Category: Z-View

“The Kings of Tupelo: A Southern Crime Saga” (2024) / Z-View

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The Kings of Tupelo: A Southern Crime Saga (2024)

Director:  Chapman Way, Maclain Way

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Kevin Curtis had to give up his career as an Elvis impersonator when he married and started a family.  Curtis got work as a janitor at the North Mississippi Medical Center.  When Curtis went into an off-limits area he told everyone who would listen that he found a severed head there. Ultimately Curtis was fired.  Curtis claimed the hospital was involved in black market selling of illegally harvested human organs.

Curtis became obsessed with conspiracy theories about the black market for human organs.  Curtis reached out to Steve Holland, his local House of Representatives legislator.  When Holland wouldn’t help Curtis, a feud developed.  Curtis discovered that Holland owned several funeral homes.  This led to Curtis’ belief that Holland was involved in the human organs black market.

As Curtis became more obsessed with overlapping conspiracy theories his life crumbled.  Curtis’ relationship with his brother (also an Elvis impersonator) ended.  After Curtis discovered his wife was cheating on him with James Everett Dutschke, they divorced.  Dutschke was a member of mesa, a karate instructor and wanna-be politician.  Curtis and Dutschke hated each other and each kept upping the ante in their feud.

Ultimately Curtis was arrested for sending Rican in a letter to President Obama, Judge Sadie Holland, and Senator Roger Wicker.  Curtis claimed he was innocent and Dutschke set him up.  Dutschke said Curtis was unhinged.

Both Dutschke and Curtis are known liars.  This time one of them is telling the truth.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

If you can get past the all over the place opening of The Kings of Tupelo, you’re in for a tale that is hard to believe.  The over the top, Southern to the bone characters are real people that would fit nicely in a Joe Lansdale novel or The Dukes of Hazard.   I liked visiting, but wouldn’t want to live there.

The Kings of Tupelo: A Southern Crime Saga (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…” (2024) / Z-View

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Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was… (2024)

Director:  Hamish Hamilton

Screenplay:  Jamie Foxx

Stars: Jamie Foxx.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

About a year ago Jamie Foxx was hospitalized.  His family clamped down on news about the cause of Foxx’s illness.  No photos.  No interviews.  So… of course speculation and rumors ran rampant.  Jamie Foxx had died.  Jamie Foxx was replaced by a clone.  Jamie Foxx had been poisoned.  Etc. Etc. Etc.

Thankfully Jamie Foxx fully recovered.  It took a lot of time and intensive rehab, but he did it.  And now Jamie Foxx wants to set the record straight.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Jamie Foxx: What Happened Was is billed as a comedy special.  Which is unfortunate.  If you tune in to see Foxx’s comedy, you’ll get glimpses.  The laughs are mixed with a lot of Foxx talking about getting sick and his recovery.  Much of that is NOT funny.  And that’s fine… if you’re not expecting an all-out comedy special.

Jamie Foxx is talented.  He’s a comedian.  An actor.  A singer.  His impressions rock.  This special gives us glimpses of those talents and reminders of Foxx’s past success.  They’re found as Foxx talks about his stroke and recovery.  If you tune in thinking you’ll get a brief summary of what happened to Jamie followed by a comedy special, you’ll be disappointed.  I blame that on how the special was advertised.

Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was… (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989) / Z-View

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National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

Director:  Jeremiah S. Chechik

Screenplay:  John Hughes based on characters created by John Hughes

Stars: Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki, John Randolph, Diane Ladd, E.G. Marshall, Doris Roberts, Randy Quaid, Miriam Flynn, Cody Burger, Ellen Latzen, William Hickey, Mae Questel, Nicholas Guest, Nicolette Scorsese, Brian Doyle-Murray and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

Tagline: There’s No Place Like Home For A Holiday!

