Category: Z-View

“The Pitt” Season 1 starring Noah Wyle / Z-View

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“The Pitt” (2025)

Created by: R. Scott Gemmill

Teleplay by:

  • (eps. 1-2; 15) R. Scott Gemmill
  • (eps. 3; 12-13) Joe Sachs & R. Scott Gemmill
  • (eps. 4; 9) Noah Wyle
  • (eps. 5; 10; 14) Simran Baidwan
  • (ep. 6) Cynthia Adarkwa
  • (ep. 7) Valerie Chu
  • (ep. 8) Joe Sachs
  • (ep. 11) Elyssa Gershman
  • (ep. 10) Paul Lieberstein

Directed by:

  • John Wells (eps. 1; 15)
  • Amanda Marsalis  (eps. 2; 4; 8; 12)
  • Damian Marcano (eps. 3; 6; 10; 13)
  • John Cameron (eps. 5; 14)
  • Silver Tree (ep. 7)
  • Quyen Tran (ep. 9; 11)

Stars: Noah Wyle, Patrick Ball, Katherine LaNasa, Supriya Ganesh, Fiona Dourif, Taylor Dearden, Isa Briones, Gerran Howell, Shabana Azeez, Amielynn Abellera,
Jalen Thomas Brooks, Brandon Mendez Homer, Kristin Villanueva, Tracy Ifeachor, Joanna Going, Johnath Davis, Brad Dourif and Shawn Hatosy.

Tagline: 15 episodes. 15 hours. 1 shift.

The Plot…

The Pitt follows Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch in real time as he works a major hospital emergency room that is understaffed and overworked.  It is the anniversary of the death of Dr. Robby’s mentor and the first day he has worked it since.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Pitt was nominated for 13 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards and won 5…

  • Nominee for Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup – Myriam Arougheti, Thomas Floutz, Chris Burgoyne, Martina Sykes for episode “4:00 P.M.”
  • Nominee for Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour) – Todd Grace, Ed Carr, Von Varga, Tami Treadwell for episode “6:00 P.M.”
  • Nominee for Outstanding Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour) – Bryan Parker, Kristen Hirlinger, Vince Tennant, Joshua Adeniji, Roland N. Thai, Lyndsey Schenk, Sam Lewis, Nicholas Kmet, Adam DeCoste, Alex Ullrich for episode “7:00 P.M.”
  • Nominee for Outstanding Contemporary Makeup (Non-Prosthetic) – Merry Lee Traum, Marie-Flore Beaubien, Leesa Simone for episode “7:00 P.M.”
  • Nominee for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series – Joe Sachs for episode “2:00 P.M.”
  • Nominee for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series – R. Scott Gemmill for episode “7:00 A.M.”
  • Nominee for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series – John Wells for episode “7:00 A.M.”
  • Winner for Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series – Cathy Sandrich Gelfond, Erica Berger 
  • Winner for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series – Shawn Hatosy
  • Winner for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series – Katherine LaNasa
  • Winner for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series – Noah Wyle
  • Winner for Outstanding Drama Series – Damian Marcano, Michael Hissrich, R. Scott Gemmill, John Wells, Michelle Lankwarden, Simran Baidwan, Erin Jontow, Amanda Marsalis, Terri Murphy, Cynthia Adarkwa, Noah Wyle, Joe Sachs

Taylor Dearden (Dr Mel King) is Bryan Cranston’s daughter.  She is excellent in this role.

Dr. Cassie McKay and her father Neil McKay are played by real-life daughter and father Fiona and Brad Dourif.

The Pitt was must-see tv for me.

Noah Wyle and Kathernine LaNasa won well deserved Emmys.

“The Pitt” (2025) earns 5 of 5 stars.

“The Conversation” (1974) written & directed by Francis Ford Coppola; starring Gene Hackman / Z-View

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The Conversation (1974)

Director:  Francis Ford Coppola

Screenplay: Francis Ford Coppola

Stars: Gene Hackman, John Cazale, Allen Garfield, Frederic Forrest, Cindy Williams, Michael Higgins, Elizabeth MacRae, Teri Garr, Harrison Ford, Mark Wheeler, Ramon Bieri, Gian-Carlo Coppola, Robert Duvall  and Robert Shields.

Tagline: Harry Caul is an invader of privacy. The best in the business. He can record any conversation between two people anywhere. So far, three people are dead because of him.

