Category: Z-View

“Brothers” (2024) starring Josh Brolin, Peter Dinklage, Glenn Close, Marisa Tomei & Brendan Fraser / Z-View

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Brothers (2024)

Director:  Max Barbakow

Screenplay: Macon Blair; story by Etan Cohen

Stars: Josh Brolin, Peter Dinklage, Taylour Paige, Jen Landon, Brendan Fraser, Glenn Close, M. Emmet Walsh, Margo Moorer, Joshua Mikel, Nathan Hesse, Taylor St. Clair and Marisa Tomei.

Tagline:  Family is a life sentence.

The Plot…

Thirty years ago, Mike and Jady’s mother took off with the cops in hot pursuit.  Mom and her boyfriend had stolen emeralds worth millions.  Mom was not caught or heard from again.  After mom split, Mike and Jady began a life of small time crime.    Jady was eventually caught and sent to prison.  Mike married and hoped to turn his life around.

When Jady is released from prison, he visits Mike.  Jady has a plan for a road trip and one last score.  Desperate since he just lost his job, Mike agrees.  Had Mike known that it would involve an overly-friendly orangutan, a cop with a vendetta and their long lost mother, he might have reconsidered.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Brothers has a great cast with a story that has potential.  Sadly the film falls short.  I didn’t care for any of the characters.  The go-to for laughs was seeing people fall off roofs, get punched, run over or knocked down.  I made it to the end.  Barely.

Brothers is M. Emmet Walsh’s last feature film appearance.  He deserved better.  So did the other talents in this movie.  Brendan Fraser and Marisa Tomei are Academy Award winners.  Josh Brolin and Glenn Close are Academy Award nominees.  Peter Dinklage is a 4 time Emmy Award winner.

Although Marisa Tomei is listed on the movie poster, her name doesn’t appear in the film credits.

Brothers (2024) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Late Night with the Devil” (2023) written & directed by Colin Cairnes & Cameron Cairnes / Z-View

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Late Night with the Devil (2023)

Director:  Colin Cairnes, Cameron Cairnes

Screenplay: Colin Cairnes, Cameron Cairnes

Stars: David Dastmalchian, Laura Gordon, Ian Bliss, Fayssal Bazzi, Ingrid Torelli, Steve Mouzakis, Christopher Kirby and Rhys Auteri.

Tagline:  The live television event that shocked a nation!

The Plot…

In October 1977, Night Owls late night talk show host Jack Delroy’s contract was coming up for renewal.  The show has had it’s ups and downs, but lately has been dropping in the ratings.  Because Halloween falls during sweeps week, Delroy has a special episode planned.

On Halloween night, on Night Owls Jack Delroy will present live…

  • Christou, a medium who claims he will communicate with the dead.
  • June Ross-Mitchell and Lilly.  Ross-Mitchell, a parapsychologist who wrote a best-seller about her work with Lilly who is reportedly possessed by a demon.
  • Carmichael Haig, a former magician and professional debunker.  Haig has offered $100,000 to anyone who can prove paranormal powers exist.

No one was prepared for what happened.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Late Night with the Devil feels like a real talk show from 1977.  They’ve absolutely captured the dress, the sound, and sets.  This one is excellent all the way around — writing, direction and casting.  Kudos to all involved.

Late Night with the Devil (2023) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Black Dynamite” (2009) starring Michael Jai White / Z-View

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Black Dynamite (2009)

Director:  Scott Sanders

Screenplay: Michael Jai White, Scott Sanders, Byron Minns, story by Michael Jai White, Byron Minns

Stars: Michael Jai White, Arsenio Hall, Tommy Davidson, Phyllis Applegate, Obba Babatundé, William Bassett and Mykelti Williamson.

Tagline:  He’s super bad, he’s outta sight. He’s Black Dynamite.

The Plot…

Black Dynamite (White) is a Viet Nam vet, fung fu expert, ex-CIA, love machine.  He’s a mean muther —  I’m just talking about Black Dynamite.  When Black Dynamite’s brother is killed, evidence leads to an organization that is providing heroin to black orphanages, and poisoning malt liquor headed for the ghetto.  The CIA reinstate Black Dynamite so he can make those muthers pay.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Black Dynamite is a love letter to the low-budget blaxploitation movies of the early 1970s.  It definitely captured the look, sound and feel of those films.  We get split screen, slow-motion, boom mic errors, jump cuts, bad dialogue and music that take us back to those wonderful days of one cool cat willing and able to take down the man in between loving the ladies.