The Plot…

Clark (Chase) and Ellen (D’Angelo) Griswald have invited their parents to spend Christmas (and the 10 days leading up to it) and their house.  Preparing for the holidays (when you’re hosting) can be stressful. Having both sets of in-laws at the same time even more so.  Add to that Clark has over-extended to surprise his family with a new swimming pool.  The check will bounce if his Christmas bonus doesn’t arrive soon.

Plus his yuppie neighbors are always creating issues.  The Christmas lights aren’t working, the tree is too big…  Oh, and don’t forget that Uncle Lewis (Hickey) and his senile wife Aunt Bethany (Questel) are coming Christmas Day.  With his kids complaining, the in-laws making comments, finishing up at work for the Christmas (still no bonus check?)… how could things get any worse.

That’s when Ellen’s cousin’s family – Catherine (Flynn), her dumb as bricks husband (Quaid), their two kids Rocky (Burger) and Ruby Sue (Latzen), and their aptly named Rottweiler, Snots, show up unannounced.

Let the good times roll!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Mae Questel was the voice of Betty Boop in the 1930s.  Christmas Vacation was her last film appearance.

Brian Doyle-Murray, who plays Clark’s boss in this film, appeared in National Lampoon’s Vacation as another character (the clerk at Kamp Komfort).

Snots was Beverly D’Angelo’s real life dog.  Aunt Bethany’s cat was Beverly D’Angelo’s real life cat.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a stone cold classic.  Every scene is a winner.  It’s well written, well cast and well directed.  This film is required viewing each year at Christmas time.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) rates 5 of 5 stars.

THE MAN WHO CAME UPTOWN by George Pelecanos / Z-View

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THE MAN WHO CAME UPTOWN by George Pelecanos

First sentence…

When Antonius thought of all the things that they’d wrong the day of the robbery, wearing hoodies might have been at the top of the list.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Michael Hudson is in prison awaiting trial.  Michael is at a cross roads.  If found guilty of robbery, his life will go in one direction.  If the jury decides he’s not guilty, another.  Problem is, he’s guilty. And they have him dead to rights.  Michael was the getaway driver in a job that went bad.

It’s sad to realize your potential too late.  Michael’s not a bad looking guy.  He’s not dumb.  Michael could make something of his life, given another chance.  Michael’s decided if he somehow gets freedom, he’s done with crime.  He’ll get a job. Any job.  Then he’ll continue to better himself.

A miracle happens.  Private investigator Phil Ornazian sends word to Michael not to worry.  Sure enough and soon enough Michael is released.  The witness identifying Michael is no longer sure it was him.  Unbelievable.  A sentence of five years in a federal pen vanished.

Michael is done with crime.  He gets a job as a dishwasher and starts planning for the future.

Then Michael is visited by Ornazian.  Time to pay the piper.  Ornazian and a retired cop moonlight by ripping off drug dealers and pimps.  It’s easy money since the folks they steal from would never go to the cops.  Ornazian needs a getaway driver for a score.  Michael isn’t interested.  Ornazian reminds Michael that he owes him.  Who knows, maybe the witness’ memory comes back.

Michael agrees to drive… one last time.

Rating:

“The Sons of Katie Elder” (1966) starring John Wayne & Dean Martin / Z-View

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The Sons of Katie Elder (1966)

Director:  Henry Hathaway

Screenplay:  William H. Wright, Allan Weiss, Harry Essex; based on story by Talbot Jennings

Stars: John Wayne, Dean Martin, Martha Hyer, Michael Anderson Jr., Earl Holliman, Jeremy Slate, James Gregory, Paul Fix, George Kennedy, Dennis Hopper, John Doucette, James Westerfield, Rhys Williams, John Qualen, Rodolfo Acosta and Strother Martin.

Tagline: From the four winds they came, the four brothers, their eyes smoking and their fingers itching…

The Plot…

The year is 1888.  Katie Elder’s four grown sons have come home for her funeral.  Home is the small frontier town of Clearwater.  John (Wayne), the oldest, is an infamous gunfighter. Tom (Martin) is a professional gambler who drifts from town to town.  Matt (Hollimann) is a store owner.  Bud (Anderson) just graduated high school.