The Plot…

Harry Caul is an audio recording specialist.  Perhaps the best in the business.  That’s why Harry is hired to secretly record conversations for high priced clients.  Harry says he doesn’t care how the recordings are used once he turns them over.  Truth is Harry feels guilty that some of his recordings may have led to the murders of three people.

When on his current job Harry pieces together muffled audio, the conversation indicates someone is going to be murdered.  Now Harry feels it is his responsibility to stop the killing.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Conversation was nominated for three 1975 Academy Awards…

  • Nominee for Best Sound – Walter Murch, Art Rochester
  • Nominee for Best Writing, Original Screenplay – Francis Ford Coppola
  • Nominee for Best Picture –Francis Ford Coppola

Francis Ford Coppola’s screenplay for The Conversation, written in 1966, couldn’t get financing until his success with The Godfather.

Harrison Ford’s part was originally written as a cameo.  His character didn’t even have a name.  Ford’s suggestion to play the character as gay (an unusual choice in 1974) and his suggestions to Coppola, led to the part being expanded.

Gene Hackman and Terri Garr would also appear together in Young Frankenstein the same year.

Most folks rate The Conversation higher than me.  It currently has a 7.7 rating on IMDB and on Rotten Tomatoes it has a 94% reviewers rating and 89% users’ rating. So, as always, your mileage may vary.

The Conversation (1974) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“The Burrowers” (2008) / Z-View

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The Burrowers (2008)

Director:  J. T. Petty

Screenplay: J. T. Petty

Stars:  Clancy Brown, Joel Kinnaman, Jocelin Donahue, Doug Hutchison, Laura Leighton, Suzi McLaughlin, Tatanka Means, David Midthunder and William Mapother.

Tagline: Evil will surface.

The Plot…

1879.  When a family of settlers is found brutally mutilated, it is thought that hostile Indians did it.  Some family members, including a young girl are missing and believed to have been kidnapped.  Although there are strange holes in the ground surrounding the kill zone, not much notice is paid to them.  A group is formed to track the Indians and save the survivors.

Little does the posse know that the holes were created by vicious creatures that live beneath the prairie.  And the posse is heading straight into their territory.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The creatures are pretty cool.  I wish we had more action with them.

The Burrowers (2008) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Brothers by Blood” aka “The Sound of Philadelphia” (2020) / Z-View

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Brothers by Blood aka The Sound of Philadelphia (2020)

Director:  Jeremie Guez

Screenplay: Jeremie Guez; based on BROTHERLY LOVE by Pete Dexter

Stars: Matthias Schoenaerts, Joel Kinnaman, Maika Monroe, Nicholas Crovetti, Antoni Corone, Michael McFadden, Joshua Lacey and Ryan Phillippe.

Tagline: Loyalty Has a Price

The Plot…

Peter and Michael are cousins raised together in a family of criminals from childhood.  Now adults, the two of positions of power within the Irish mob.  Tensions have been high between the Irish and Italians.  To make matters worse, Peter’s behavior has grown increasingly erratic.  Michael will need to make some tough choices before they are made for him.  He will also have to come to grips with the tragedy that cost his sister and father’s lives years ago.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I was expecting more.

Brothers by Blood aka The Sound of Philadelphia (2020) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“The Paper” (2025) / Z-View

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“The Paper” (2025)

Created by: Greg Daniels, Michael Koman; based on The Office created by Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant

Teleplay by:

  • (eps. 1-2) Greg Daniels & Michael Koman
  • (ep. 3) Patrick Kang & Michael Levin
  • (ep. 4) Amanda Rosenberg
  • (ep. 5) Mo Welch
  • (ep. 6) Eric Rahill
  • (ep. 7) Alex Edelman
  • (ep. 8) Ben Philippe
  • (ep. 9) L.E. Correia
  • (ep. 10) Paul Lieberstein

Directed by:

  • Greg Daniels (ep. 1)
  • Ken Kwapis  (ep. 2)
  • Yana Gorskaya (ep. 3)
  • Paul Lieberstein (ep. 4)
  • Tazbah Chavez (ep. 5)
  • Jason Woliner (ep. 6)
  • Jennifer Celotta (ep. 7)
  • Matt Sohn (ep. 8)
  • Dave Rogers (ep. 9)
  • Jeffrey Blitz (ep. 10)

Stars: Domhnall Gleeson, Sabrina Impacciatore, Chelsea Frei, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Ramona Young, Nancy Lenehan and Oscar Nuñez.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

The documentary crew that followed Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton, Pennsylvania, office has now turned their cameras to The Toledo Truth Teller Newspaper office.  The dying paper has hired a new editor. He has brought in volunteers from Enervate’s (the newspaper’s parent company) other departments to work as reporters.