Kudos to Michael Jai White for not only playing the lead, but coming up with the idea and hitting the right mix of homage and parody.

Black Dynamite (2009) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Cross”: Season 1 starring Aldis Hodge, Isaiah Mustafa, Ryan Eggold and Johnny Ray Gill / Z-View

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Cross: Season 1 (2024)

Created by: Ben Watkins; based on the ALEX CROSS novels by James Patterson

Director: Nzingha Stewart (Eps. 1-2); Craig Siebels (Eps. 3-4); Stacey Muhammad  (Eps. 5-6); Director X (Ep. 7); Carl Seaton (Ep. 8)

Teleplay: Ben Watkins (Ep. 1); Aiyana White (Ep. 2); Ron McCants & Sam Ernst  (Ep. 3); Blaize Ali-Watkins & Jim Dunn  (Ep. 4); Gary Lundy (Ep. 5); Ali Salerno; story by Ali Salerno & Sonja Perryman (Ep. 6); Sam Ernst & Jim Dunn (Ep. 7);Ben Watkins & Aiyana White (Ep. 8)

Stars: Aldis Hodge, Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, Jennifer Wigmore, Eloise Mumford, Ryan Eggold, Stacie Greenwell, Sharon Taylor, Karen Robinson, Mercedes de la Zerda, Siobhan Murphy and Johnny Ray Gill.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

D.C. Detective Alex Cross (Hodge) and (his best friend since childhood) Detective John Sampson (Mustafa) are assigned the case of a well known Black Lives Matter activist, Emir Goodspeed, found dead in his car.  Initial reports indicate an accidental drug overdose.  Cross examines the evidence and believes it was murder.  The powers that be want the case quickly wrapped up.

Chief Anderson orders Cross to quit making waves.  Cross digs deeper. He finds evidence that Goodspeed was the victim of a serial killer. Chief Anderson, not convinced, orders Cross to stand down.  Only Cross’ partner, John Sampson and one other person believe Cross is right.  The other person is the serial killer.

Cross doesn’t know how connected and powerful the serial killer is.  He’s about to find out.

Cross also doesn’t realize the killer who murdered Cross’ wife (and was never caught) is coming back for more revenge.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I absolutely loved this season.  Alex Cross isn’t a perfect hero by any stretch.  He’s suffering from the unresolved murder of his wife.  Often deaths in movies/television shows have little ramifications for the heroes.  That isn’t the case here.

Cross is populated with  characters and a great cast.  Standouts are Aldis Hodge, Isaiah Mustafa (who plays my favorite character), Ryan Eggold and Johnny Ray Gill.

The story feels grounded in reality which makes us more willing to accept the connections of the serial killer.  I loved the twists and the secondary story that doesn’t immediately become clear that it’s not part of the main crime.

I am looking forward to season 2.

Cross: Season 1 (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“High Wall” (1947) starring Robert Taylor, Audrey Trotter and Herbert Marshall / Z-View

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High Wall (1947)

Director:  Curtis Bernhardt

Screenplay: Sydney Boehm, Lester Cole, story by Alan R. Clark, Bradbury Foote based on HIGH WALL by Alan R. Clark and the play adapted by Bradbury Foote

Stars: Robert Taylor, Audrey Totter, Herbert Marshall, H.B. Warner, Warner Anderson, Moroni Olsen, John Ridgely, Morris Ankrum, Elisabeth Risdon and Vince Barnett.

Tagline:  So tense! So taut! It closes in on you like a high wall!

The Plot…

Steven Kenet (Taylor) needs an operation for a brain injury he suffered in the war.  Kenet is currently being held in the county psychiatric hospital.  Police believe Kenet murdered his wife.  Kenet needs psychiatric testing to see if he’s sane enough to stand trial.

Kenet initially doesn’t know if he killed his wife or not. As he regains bits of his memory, Kenet begins to believe he’s innocent.  But how can he prove his innocence if he’s locked up in the looney bin?  If he could only get Dr. Ann Lorrison (Trotter) to believe he’s not a killer…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The High Wall takes some daring angles for a film made in the 40s.  The hero starting to strangle his wife.  A war hero’s wife cheating on him and caring nothing for her child. The killer admitting it to Kenet to incite him. Kudos for being daring.