The three oldest brothers had left years ago.  They had been sending their mom money since dad died six months ago.  They were unaware that their father had been murdered.  Or that their mom had the family ranch stolen from her.

But they know now.  And they’re going to right those wrongs.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

It has always bugged me that Katie Elder had four sons that ranged in age from about 60 to 17. How young was she when she had her first child?  Because her eldest son was about 40 years older than the youngest!?! (The film’s conceit was that her eldest son was in his late 30’s.  John Wayne was in his late 50s when he played the part.)

The Sons of Katie Elder was John Wayne’s first film after surgery for lung cancer.  He had the cancer and two ribs removed just four months earlier.  The production was initially set to film in October of 1964, but was postponed until January 1965!

The hearse used to transport Katie Elder now resides in front of the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World.

Tommy (Old Yeller) Kirk was originally cast as the youngest brother.  After Kirk was arrested for possession of marijuana the role was recast.

Three actors played two roles in The Sons of Katie Elder.  Karl Swenson played both Doctor Isdell and the bartender.  Jerry Gatlin is uncredited but played one of the Hasting’s gunmen and the railroad worker.  Boyd ‘Red’ Morgan, also uncredited played a member of the posse and the blacksmith.

Doc Holliday’s woman known as Big Nose Kate sometimes went under the alias Kate Elder.  Her real name was Mary Katherine Horony Cummings.

The Sons of Katie Elder (1966) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“From Darkness to Light” written & directed by Eric Friedler, Michael Lurie / Z-View

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Director:  Eric Friedler, Michael Lurie

Screenplay: Eric Friedler, Michael Lurie

Stars: Jerry Lewis, Mel Brooks, Martin Scorsese, Harry Shearer and Sarah Silverman.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

In 1971, producer Nat Wachsberger, approached Jerry Lewis about directing and starring in an adaption of THE DAY THE CLOWN DIED by Joan O’Brien.  Lewis knew the story of Helmut, a once famous clown now a prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp.  Nazis see Helmut entertaining the children.  The Nazis then use Helmut to lead the kids to the gas chamber.  Lewis was intrigued.  It would be a fine line to walk — finding humor in a dark story and at the same time present a film that said something about the human condition.  Lewis was told he could tweak the script and would have full control of the film.

Lewis agreed.  He lost 35 pounds preparing for the role.  Lewis cleared his schedule and threw himself fully into the project.  With just a couple of weeks of filming left, Lewis learned the producer’s rights to the film ran out.  The producer couldn’t (or wouldn’t) come up with money to re-secure the movie rights. Further money to complete the film wouldn’t be coming.  Lewis reportedly paid $2 million of his own money to cover costs.

The Day the Clown Cried became a thing of legend.  Never completed. Never released.  A rough cut was seen by just a very few people.  In fact, most folks didn’t know the story behind the story… until now.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I always wondered if The Day the Clown Cried would be released.  Now I know why it wasn’t.  Lewis was questioned about the movie from 1972 to his death.  He refused to show footage and would only say he wasn’t happy with the job that he did.

In August 2015, it was reported that Jerry Lewis donated a copy of The Day the Clown Cried to the Library of Congress.  Lewis stipulated that the unfinished film not be screened until 2024.  In August 2024, a limited screening was held.

From Darkness to Light is a wonderful documentary.  With vintage interviews, footage and stills from the film, viewers are treated to answers to the many mysteries of The Day the Clown Cried.

From Darkness to Light (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“The Carry-On” (2024) starring Taron Egerton, Sofia Carson, Dannielle Deadwyler and Jason Batemen / Z-View

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The Carry-On (2024)

Director:  Jaume Collet-Serra

Screenplay:  T.J. Fixman

Stars: Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, Logan Marshall-Green, Dean Norris, Sinqua Walls, Curtiss Cook, Joe Williamson, Gil Perez-Abraham, Benito Martinez, Adam Stephenson and Theo Rossi.