  • “Pilot”  Ned Sampson is hired as new managing editor of the paper.  Esmeralda Grand, the former acting editor, appears to support Ned.  In reality she wants him gone.  The paper had been running AP items and filler.  Ned wants to publish real news from the community.  He brings in folks from other departments who have no writing experience.

 

  • “The Five W’s”  Ned sends his new “reporters” out to find stories for the first edition of the newspaper under his leadership.  Their efforts produce unintentionally comedic results. As the deadline looms, his reporters’ results include one of his reporters in the hospital, two of his reporters fell for a prank story, another is in jail and the serial killer leads Ned was chasing were caused by his phone calls to the morgue!  With no news to report, how will the first edition come out?

 

  • “Buddy and the Dude”  Esmeralda continues to spread dissent behind the scenes.  Mare, Ned’s best reporter (who he is attracted to) considers taking another job.  In an effort to connect with her (and keep her at the paper), Ned and Mare go undercover on a “big” story that could blow the lid on the mattress business.

 

  • “TTT vs the Blogger”  When high school students get a tour of the newspaper office, it’s obvious the students know more about reporting than the “reporters”.  Worse still, the high school editor has more followers to his blog than the newspaper has subscribers.  This leads to an escalating rivalry between Ned and the school paper’s editor that goes public.
  • “Scam Alert!”  A scammer has been taking financial advantage of lonely Toledo residents.  Ned talks to his team about making this a lead story.  They accidentally learn that Esmeraldo is one of the victims still being scammed.

 

  • “I Love You”  Ned’s idea of a series of consumer reports backfires when his reporters test products with disasterous results.

 

  • “I Love You”  Marv Putnam, CEO of Enervate, the newspaper’s parent company has to set up his office on the newspaper’s floor.  This puts the entire office on edge.

 

  • “Church and State”  When it’s learned that Softees’ “Man Wipes” have caused a major plumbing issue for the city, it’s a story.  But Ned is encouraged to not cover it.  “Man Wipes” are produced by the newspaper’s parent company.  The bad press could kill them.  Ned is torn between doing what’s right and doing what’s right for the company.  Then he comes through like a champ.

 

  • “Matching Ponchos”  Mare and Ned go on the road to investigate a cult.  Miscommunications create tension between the two.  Meanwhile the company takes to the air waves for damage control over the “Man Wipes” incident.

 

  • “The Ohio Journalism Awards”  Against all odds, The Toledo Truth Teller has been nominated for three Ohio Journalism Awards.  The team attend the awards.  Ned is just happy to have been nominated.  Mare is hoping for valedation.  Esmeraldo just wants the spotlight no matter who wins.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Paper is an nice way to spend 3o minutes.

It’s interesting to note that the lead of The Paper, Domhnall Gleeson co-starred in the limited series The Patient.  Gleeson’s co-star in The Patient was Steve Carell.  Carell was the lead of The Office.  The Paper is a spin-off (of sorts) of The Office.

The Paper (2025) earns 4 of 5 stars.

“Warfare” (2025) / Z-View

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Warfare (2025)

Director:  Ray Mendoza, Alex Garland

Screenplay: Ray Mendoza, Alex Garland

Stars: D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Will Poulter, Cosmo Jarvis, Joseph Quinn, Alex Brockdorff, Finn Bennett, Evan Holtzman, Michael Gandolfini and Noah Centineo.

Tagline: Everything is based on memory.

The Plot…

A team of Navy SEALS secretly set up an observation post in a house in the middle of an Iraqi town known to be a hotbed of terrorists.  As some of the soldiers hold the family hostage, the others monitor enemy activity.

The SEALS come to realize that as they are watching the terrorists, the terrorists are aware of them.  One of the SEAL translators monitoring radio chatter, hears an Iraqi call to arms.  The enemy is gearing up for battle with the SEALS.  Soon after a granade is thrown through the window.  One of the SEAL snipers is badly injured.