Contrast this with the easy way Kenet gets in and out of custody plus the killer’s “confession” and we end up with a mixed bag.  Still I liked High Wall.

High Wall (1947) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Gun Crazy” (1950) directed by Joseph H. Lewis, starring Peggy Cummins & John Dall / Z-View

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Gun Crazy (1950)

Director:  Joseph H. Lewis

Screenplay: Dalton Trumbo, MacKinlay Kantor based on Gun Crazy a 1940 story in The Saturday Evening Post by MacKinlay Kantor

Stars: John Dall, Peggy Cummins, Berry Kroeger, Morris Carnovsky, Harry Lewis, Nedrick Young, Trevor Bardette, Virginia Farmer, Robert Osterloh, Shimen Ruskin, Ray Teal and Russ Tamblyn.

Tagline:  SHE BELIEVES IN TWO THINGS… – love and violence!

The Plot…

Bart Tare (Dall) has always had a fascination with guns.  Bart is a crack shot and even taught marksmanship in the service.  One night at a traveling carnival with friends, Bart is encouraged to accept a challenge from sharpshooter Annie Laurie Starr (Cummins).  Even though she’s really good, Bart wins the contest.  But Laurie wins Bart’s heart.

Laurie gets Bart a job with the carnival.  They fall in love and marry.  Laurie wants more than the sideshow life can provide.  She convinces Bart they should use their gun skills to rob enough places to live the good life.  When Laurie threatens to leave Bart, he agrees as long as no one gets hurt.

That’s a promise she can’t keep.  She’s gun crazy.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The bank robbery scene was shot in one take.  Dall, Cummins, the actor playing the police officer and the people inside the bank knew the scene was being filmed.  At no time during the scene do we see the inside of the bank.  That was a bold move for the director to make.  It works!

Dalton Trumbo was listed in the credits since he was a blacklisted writer at the time.

Bart and Laurie are loosely based on Bonnie and Clyde.

I appreciate Gun Crazy more with each viewing.

Gun Crazy (1950) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Salem’s Lot” (1979) directed by Tobe Hooper, starring David Soul, James Mason, Lance Kerwin, Bonnie Bedelia and Lew Ayres / Z-View

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Salem’s Lot (1979)

Director:  Tobe Hooper

Screenplay: Paul Monash based on ‘SALEM’S LOT by Stephen King

Stars: David Soul, James Mason, Lance Kerwin, Bonnie Bedelia, Lew Ayres, Julie Cobb, Elisha Cook Jr., George Dzundza, Ed Flanders, Kenneth McMillan, Fred Willard, Marie Windsor, Barbara Babcock, Bonnie Bartlett, Joshua Bryant, Reggie Nalder  and Geoffrey Lewis.

Tagline:  Salem’s Lot… where no one rests in peace…

The Plot…

A vampire has come to the small remote town of Salem’s Lot, Maine.

One vampire bites a human and you have two blood suckers. Two turn others and now there are four.  As the number of vampires grow, only a few people realize (believe) what is happening.  Ben Mears (Soul), his new girlfriend Susan (Bedelia), aging school teacher Jason Bruke (Ayers) and young Mark Petrie (Kerwin).

What chance do they have against the living dead?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Salem’s Lot was nominated for three 1980 Primetime Emmy Awards…

  • Nominee for Outstanding Achievement in Graphic Design and Title Sequences: Gene Kraft
  • Nominee for Outstanding Achievement in Makeup: Ben Lane, Jack H. Young
  • Nominee for Outstanding Achievement in Music Composition for a Limited Series or a Special (Dramatic Underscore): Harry Sukman

Salem’s Lot was originally developed as a feature film with George “Night of the Living Dead” Romero set to direct.  When Dracula (1979) and Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979) were announced, Warner Bros. decided to make Salem’s Lot as a two episode mini-series.  Romero then dropped out.

Tobe Hooper came on board as a director.  He realized as a tv project, he would be severely limited to the amount of blood/gore.  He therefore focused on creating atmosphere and tension.  Salem’s Lot is better for it. (As it turned out Salem’s Lot was released theatrically in Europe with a slightly different cut.)

On of the eeriest scenes is Ralphie Glick floating outside a second story window.  Ralphie scratches the glass to awaken his sleeping brother.  Part of the scene was filmed in reverse making it even more surreal.