Tagline: Every holiday season, millions travel safely by air. This Christmas will be different.

The Plot…

Christmas Eve.  Ethan Kopek (Egerton) and his girlfriend Nora (Carson) just found out they’re going to have a baby.  They plan to marry.  Nora is in management for an airline.  Ethan is a TSA agent at the same airport.  Life is good.

Ethan and Nora arrive at the airport full of travelers.  They kiss and head to their jobs.  Ethan talks to his supervisor about a promotion.  Ethan’s boss is open to the suggestion.  He moves Ethan to a new position — running a baggage-scanning lane.  Things are hectic but going well… until Ethan is given an earbud that he’s told to wear.

Ethan hears a voice telling him that him being moved to the new position is unfortunate.  Ethan has a choice, let a specific carry-on case pass through or Nora will be killed.  Ethan is shocked.  How can they know about Nora so quickly?  The voice says that Ethan and Nora are being watched.  Any attempt to contact the authorities or anyone and Nora dies.  The voice tells Ethan, “all you have to do is nothing.”

Ethan quickly learns that they are watching his every move.  When Ethan gets a message to one of his co-workers, the man is killed before he can read it.  Ethan realizes he is in way over his head.

If he doesn’t do as told, Nora dies.  If he allows the carry-on through, an airplane full of Christmas travelers will die.

The clock is ticking.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Carry-On is an intelligent thriller that is well directed and well cast.

Kudos to writer T.J. Fixman for creating an action picture that doesn’t depend on anyone (hero or villain) doing something stupid for the film to work.  This is T.J. Fixman’s first live action script.  I look forward to his next.

Taron Egerton and Jason Bateman make great adversaries.  Kudos also to Danielle Deadwyler and Theo Rossi – they elevate every scene they’re in. It was nice seeing Dean (Breaking Bad) Norris and Benito (The Shield) Martinez is supporting roles.

The Carry-On is surprisingly good.

The Carry-On (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Black Gravel” (1961) directed by Helmut Käutner / Z-View

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Black Gravel (1961)

Director:  Helmut Käutner

Screenplay:  Helmut Käutner, Walter Ulbrich

Stars: Helmut Wildt, Ingmar Zeisberg, Wolfgang Büttner, Anita Höfer and Peter Nestler.

Tagline:  None.

The Plot…

Post-World War II West Germany.  The population struggles with shortages of jobs, and life’s necessities such as food, water and housing.  The major source of revenue for the small village of Sohnen is the nearby American Air Force base.  The soldiers spend their money on booze and broads.  The black market flourishes.

Robert Neidhardt has always made his way on the outskirts of the law.  Now he owns a huge truck and drives for Air Base construction projects.  Neidhardt makes extra cash working with a group diverting black gravel from the construction sites to a private buyer.

One evening Neidhardt  stops to assist (for a price) a couple stranded on the side of the road. The car belongs to American Air Force Major John Gaines.  Neidhardt offers to tow the car into town for ten bucks.  Major Gaines agrees.  He and his wife get into Neidhardt’s truck.  Neidhardt is shocked.  The Major’s wife, Inge, is Neidhardt’s former lover.  She left one day with no explanation.

The next morning Neidhardt calls on Inge.  Although they are still attracted to each other, Inge wants no part of Neidhardt.  She knows they’re bad for each other.  But the attraction is too strong.

Soon Neidhardt’s affair, his illegal trucking activities, and the death of two young lovers will put his life at risk.  Despite his best efforts, the noose is tightening…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Black Gravel is extremely dark.  It features adult themes.  Black Gravel was edited and shown with a more upbeat ending during the initial release.  In 2009, the film was restored to the version shown now.  It’s hard hitting and not for everyone.

I’m surprised Black Gravel is better known among fans of noir.