The SEALS call for air support and evacuation.  It will come, but not immediately.  Outnumbered and outgunned, the SEALS are in a battle for their lives.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Warfare is based on a true SEAL mission.  The movie plays out in real time.  The screenplay was based on memories of the soldiers who were there.  Before a scene was set, at least two of the soldiers verified it for accuracy.

The action is intense and at times terrifying.  It’s hard to imagine being in the middle of a battle, fighting for your life with all of the chaos.  Minutes seem like hours waiting for back-up.  When all is said and done, you’re glad to have survived (and for your teammates that made it).  But there is no ultimate resolution that good triumphed over evil.  There is just the bond you will forever have with the men who shared the experience.

Warfare (2025) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Star Trek: Strange New Worlds”: Season 3 (2025) / Z-View

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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2025)

Created by: Akiva Goldsman, Alex Kurtzman Jenny Lumet; based on Star Trek created by Gene Roddenberry

Teleplay by:

  • (ep. 1) Davy Perez from a story by Henry Alonso Myers & Davy Perez
  • (ep. 2) Kirsten Beyer & David Reed
  • (ep. 3) Onitra Johnson & Bill Wolkoff
  • (ep. 4) Dana Horgan & Kathryn Lyn
  • (ep. 5) Onitra Johnson & Davy Perez
  • (ep. 6) David Reed & Bill Wolkoff
  • (ep. 7) Kathryn Lyn & Alan B. McElroy
  • (ep. 8) Dana Horgan & Henry Alonso Myers
  • (ep. 9) Alan B. McElroy
  • (ep. 10) Dana Horgan & Davy Perez

Directed by:

  • Chris Fisher (ep. 1)
  • Jordan Canning  (eps. 2, 8)
  • Dan Liu (ep. 3)
  • Jonathan Frakes (ep. 4)
  • Andi Armaganian (ep. 5)
  • Valerie Weiss (ep. 6)
  • Sharon Lewis (ep. 7)
  • Andrew Coutts (ep. 9)
  • Maja Vrvilo (ep. 10)

Stars: Anson Mount, Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, Christina Chong, Celia Rose Gooding, Melissa Navia, Babs Olusanmokun, Martin Quinn, Rebecca Romijn, Dan Jeannotte, Paul Wesley, Adrian Holmes, Melanie Scrofano, Cillian O’Sullivan, Warren Scherer and Carol Kane.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

During Season 3 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Captain Christopher Pike and the crew of the USS Enterprise face more dangerous adventures.

  • “Hegemony, Part II”  Pike leads an attempt to rescue crew members and colonists held captive on a Gorn ship outside of Federation territory.  Meanwhile Spock and Nurse Chapel work to find a cure to save Captain Marie Batel from Gorn eggs implanted in her body.

 

  • “Wedding Bell Blues”  Three months have passed.  The Enterprise is docked for repairs.  Nurse Chapel returns from her internship with Dr. Roger Korby who is now her new boyfriend (much to Spock’s dissapointment).  The next morning Spock awakens to find everyone planning for his and Nurse Chapel’s wedding.  Only Spock and Korby realize reality has changed.

 

  • “Shuttle to Kenfori”  The Gorn DNA in Captain Marie Batel’s body has awakened.  Her only chance for survival lies with a rare flower found on the planet Kenfori.  Because Kenfori is contested by both the Federation and the Klingons, it is off limits to both.  With the Enterprise monitoring from a distance, Pike and Dr. M’Benga go down to the planet to retrieve the flowers.  There they find scientists who’ve transformed into zombies.  When the Klingons discover that the Enterprise, they send down a war party to capture/kill Pike and M’Benga.  With each passing minute the odds of Captain Bartel’s survival diminishes.  Same can be said for Pike and M’Benga with zombies and Klingons out to kill them.

 

  • “A Space Adventure Hour”  La’an Noonien-Singh is directed to test/de-bug a new addition to the Enterprise.  The “holodeck” is a holographic simulator.  La’an decides to run a murder mystery scenario based on a 1960s show called The Last Frontier.  Crew member likeness will be used for the cast.  The holodeck begins draining huge amounts of energy and the test goes off the rails.  La’an is trapped. People are being murdered… or are they?

 

  • “Through the Lens of Time”  On a distant planet Spock, Nurse Chapel, Dr. Korby, Junior Medical Officer Gamble, and Beto (who is documenting the expedition) discover an ancient structure.  When Gamble picks up a glowing object it explodes in his face.  Gamble is transported back to the Enterprise.  Meanwhile Spock and his team become trapped in the ancient building.  There they learn that the structure was a prison — one with no escape.  Back on the Enterprise, Dr. M’Benga’s efforts to save Gamble have failed.  All scans show no brain activity… yet he appears awake.