Reggie Nalder played the main vampire Barlow.  It’s hard to believe that he has less than 90 seconds of screen time!  Believe it or not, this works as it makes each appearance more frightening.  Nalder expressed disappointment that additional filmed scenes didn’t make the final cut.  He also said that the contact lenses and heavy make-up he had to wear was very uncomfortable.

Bonnie Bedelia and Julie Cobb really shine.

I remember the anticipation leading up to the original television showing.  It was an event.  This was in the days when you had to be in front of the tv to see the show.  My date (and later my wife) and I made a point to be home both nights.  We weren’t disappointed.

Salem’s Lot (1979) rates 4 of 5 stars.

THE AMATEURS by Marcus Sakey

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THE AMATEURS by Robert Crais

First sentence…

LATER JENN LACIE WOULD SPEND a lot of time trying to pinpoint the exact moment.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Every Thursday night for the last decade Alex, Ian, Jenn and Mitch have met for drinks.  A decade ago they were young and had dreams.  Now none are where they thought they’d be.

Ian is day trader stuck in a job going nowhere.  Mitch isn’t doing any better working as a doorman at the Continental Hotel.  Jenn is a travel agent who longs for adventure.  Alex is bartending for a jerk named Johnny Loverin aka Johnny Love.  He dresses fancy and flaunts his money.  Everyone is sure Johnny Love is into some illegal stuff.

So when Alex overhears about one of Johnny Love’s drug deals, he tells his friends.  Alex’s idea is to get to the meet before the thugs with the drugs show up.  They’ll rip off Johnny Love for his cash.  Then a clean getaway and a four way split with no one being the wiser.  If all four work together, they’ll provide each other with an alibi.  Alex says no one will suspect them.  Easy money and no one gets hurt.

The friends reluctantly agree.

Of course the ripoff goes sideways.  People are killed.  It wasn’t drugs that were being dealt.  Something much worse.

Now the cops are closing in.  So are the gangsters.  Friendship only goes so far when survival is at stake.

+++++

Marcus Sakey has created another winner.

Rating:

“Trap” (2024) written & directed by M. Night Shyamalan, starring Josh Hartnett / Z-View

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Trap (2024)

Director:  M. Night Shyamalan

Screenplay: M. Night Shyamalan 

Stars: Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, Saleka Shyamalan, Alison Pill, Marcia Bennett, M. Night Shyamalan, Lochlan Miller and Hayley Mills.

Tagline:  30,000 fans. 300 cops. 1 serial killer. No escape.

The Plot…

From all appearances Cooper (Harnett) is a great guy.  He’s a firefighter, outgoing and friendly.  Cooper is married with two kids.  A real family man.

Because his daughter, Riley (Donoghue) earned great grades on her last report card, Cooper takes her to a Lady Raven (S, Shyamalan) concert.  As they enter the arena, Cooper notices a huge police presence.  When they get inside, there are even more cops.  They seem to be everywhere.  Well, safety should be a priority for events this well attended.

Once the concert starts, Cooper notices men are being escorted out by the police.  Now curious and concerned, Cooper tells his daughter he’s going to the restroom.  Then using his charm, Cooper learns a secret.  The police are there because they got a lead that the serial killer known as The Butcher is in attendance.  Every exit is covered.  Police and FBI are there in force.  They have a description of The Butcher and anyone fitting it, will be questioned before he is allowed out.

Cooper is concerned.  Not because a serial killer is at the concert.  No.  Cooper is concerned because he is The Butcher.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Saleka Shyamalan makes her film debut.  She is M. Night Shyamalan’s daughter and a singer/songwriter.  Saleka wrote and performed all of the songs in the movie.  The official Trap movie soundtrack is titled Lady Raven and features all of the songs from the movie.

The concert feels real.  Kudos to M. Night, Saleka and all involved.

Some aspects come off as very contrived, but M. Night Shyamalan is adept at keeping things moving.  This way viewers go with the flow.  I was expecting Cooper to get caught or escape then fade to credits.  M. Night Shyamalan had a different idea.  There’s no big twist (as in some of his films) but there are some unexpected turns.  I enjoyed the ride.

