman.

Tagline: The secret origin of Hellboy

The Plot…

Documents the life of Mike Mignola, the creator of Hellboy, from his early days trying to break into comics to the success of his Hellboy universe in comics, prose and movies.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Mignola’s relationship with Guillermo del Toro is interesting.  Especially when Mignola said, “Hellboy wouldn’t do that” and del Toro responded, “My Hellboy would.”  Mignola seemed to take it well.  He understood that the comic Hellboy and the “movie” Hellboy were not exactly the same.  But this could be what led to there not being a third del Toro Hellboy movie.

Mike Mignola: Drawing Monsters (2022) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Delia’s Gone” (2022) starring Stephan James & Marisa Tomei / Z-View

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Delia’s Gone (2022)

Director:  Robert Budreau

Screenplay: Robert Budreau; based on Caged Bird Sing by Michael Hamblin

Stars: Stephan James, Travis Fimmel, Paul Walter Hauser, Marisa Tomei, Kate Moyer, Billy MacLellan and Genelle Williams.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Louis (James) is a mentally challenged young man.  He lives with his sister Delia (Williams).  One night Delia and Louis get into an argument.  Delia goes out to meet friends and Louis goes to bed.  The next morning Delia is found dead on the kitchen floor.

Louis is convicted of killing his sister.  He serves his time and is released to a halfway house.  One day a stranger visits Louis.  Before leaving the stranger says that Louis didn’t kill his sister.

Now Louis is on a mission to find his sister’s killer.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Stephan James is excellent as Louis.  Marisa Tomei shines as the gruff kick-ass Sheriff.

Delia’s Gone (2022) rates 3 of 5 stars.

THE WAKE-UP by Robert Ferrigno / Z-View

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THE WAKE-UP by Robert Ferrigno

First sentence…

The Engineer’s bodyguard gave Frank Thorpe the jitters.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Frank Thorpe was an operative for the shop.  But three months ago a job went sideways.  Their target, known as The Engineer, got the best of them.  Good people died.  The shop needed a scapegoat, so Frank got the boot.

Frank decides to get away and clear his head.  Traveling through the airport, Frank is jostled by an arrogant business man as he pushes past.  Frank almost starts after the jerk, but catches himself.  In his current mood, Frank knows he’d take it too far. Frank watches as the self-absorbed jerk pushes his way through the crowd.  A young boy who obviously needs money is selling candy and gum from a tray he’s holding. The boy says something to the hotshot.  The man, without breaking stride swings his crocodile briefcase, knocking the boy’s tray to the ground and striking the kid in the head.

As the jerk strides off, Frank moves to the kid.  Frank makes sure the boy is okay and then heads off to confront Mr. Big Shot.  Frank gets outside in time to see the man get into a Porsche driven by a beautiful blonde.  Frank decides Mr. Entitled needs a wake-up.  Nothing too extreme.  Just enough to get his attention.

Using skills from his past, Frank easily learns the man is an art dealer.  It’ll be a breeze to teach this cat a lesson.  Unfortunately, Frank’s plan unleashes an unexpected response.  Soon a laid back creator of designer drugs and his psychopathic wife are involved.  Frank’s wake-up puts him in line for a payback.  Vlad (a Romanian Frankenstein if there ever was one) and Arturo are hired killers working for the crazy wife.

Frank’s expertise will be put to the ultimate test.  And that’s before The Engineer returns for another round.

+++++

Robert Ferrigno has created another winner.

Rating:

“Amber Alert” (2024) starring Hayden Panettiere and Tyler James Williams / Z-View

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Amber Alert (2024)

Director:  Kerry Bellessa

Screenplay:  Kerry Bellessa, Joshua Oram

Stars: Hayden Panettiere, Tyler James Williams, Kevin Dunn, Saidah Arrika Ekulona, Dinora Walcott, Kruz Valero and Claire Slemmer.

Tagline: Two Strangers Are Her Only Hope.

The Plot…

Jaq (Panettiere) is running late.  She offers a nice tip to Shane (Williams), an Uber driver who was quitting for the day to get to his son’s birthday.  During the drive an Amber Alert comes across.  At the next stop light, Jaq believes the car ahead is holding the kidnapped little girl.  Shane isn’t so sure.  As they try to get a closer look, the driver runs the light and jumps on the highway.

Jaq and Shane follow the speeding car.  Jaq calls 911 but are put on hold since so many calls about the alert are coming in.  As the driver heads away from the city, the little girl’s only hope are two strangers.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The writers and director made a film in 2012 titled Amber Alert.  The 2024 film is a bigger budget re-working.

My favorite scene is when the driver confronts Jaq and Shane in a deserted lot on the highway.