 

  • “The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail”  When the USS Farragut is attacked by a huge ship of unknown orgin, the ship’s Captain is one of the injured.  James T. Kirk becomes acting Captain for the first time.  The Enterprise arrives to assist. Spock, Nurse Chapel, Lieutenant junior grade Scott, and communications officer Nyota Uhura join to assist Kirk on the Farragut. When the attack ship returns it attacks the Enterprise by draining its power and cutting off all communications.  The Enterprise is doomed unless Kirk can lead his new crew and with a damaged ship figure a way to take out the assault warship.

 

  • “What Is Starfleet?”  A documentary filmmaker has been allowed to travel with the Enterprise.  When Captain Pike is ordered to provide assistance to a non-Federation planet at war with a neighboring planet, the filmmaker begins to aggressively show all of Pike’s decisions/actions in a negative light.  The mission is further complicated when a creature of war being transported on the Enterprise escapes.

 

  • “Four-and-a-Half Vulcans”  In order to save a planet that prohibits humans from landing, Pike, Chapel, Uhura, and La’An undergo changes to their DNA to allow them to pass as Vulcans.  Once the mission is completed, their DNA will be changed back.  During the change they will for all purposes think, act and feel as a Vulcan.  The mission is a success.  When the four return to the Enterprise, they announce that they don’t want to change back to humans.  That would be illogical.

 

  • “Terrarium”  While flying a solo shuttle mission, Ortegas’ craft is pulled through a wormhole. The shuttle crashlands.  Shaken, but alive Ortegas discovers herself on a barren, hostile planet.  But she’s not alone.  A Gorn pilot who suffered the same fate is also there.  Gorn and humans are natural enemies, but in order for both to survive, they will need to trust each other.  Meanwhile the crew attempts to locate the planet where Ortegas crashed.  The Enterprise is on a mission to deliever needed vacines soon or colonists will die.  The clock is ticking.

 

  • “New Life and New Civilizations”  It is revealed that Junior Medical Officer Gamble is dead and an alien is using his body.  The creature has a plan to free others like it from the structure discovered by Dr. Korby, Spock and the landing party some time back.  It will take the power of two star ships and absolutely perfect timing to stop the creature.  But Spock with the help of James T. Kirk has a plan.  At the same time Captain Pike’s love, Marie Bartel makes a decision that will affect both of them for the rest of their lives.  Oh, what could have been.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Ethan Peck, who plays Mr. Spock, is the grandson of actor Gregory Peck.  Ethan Peck is excellent as Spock.

I was a fan of the original Star Trek series, cartoon and movies with the original cast.  I never watched any other Star Trek productions.  So I’m not a die hard fan of everything Star Trek.  Believe me, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is exceptional.  Everything from the production values, the cast, the direction and the music is spot on.  Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a love letter to everything the original series strived to be.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is perfectly cast.  Anson Mount is perfect in his role, but so are Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, Celia Rose Gooding and Melissa Navia.  The series is well written with each major cast member displaying personality and getting a showcase.  If you’re a fan of the original series there are things that begin in Strange New Worlds that will reverberate in the original series.

In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Season 3 different characters continue to get the spotlight. This season saw a greater focus on humor.  I love Pike as a Captain, but seeing how Spock and Kirk first interacted is a real joy.  It’s also cool that when the focus moves to secondary characters, my interest is still there — Ortega, Nurse Chapel, M’Benga and Nyota Uhura are favorites.

I enjoyed every episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Season 3 and look forward to Season 4.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2025) earns 4 of 5 stars.

“The Outfit” (1973) starring Robert Duvall, Karen Black, Joe Don Baker and Robert Ryan / Z-View

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The Outfit (1973)

Director:  John Flynn

Screenplay: John Flynn, Walter Hill (uncredited); based on THE OUTFIT by Richard Stark

Stars: Robert Duvall, Karen Black, Joe Don Baker, Robert Ryan, Timothy Carey, Richard Jaeckel, Sheree North, Felice Orlandi, Marie Windsor, Jane Greer, Henry Jones, Joanna Cassidy, Tom Reese, Bill McKinney, Anita O’Day, Archie Moore, Tony Young and Elisha Cook Jr..