Trap (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“JFK” (1991) directed by Oliver Stone, starring Kevin Costner / Z-View

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JFK (1991)

Director: Oliver Stone

Screenplay: Oliver Stone, Zachary Sklar based on ON THE TRAIL OF ASSASSINS by Jim Garrison and CROSSFIRE: THE PLOT THAT KILLED KENNEDY by Jim Marrs

Stars: Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Sally Kirkland, Jay O. Sanders, Kevin Bacon, Tommy Lee Jones, Michael Rooker, Sissy Spacek, Joe Pesci, Donald Sutherland, Ed Asner, Brian Doyle-Murray, John Candy, Wayne Knight, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Vincent D’Onofrio, Dale Dye, Lolita Davidovich, John Larroquette, Ron Rifkin  and Martin Sheen (narration).

Tagline:  He’s a District Attorney. He will risk his life, the lives of his family, everything he holds dear for the one thing he holds sacred… the truth.

The Plot…

New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison (Costner) has doubts about the Warren Commission’s findings that Lee Harvey Oswald (Oldman) acted alone in the assassination of President Kennedy.  Garrison puts together a team to investigate.  The team discovers new evidence, witnesses that were ignored, and more.

Garrison will ultimately indict a New Orleans business man, Clay Shaw (Jones) for his role in the assassination of President Kennedy.  Was Garrison a hero or a conspiracy nut?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

JFK was nominated for eight 1992 Academy Awards and won two…

  • Nominee for Best Picture: A. Kitman Ho, Oliver Stone
  • Nominee for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Tommy Lee Jones
  • Nominee Best Director: Oliver Stone
  • Nominee for Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published: Oliver Stone, Zachary Sklar
  • Nominee for Best Sound: Michael Minkler, Gregg Landaker, Tod A. Maitland
  • Nominee for Best Music, Original Score: John Williams
  • Winner for Best Cinematography: Robert Richardson
  • Winner for Best Film Editing: Joe Hutshing, Pietro Scalia

JFK is riveting cinema.  The story is compelling.  The direction, editing, use of various film stocks, vintage real footage mixed with recreations is movie-making at it’s best.  Director Oliver Stone was at the top of his game.  He was supported by an amazing cast.

The scene where Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested in the theater was filmed in the actual theater where the real arrest took place. Money from the film was used to restore the theater.

The scene of Jack Ruby killing Lee Harvey Oswald was shot in the Dallas City Hall basement where the actual murder took place.

The scenes of Lee Harvey Oswald shooting from the sixth floor window of the Texas School Book Depository were filmed in the real building, but from the fifth floor window.  The sixth floor is now a museum.  Views as seen from the sixth floor window were actually taken from that window.  Only the cameraman, Stone and a couple of others were allowed at the window.

Woody Harrelson’s father, Charles Harrelson, was convicted of killing federal judge John H. Wood Jr. (and two others). Charles Harrelson claimed that he took part in the assassination of John F. Kennedy.  Harrelson claimed he was one of the three “tramps” questioned the day of the murder.  Harrelson drew diagrams and claims he can be seen in photos taken that day.  The FBI has discounted his claims.

JFK is Oliver Stone’s favorite of all the films he directed.

In response to criticism that he made up much of the “facts” presented, Oliver Stone published an annotated version of his screenplay, in which he proved attribution for every claim made in the film.

JFK (1991) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Laura” (1944) directed by Otto Preminger, starring Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews, Clifton Webb & Vincent Price / Z-View

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Laura (1944)

Director: Otto Preminger

Screenplay: Jay Dratler, Samuel Hoffenstein, Elizabeth Reinhardt, Ring Lardner Jr. (uncredited) based on LAURA by Vera Caspary

Stars: Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews, Clifton Webb, Vincent Price, Judith Anderson and Dorothy Adams.

Tagline:  No picture was ever so irresistible as Laura.  No picture was ever so breath-taking!

The Plot…

Laura Hunt (Tierney), an attractive successful young woman, was brutally murdered at the entrance to her apartment.  The shotgun blast to the face destroyed her beauty as it took her life.  Detective Mark McPherson (Andrews) is put in charge of the investigation.

Detective McPherson interviews Laura’s closest friends…

  • Waldo Lydecker (Webb) is a famous newspaper columnist and radio personality.  Waldo gave Laura her start, by endorsing an ad she created and introducing her to movers and shakers.  Waldo is much older than Laura but has great affection for her. Waldo doesn’t care for Laura’s latest boyfriend who is a scam artist.
  • Shelby Carpenter (Price) is Laura’s boyfriend.  She was considering marriage to Shelby despite his past.
  • Ann Treadwell (Anderson) is a rich society dame.  Ann has repeatedly given Shelby money and is in love with him.
  • Bessie (Adams) is Laura’s housekeeper.  She is totally devoted to Laura.