Amber Alert (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“The Third Man” (1949) written by Graham Greene; directed by Carol Reed; starring Orson Welles and Joseph Cotten / Z-View

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The Third Man (1949)

Director:  Carol Reed

Screenplay: Graham Greene

Stars: Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, Trevor Howard, Wilfrid Hyde-White, Paul Birch, Martin Boddey and Bernard Lee.

Tagline:  HUNTED…By a thousand men! Haunted…By a lovely girl!

The Plot…

World War 2 is over.  Vienna is divided into five occupation zones—one zone for each of the Allied powers and one international zone.  The black market thrives.

Holly Martins (Cotten) comes to Allied-occupied Vienna.  Martins has been promised a job by his good friend, Harry Lime (Welles).  Martins is shocked to learn that Harry was killed crossing the street when he was hit by a car.  Still reeling from the news, Martins attends Harry’s funeral.

Afterwards, Martins talks to different people and their stories don’t add up.  Martins then goes to the Allied Authority, Major Calloway (Howard) and demands an investigation into Harry’s death.  Major Calloway informs Martins that Harry Lime was involved in the black market.  Lime was behind the theft of penicillin from military hospitals.  Lime diluted the medicine until it had to curative effect.  Lime then sold it on the black market at outrageous prices.  Because of the dilution, dozens of people, many children died.  If Lime had lived he was about to be arrested.

At first Martins doesn’t believe Major Calloway… but the evidence is there.  His childhood friend, Harry Lime had become a despicable person responsible for the death of many including little children.  That night as Martins walks a deserted street across the way he sees Harry Lime.  Martins calls out, but Harry runs away.

Determined to get to the bottom of this Martins makes it his mission to find Harry… even if it kills him.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Third Man was nominated for three 1951 Academy Awards and won one…

  • Nominee for Best Film Editing – Oswald Hafenrichter
  • Nominee for Best Director – Carol Reed
  • Winner for Best Cinematography, Black-and-White – Robert Krasker

Orson Welles was concerned that filming in real sewers would make him sick.  His close-ups were done in a studio with long shots in a sewer feature a body double.

Welles was offered a straight salary or a percentage of the profits.  He opted for a straight salary.  Because the film was so successful, Welles would have made much more with a percentage of profits.

The film was popular during it’s initial release, was nominated for three Academy Awards and remains popular to this day.  It currently has an 8.1/10 score on IMDb.  At RottenTomatoes it has a 99% rating from reviewers and 93% from all users.

Although Orson Welles is the film’s star, he finished his part in one week of filming.  He doesn’t show up in the movie until the movie is 2/3 over.

The Third Man is a classic.  Well written, well directed, well cast and well acted.  Well… what do you expect, I said, “It’s a classic.”

I love the final scene when Holly Martins waits for Anna to catch up to him.  He’s hoping they have a chance at romance.  She walks by without even looking his way.

The Third Man (1949) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Arcadian” (2024) starring Nicolas Cage, Jaeden Martell & Maxwell Jenkins / Z-View

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Arcadian (2024)

Director:  Benjamin Brewer

Screenplay:  Michael Nilon

Stars: Nicolas Cage, Jaeden Martell, Maxwell Jenkins, Sadie Soverall and Samantha Coughlan.

Tagline:  The next sunset might be their last

The Plot…

Fifteen years ago the world as we know it ended.  Now the few who survived live in fortified houses away from cities.  Paul (Cage) and his twin sixteen year old sons, Joseph and Thomas, live in a remote farmhouse.  They scavenge during the day, but make sure they are behind locked doors and windows before nightfall.  It’s not safe to be outside when the nocturnal killing creatures begin to hunt.

One day when Thomas doesn’t make it home before dark, Paul makes sure Joseph is safely locked in.  Paul then heads out to find Thomas before the monsters do.

This will not end well.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I like the originality of the monsters.  When their jaws start clacking it’s dinner time!

Arcadian (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“12 Angry Men” (1957) written by Reginald Rose; directed by Sidney Lumet; starring Henry Fonda / Z-View

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12 Angry Men (1957)

Director:  Sidney Lumet

Screenplay:  Reginald Rose based on his 1954 teleplay for Studio One.

Stars: Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Martin Balsam, John Fiedler, E.G. Marshall, Jack Klugman, Edward Binns, Jack Warden, Joseph Sweeney, Ed Begley, George Voskovec, Robert Webber and Rudy Bond.

Tagline:  Life Is In Their Hands — Death Is On Their Minds!

The Plot…

On the hottest day of the year, twelve jurors enter the jury room to determine the verdict in a capital murder case.  A teenage boy is accused of stabbing his father to death.  A guilty verdict results in a mandatory death penalty.  Eleven jurors see the accused as guilty.  One isn’t sure.