Tagline: Nobody plays rougher than The Outfit…Except maybe Earl, Cody and Bett!

The Plot…

When Earl Macklin gets out of prison, his girlfriend Bett picks him up.  She drives to a motel and informs Earl that his brother was recently murdered.  Late that night a man breaks into the hotel room and attempts to kill Earl.  Earl survives and gets the upper hand.  He then tortures the man for information.

Earl’s brother robbed a syndicate bank.  That’s the reason he was killed.  They sent the killer to take out Earl so he wouldn’t seek revenge.  Earl lets the killer live on the condition he takes a message to the people that hired him.  The message: The Outfit owes him $250,000.00.  If they pay, Earl will go away.  Until they do, Earl is going to cost them money that he’ll keep.  And they will still owe him the quarter million.

Earl wants his money.  And he doesn’t care how many people he has to kill to get it.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Film legend, Robert Ryan’s last released film. He was also in Executive Action filmed after The Outfit, but released first.

The Outfit features Joanna Cassidy’s film debut.

Former Light Heavyweight Champion Archie Moore has a role as a tough guy.  Moore held the light heavyweight boxing title for ten years — longer than any champ in that division.

The great (and eccentric) character actor Timothy Carey appears in a supporting role.  Same could be said of Elisha Cook, Jr.

The Outfit (1973) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Die Alone” (2024) starring Carrie-Anne Moss, Douglas Smith and Frank Grillo / Z-View

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Die Alone (2024)

Director:  Lowell Dean

Screenplay: Lowell Dean

Stars: Carrie-Anne Moss, Douglas Smith, Jonathan Cherry, Sari Mercer, Steven Roy, Harlan Blayne Kytwayhat and Frank Grillo.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

A zombie outbreak is underway.  Ethan and his girlfriend Emma planned to make it to a remote cabin which they hoped w0uld provide sanctuary.

That’s all that Ethan remembers since he woke up alone.

As Ethan begins looking for Emma he is attacked by several armed men.  He’d have been killed if Mae, a middle-aged woman, hadn’t rescued him.  Ethan thanks Mae and says that he since he woke up, he can’t remember much, only that his girlfriend is missing.  Mae hasn’t seen her.  Mae says that Ethan is in no condition to continue his journey.  She says he’s welcome to stay at her farm until he’s better.

Ethan agrees.  Mae’s definitely a survivalist.  Her farm is remote and full of booby-traps.  As time passes Ethan starts remembering more and more.  Before long he’s sure all is not as it seems.

But he has no idea of what is to come.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Frank Grillo appears in just a few (but very memorable) scenes.

I figured out the twist early on, but wasn’t sure how it would play out.  The final scenes of the movie were unexpected.

Die Alone (2024) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Long Gone Heroes” (2024) / Z-View

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Long Gone Heroes (2024)

Director:  John Swab

Screenplay:  John Swab; story by Santiago Manes Moreno

Stars: Eden Brolin, Melissa Leo, Frank Grillo, George Carroll, Beau Knapp, Wendy Moniz, Josh Hutcherson, Mekhi Phifer and Andy Garcia.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

When a retired special forces vet’s niece is kidnapped by a Venezuelian drug cartel, he recruits two of his old teammates and heads down to get her back.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I was expecting Long Gone Heroes to be a lot better considering the cast includes Frank Grillo and Andy Garcia.

Long Gone Heroes (2024) rates 2 of 5 stars.

CEREMONY: A SPENCER NOVEL by Robert B. Parker / Z-View

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CEREMONY: A SPENCER NOVEL by Robert B. Parker

First sentences…

“She’s a goddamned whore,” Harry Kyle said.  “And I don’t want her in this house again.”

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

April Kyle, a high school student ran away from home.  Although her parents don’t know exactly where she is, they know what she’s become.

A teenage prostitute.

Susan Silverman, a counselor, meets with her parents.  Susan’s lover, a hard case private eye named Spenser could find April.  Spenser could bring her home.  But April’s dad is too self-righteous to care for his daughter because of what she’s become.  Dad doesn’t want April back.  April’s mom is too weak to stand up for her child.  Spenser is ready to walk away.  He can’t stand April’s father.

But Susan cares.  She convinces Spenser to find April.  If April stays on the streets she certain for an early grave.  Spenser agrees to find April, but will only bring her home if she agrees.