As McPherson learns more about Laura, her beauty and exceptional personality, he becomes infatuated with her.

Then something totally unexpected happens.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Laura was nominated for five Academy Awards and won one…

  • 1945 Nominee for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Clifton Webb
  • 1945 Nominee for Best Director: Otto Preminger
  • 1945 Nominee for Best Writing, Screenplay: Jay Dratler, Samuel Hoffenstein, Elizabeth Reinhardt
  • 1945 Nominee for Best Art Direction-Interior Decoration, Black-and-White: Lyle R. Wheeler, Leland Fuller, Thomas Little
  • 1945 Winner Best Cinematography, Black-and-White: Joseph LaShelle

Vincent Price considered Laura the best film he was ever in.

Clifton Webb had a career in silent films.  He then became a theater actor and hadn’t appeared on screen in 15 years.  Otto Preminger wanted him for the role of Waldo.  Studio head Darryl F. Zanuck was against the casting because Webb was a homosexual.  Preminger persisted.  Zanuck said to give Webb a screen test.  Webb said, “If Zanuck wants to see me act, he can come to the theater.”  Preminger filmed Webb in a stage performance.  When Zanuck saw this “screen test” he was upset with how Preminger got the footage, but agreed to the casting.

Otto Preminger put together Laura as a project for him to produce and direct.  However when Darryl Zanuck returned from the service to head the studio, he nixed this.  Zanuck had problems with Preminger in the past. Zanuck said Preminger could serve as a producer, but not director of the film.  Rouben Mamoulian was given the job.  Nobody liked the dailes Mamoulian shot.  Zanuck replaced Mamoulian with Preminger.

Laura provided inspiration for Burt Reynold’s Sharky’s Machine.

Laura (1944) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Jungle Gents” (1954) starring Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall and the Bowery Boys with Woody Stode & Clint Walker! / Z-View

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Jungle Gents (1954)

Director:  Edward Bernds

Screenplay: Edward Bernds, Elwood Ullman

Stars: Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall, Bernard Gorcey, Laurette Luez, Harry Cording, David Gorcey, Benny Bartlett, Murray Alper, Pat Flaherty, Joel Fluellen, Roy Glenn, Emory Parnell, Emil Sitka, Woody Strode and Clint Walker.

Tagline:  You’ll Go WILD with LAFFS!

The Plot…

Sach’s new medicine gives him the power to smell diamonds. Slip (L. Gorcey), Satch (Hall), Louie (B. Gorcey), and others are headed to the jungles of Africa to find a diamond mine.  Little do the boys know that a group of crooks are following.  Soon the guys are fighting the gangsters and natives.

Where is Anatta (Luez), the Jungle Girl when you need her?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Clint “Cheyenne” Walker makes his film debut.

Woody Stode appears uncredited as a native.

Jungle Gents (1954) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“The Big Combo” (1955) starring Cornel Wilde, Richard Conte, Jean Wallace, Brian Donlevy, Lee Van Cleef and Earl Holliman / Z-View

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The Big Combo (1955)

Director: Joseph H. Lewis

Screenplay: Philip Yordan

Stars: Cornel Wilde, Richard Conte, Jean Wallace, Brian Donlevy, Robert Middleton, Lee Van Cleef, Earl Holliman, Helen Walker, Jay Adler, John Hoyt, Ted de Corsia, Helene Stanton, Roy Gordon, James McCallion and Whit Bissell.

Tagline:  The Most Startling Story The Screen Has Ever Dared Reveal!

The Plot…

Detective Lt. Leonard Diamond (Wilde) has made it his personal mission to bring down a crime boss known as Mr. Brown (Conte).  Brown has his fingers in organized crime across the city.  Brown is feared because of his sadistic tendencies and willingness to destroy anyone who crosses him.  Brown is supported by Fante (Van Cleef) and Mingo (Holliman) thugs whose loyalty to is unquestioned.

Detective Diamond is infatuated with Mr. Brown’s girl, Susan (Wallace).  Susan wants out of the relationship, but Mr. Brown would see her dead rather than lose her.  Detective Diamond believes the key to taking down Mr. Brown is a mystery woman named Alicia.