Tempers will flare and motivations bared as deliberations proceed.  A young man’s life hangs in the balance.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

12 Angry Men was nominated for three 1958 Academy Awards…

  • Nominee for Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium – Reginald Rose
  • Nominee for Best Director – Sidney Lumet
  • Nominee for Best Picture – Henry Fonda, Reginald Rose

12 Angry Men is considered a classic.  It currently has a 9 out of 10 rating on IMDb.  It has an 100% reviewers rating and 97% user rating at Rotten Tomatoes.  Surprisingly, 12 Angry Men was a box office disappointment.  Henry Fonda had deferred part of his salary and the film didn’t earn enough to pay off.  Still, Fonda considered 12 Angry Men one of his best films.

12 Angry Men was Sidney Lumet’s feature film directing debut.

An all star cast (although not all were stars at the time), an exceptional screenplay and a director who knew how to film in tight quarters and get the tension on screen from men talking make for a film classic.

12 Angry Men (1957) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“King of the Apocalypse” (2025) / Z-View

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King of the Apocalypse (2025)

Director:  Daniel Vernon

Tagline:  PATRIOT.  ENEMY.  DAD.

The Plot…

Dakota Adams is the son of Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes.

In King of the Apocalypse we are told the story, through his son’s eyes, of how Stewart Rhodes, a vet and Yale graduate became more and more obsessed with the idea of a coming apocalypse.  Rhodes trained his children in military and survival tactics.  In 2009, Rhodes started the Oath Keepers.  The organization took off and membership increased dramatically across the country.

As Rhodes popularity and the Oath Keepers membership continued to grow, Rhodes’ mental stability diminished.  His children and wife began to fear for their lives.  They ultimately fled the house, giving Rhodes no notice.

Following the 2020 election, Rhodes was an outspoken critic, claiming the Presidency was stolen.  He spoke about the need to prepare for a bloody war.  On January 6, 2021, Rhodes was at the US Capitol directing members and entering restricted areas.

Rhodes was sentenced to 18 years for his actions on January 6, 2021 at the US Capitol.  Rhodes was recently pardoned by President Trump and is now a free man.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I was interested in how Stewart Rhodes became obsessed with a coming apocalypse, his journey to becoming the founder/leader of the Oath Keepers and his thoughts after spending time in prison for his actions on January 6th.  King of the Apocalypse presents the tale of a man whose obsessions increase to the point that his wife and children flee for their lives.

It’s not a pretty story.  My nit to pick is that the story is one-sided.  I wonder how Rhodes would respond to his families’ allegations.  It’s not that I believe Rhodes could justify his actions, but it would be interesting to hear where his mind was/is at.  Also, if we could have heard from police, prosecutors or even some of his followers, it would have presented a more rounded documentary.  Of course, this is Dakota’s story and none of those things are needed to tell it.

King of the Apocalypse (2025) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Hold That Ghost” (1941) starring Abbott & Costello / Z-View

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Hold That Ghost (1941)

Director:  Arthur Lubin

Screenplay:  Robert Lees, Fred Rinaldo, John Grant

Stars: Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Richard Carlson, Joan Davis, Evelyn Ankers, Mischa Auer, Marc Lawrence, Russell Hicks, The Andrews Sisters and Shemp Howard.

Tagline:  A-HAUNTING WE WILL GO! Your blues won’t stand a ghost of a chance…as they top “Buck Privates” and “In the Navy.”!

The Plot…

Chuck (Abbott) and Ferdinand (Costello) dream of someday owning their own nightclub.  Recently they were fired from their jobs as waiters in a high class hot spot.  Now the boys are gas station attendants.

While servicing a car, the police recognize the auto’s owner, gangster Moose Mattson.  Moose takes off with Chuck and Ferdinand in the car.  A high speed shootout takes place.  Moose is mortally wounded.

Chuck and Ferdinand are surprised to learn that Moose’s will leaves them all of Moose’s possessions.  The will specified that whoever was with Moose when he dies gets everything.   Chuck and Ferdinand are now the owners of the Forrester’s Club, a big old spooky rundown tavern.  The place was a hotspot during prohibition.  It is full of secret rooms and hidden passages.

Chuck, Ferdinand and three others find themselves alone at the creepy joint on a dark, stormy night.  Things take a turn for the worse when some of Moose’s gangster friends show up looking for Moose’s hidden loot.  These mugs are more than willing to kill to get what they want.

Let the fun times roll!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Hold That Ghost went into production with the working title Oh, Charlie.   Filming was well underway before the release of Abbott and Costello’s Buck Privates.  When Buck Privates became a huge hit, the pressure was on.  The studio decided to rush into production another service comedy, In The Navy featuring Abbott and Costello.  When that film was a hit, the studio decided to rework Oh, Charlie into Hold That Ghost.  A new opening and closing featuring The Andrews Sisters was added since they appeared in both Buck Privates and In The Navy.  Additional scenes were created and some were reshot.  The changes paid off since Hold That Ghost was a hit.

Hold That Ghost (1941) rates 4 of 5 stars.