What sounds like an easy job, find a high school girl who has gone down the wrong path, turns out to be anything but.  Spenser is soon at odds with Trumps, a pimp with a stable of hoes, as well as people (some who are very “connected”) who specialize in trafficking kids.

Spenser and Hawk are on the case.  Let the fun begin.

+++

CEREMONY was published in 1982.  It’s as relevant today as it was over 40 years ago.  Maybe even more relevant now since it deals with child-trafficking.  Also if written today, I have no doubt that many would make accusations that Parker was making a comment by naming a pimp Trumps.

I’m a huge fan of Robert B. Parker’s tales… especially those involving Spenser.  Not many authors would be willing to have their main character save a teenage girl from a life on the streets using Spencer’s solution.

Rating:

“Dredd” (2012) starring Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby and Lena Headey / Z-View

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Dredd (2012)

Director:  Pete Travis

Screenplay:  Alex Garland; based on Judge Dredd by John Wagner, Carlos Ezquerra

Stars: Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby, Lena Headey, Jason Cope, Tamer Burjaq and Deobia Oparei.

Tagline: Judgment is coming

The Plot…

In a dystopian future law officers are given authority to become judge, jury and executioner (as needed).  These police are called Judges.  The bring law and order to the Mega-City One where 800 million residents eke out a living.

Judge Dredd, a veteran officer is tasked to assess Cassandra Anderson. If Anderson survives the day making appropriate decisions and leving correct setences, she will become a Judge.

Dredd and Anderson are called to the Peach Tree Towers.  There they find three murder victims who had been tortured and skinned before being tossed from one of the 200 storey towers.  The Peach Tree Towers are the home base of Madeline “Ma-Ma” Madrigal.  Ma-Ma is head of a notorius drug cartel.  She was sending a message through the torture murders of the three victims.

Dredd and Anderson capture one of Ma-Ma’s soldiers and decide to take him in for questioning.  Ma-Ma is not going to let that happen.  Ma-Ma and her crew take control of the building’s security room.  They disrupt communications going in or out of the towers.  Ma-Ma then lowers the Tower’s nuclear blast shields.  No one is getting in or out.

Ma-Ma then announces over the Towers communication system that a bounty has been placed on the heads of Dredd and Anderson.  Anyone who kills them will be rewarded.  Anyone who helps them will, along with their families, be executed.

Alone and outnumbered, with no help coming, Dredd and Anderson decide to take the fight to Ma-Ma and her cartel.

Prepare to be judged.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

In the comics that Judge Dredd is based on, Dredd is never seen without his helmet on.  Karl Urban refused to take his helmet off for any scenes.

Although Pete Travis is listed as the director of Dredd, many say that Alex Garland directed most of the movie.  Karl Urban has stated this as well.

Karl Urban is excellent as Judge Dredd.  The same for Lena Headey as Ma-Ma.

Dredd (2012) (1932) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“The Mummy” (1932) starring Boris Karloff / Z-View

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The Mummy (1932)

Director:  Karl Freund

Screenplay:  John L. Balderston; story by Nina Wilcox Putnam, Richard Schayer

Stars: Boris Karloff, Zita Johann, David Manners, Noble Johnson, Leonard Mudie and Edward Van Sloan.

Tagline: A love that defied time drives a beautiful girl to her doom!

The Plot…

An archaeological expedition discovers the ancient burial chamber of Imhotep.  Through a study of the mummifed body and writings left in the chamber, it is learned that a curse was placed on Imhotep. Although wrapped in the traditional cloth of the dead, Imhotep was buried alive!  Placed with Imhotep was the Scroll of Thoth.  The scroll was believed to hold secrets that return the dead to life.

When one of the archaeologists reads the scroll, he is driven insane as he witnesses the resurrection of Imhotep.  Imohotep escapes.

Years pass.  Imhotep has worked his way into modern society. He is now Ardath Bey, an expert in ancient Egyptian history.  When Imhotep/Bey meets Helen Grosvenor he falls in love.  Imohotep believes Helen to be the reincarnation of the Princess he dared to love… and that cost him his life.  Determined to have her at any cost, Imhotep plans to kill, mummify and revive her.  Then they will both be immortal.

How do you stop something that has beaten death?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Mummy was inspired by the discovery of Pharaoh Tutankahmen’s tomb.  There allegedly was a curse on anyone who broke the burial chamber seal.