Detective Diamond is getting close to the truth.  Now he is in the crosshairs of Mr. Brown, Fante and Mingo.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Jack Palance was set to play Mr. Brown, but reportedly became upset when they producers refused to hire his wife.  He left shortly before filming was to start, but recommended Richard Conte to replace him.  (Interestingly enough Jean Wallace was Cornell Wilde’s wife at the time.)

The Big Combo pushed the boundaries of what was allowed in movies at the time.  Detective Diamond has a casual sexual relationship with a stripper.  Mr. Brown isn’t married to Susan, but they’re also in a sexual relationship.  Thugs Fante and Mingo are clearly lovers.  The torture scene is much more brutal than usually seen in movies of this era.

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

“Second Wind” (1966) original title: Le deuxième souffle, directed by Jean-Pierre Melville, starring Lino Ventura, Paul Meurisse, Christine Fabréga and Michel Constantin / Z-View

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Second Wind (1966) original title: Le deuxième souffle

Director: Jean-Pierre Melville

Screenplay: Jean-Pierre Melville, José Giovanni based on the novel Le deuxième souffle by José Giovanni

Stars: Lino Ventura, Paul Meurisse, Christine Fabréga and Michel Constantin.

Tagline:  None.

The Plot…

Gustave “Gu” Minda has escaped prison and is on the lam.  He needs money to get out of the country before Police Commissaire Blot’s team find him.

Gu is offered a spot on a dangerous rip-off.  Two armed motorcycle cops will escort an armored truck (with two more armed guards) and over a ton of platinum.  The score will not only get Gu enough cash to slip out of the country, but set him up for life.

Of course the best laid plans…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The more I think about this film, the more I like it.

One of my favorite characters in this movie is Alban (Michel Constantin), Gu’s sister’s bodyguard.

Second Wind (1966) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Tulsa King”: Season 2 (2024) starring Sylvester Stallone / Z-View

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Tulsa King: Season 2 (2024)

Created by: Taylor Sheridan

Director: Craig Zisk (Eps. 1-2; 9-10); Joshua Marston (Eps. 3-4); David Semel  (Eps. 5-6); Kevin Dowling (Eps. 7-8)

Teleplay: Taylor Elmore and Terence Winter & Sylvester Stallone (Ep. 1); Stephen Scaia and Terence Winter (Ep. 2); Terence Winter & Joseph Riccobene (Ep. 3); Terence Winter & Dave Flebotte (Ep. 4); William Schmidt (Ep. 5); Terence Winter (Ep. 6); Dave Flebotte (Ep. 7); William Schmidt & Terence Winter (Ep. 8); Joseph Riccobene (Ep. 9); Terence Winter & Sylvester Stallone (Ep. 10)

Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Martin Starr, Jay Will, Max Casella, Vincent Piazza, Tatiana Zappardino, Annabella Sciorra, Neal McDonough, Frank Grillo, Domenick Lombardozzi, Andrea Savage, Garrett Hedlund, Dana Delany, Chris Caldovino, Dashiell Connery, McKenna Quigley Harrington, Justin Garcia-Pruneda, Michael Beach, Scarlet Rose Stallone, Steve Witting, Rich Ting, Glen Gould, J.D. Walsh, Jelly Roll, Graham Greene and Cash Flo.

Tagline: The Boss Is Back.

The Plot…

Dwight’s see an opportunity to get a wind farm on the cheap.  He’ll use it to power a marijuana farm.  This puts him at odds with Cal Thresher, the biggest medical marijuana supplier in Tulsa (and business partner of Bill Bevilaqua, the organized crime don of the territory).

Dwight learns that a Chinese triad is also involved with marijuana farming in the area and could be a problem.  Chickie reaches out to one of Dwight’s team to set up a doublecross.  Meanwhile Thresher has gets the hook in another on Dwight’s team.  An attempt is made on Dwight’s life.

Tensions mount as Dwight refuses to give Bevilaqua the percentage he wants and offers nothing to Chickie.  People will die and there will be collateral damage.

The season ends with a cliffhanger.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Tulsa King was nominated for one 2023 PrimeTime Emmy Award – Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Comedy Series or a Variety Program: Freddie Poole

As you might have guessed, Tulsa King continues to be my current favorite television show.  Bring on season three!

Tulsa King: Season 2 (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.