Boris Karloff, who became a big star after Frankenstein, was cast as the lead for The Mummy.  Although a star, his face was again hidden by make-up.

The Mummy (1932) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Outbreak” (2024) / Z-View

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Outbreak (2024)

Director:  Jeff Wolfe

Screenplay:  Lance Ochsner, Jeff Wolfe; story by Erik Aude’

Stars: Billy Burke, Raoul Max Trujillo, Alyshia Ochse, Taylor Handley and Jessica Frances Dukes.

Tagline: It starts as an infection. It ends in devastation.

The Plot…

Park Rangers Neil Morris, John Gibson and their Chief Mike Cortez respond to a call involving a rabid dog.  When the dog attacks Chief Cortez, Neil hesitates in shooting the animal.  The delay results in Cortez being bitten.

Back at the station, Chief Cortez orders Neil to take some time off.  For the last two months Neil’s work has suffered.  He’s been distracted due to the disappearance of his teenage son.  Neil’s wife isn’t doing much better.

Neil reluctantly takes the vacation.  He decides to use the time to look for his son.  While in the woods, Neil is attacked by a disfigured woman.  He kills her in self-defense and discovers she was infected.  As Neil drives back home, he sees the town is overrun with infected.

Neil keeps driving.  He plans to scoop up his wife and head for safety.  Unfortunately, some terrors are inescapable.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Outbreak (2024) is more psychological thriller than all-out zombie actioner.  The two twists at the end are worth the price of admission.

Outbreak (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Tom Horn” (1980) starring Steve McQueen / Z-View

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Tom Horn (1980)

Director:  William Wiard

Screenplay:  Thomas McGuane, Bud Shrake; based on LIFE OF TOM HORN, GOVERNMENT SCOUT AND INTERPRETER by Tom Horn

Stars: Steve McQueen, Linda Evans, Richard Farnsworth, Billy Green Bush, Slim Pickens, Peter Canon, Elisha Cook Jr., Roy Jenson, Harry Northup, Steve Oliver, Bill Thurman, Bert Williams, Bobby Bass, Mickey Jones and Geoffrey Lewis.

Tagline: Before they could settle the West, they had to hang the man who tamed it.

The Plot…

Tom Horn was famous in his own time.  But his time has passed.  Known for his skills as a frontiersman, a U.S. Army scout, a tracker, and a crack shot… Horn is now a drifter.  The Indian Wars are over.  A man with Tom Horn’s skills aren’t in demand.  So Horn just drifted from place to place scrapping by.

Horn is in a small town, when he meets cattle rancher John Coble.  Coble is impressed with Horn’s legend and surprised to find him without work and struggling.  He offers Horn a job.  Coble is a member of a Cattle Rancher Association that has been plagued by rustlers.  The Association agrees to hire Horn to rid the territory of cattle thieves… by whatever means needed.  Horn is assured by the group as well as the US Marshall that once he gives the rustlers fair warning, he is legally allowed to do whatever it takes to get rid of them.  Horn takes the job.

Horn does what he was hired to do.  He rids the area of rustlers.  His methods are violent but effective.  Many men are killed.  The rustling stops.  The Cattle Association  no longer needs Horn.  Especially since they’ve been getting bad press.  When a young boy is found murdered by a rifle shot of the same caliber that Tom Horn uses,  some Association members see a way out.

Horn is set up to take the fall for the murder.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Tom Horn was a troubled production.  Steve McQueen wasn’t happy with the script and ordered multiple rewrites.  The original director, Don Siegel decided to move on.  Siegel was replaced by replaced by Elliot Silverstein.  Silverstein was replaced by James William Guercio.  McQueen fired Guercio after just three days.  McQueen wanted to direct, but since filming had started, union rules prevented an actor to replace a director.  So William Wiard, a television director was brought in to finish filming.  Tom Horn is the only feature film on Wiard’s resume.  Many believe that McQueen directed much of the movie himself.

In addition to the troubles listed above, Steve McQueen’s health was suffering.  He was often short of breath and towards the end of filming even began coughing up blood.  McQueen would learn that he had advanced cancer.  Just a couple of weeks before Tom Horn premiered, The National Enquirer broke the story that Steve McQueen had terminal cancer.  When asked at the premiere, McQueen denied reports of his cancer.

Tom Horn was a real-life legend.  The movie is based on his autobiography that he wrote while in jail awaiting trial.

Tom Horn (1980) rates 3 of 5 stars.