Black Gravel (1961) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Gunga Din” (1939) directed by George Stevens, starring Cary Grant, Joan Fontaine, Victor McLaglen, Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Sam Jaffe / Z-View

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Gunga Din (1939)

Director:  George Stevens

Screenplay:  Joel Sayre, Fred Guiol; story by Ben Hecht, Charles MacArthur; based on Gunga Din from BARRACK ROOM BALLADS by Rudyard Kipling

Stars: Cary Grant, Joan Fontaine, Victor McLaglen, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Sam Jaffe, Eduardo Ciannelli, Montagu Love, Robert Coote, Abner Biberman and Lumsden Hare.

Tagline:  Armies and elephants!…Love and laughter!…Breathless adventure inspired by Kipling’s heroic odyssey of fighting in India!…Astride its eye-staggering scenes, three lusty sons of the sword…reckless in love, ruthless in war and dauntless in peril!

The Plot…

In the 1880s, India’s Northwest frontier was dangerous in the best of times.  When all contact is lost with the Tantrapur British outpost, a squad of  25 soldiers is sent to investigate.  The colonel includes his three best men: Sergeant Archibald Cutter (Grant), Sergeant MacChesney (McLaglen) and Sergeant Ballantine (Fairbanks).  The three are cutups, and discipline problems, but veterans that can be counted on when things go sideways.  Also accompanying the squad is Gunga Din (Jaffe).  Din is of low status regulated to carrying water or other such menial tasks.  Din dreams of someday being a soldier.

The squad finds the outpost deserted.  Before they can fix the telegraph, they are attacked.  Although most of the team is wiped out, the three Sergeants, Gunga Din and a few others escape.  They are shocked to learn that a murderous cult known as the Thuggee have returned.  Thought to have been wiped out decades ago, the Thuggee have secretly been organizing.

The Thuggee plan to kill all nonbelievers.  They are on the move.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Only Gone with the Wind earned more at the box office in 1939 than Gunga Din.

The giant gong used in the opening sequence was the same gong used in King Kong.

Gunga Din was the most expensive film RKO had produced up to that point.  Even still it went over budget by a half a million dollars.

The Thuggees were an actual religious cult.  They would gain the confidence of travelers.  Later they would strangle the poor soul and steal their good. Thuggees were the inspiration for the word “thug”.

Gunga Din (1939) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Flight of the Living Dead: Outbreak on a Plane” (2007) / Z-View

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Flight of the Living Dead: Outbreak on a Plane (2007)

Director:  Scott Thomas

Screenplay: Scott Thomas, Mark Onspaugh, Sidney Iwanter

Stars:  David Chisum, Kristen Kerr, Kevin J. O’Connor, Richard Tyson, Todd Babcock, Derek Webster, Siena Goines, Mieko Hillman, Raymond J. Barry, Serah D’Laine, Brian Ames, Ashley Bashioum, Laura Cayouette, Dale Midkiff, Brian Thompson, Tucker Smallwood and Erick Avari.

Tagline:  If it’s in your blood, you’re just plane dead!

The Plot…

The Concorde is full of passengers flying from LA to Paris.  Also onboard in the cargo hold is an armed guard sitting by a refrigerated tank.  The scientists responsible for the experiment in the hold are topside.  These renegade researchers have created a virus that reanimates the dead.  Once revived the corpses are stronger, faster and more durable.  The idea was to create a super-soldier who could fight even after dead.  The scientists succeeded with one drawback.  Once the dead come back, they have an insatiable thirst for human blood.

What could go wrong.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Flight of the Living Dead: Outbreak on a Plane was originally titled Plane Dead.  Both aren’t bad titles considering the film.  I prefer the one they went with.

Flight of the Living Dead is a low budget fun ride that throws logic out the window (with some of the victims).  I’ve never seen so many people firing guns, setting off explosions and starting fires on a plane.  Also the air vents are large enough to easily crawl through.  Even the airplane bathroom ones.  If you’re willing to just sit back and go with the flow, Flight of the Living Dead might be for you.

Flight of the Living Dead: Outbreak on a Plane (2007) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Speak No Evil” (2024) starring James McAvoy / Z-View

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Speak No Evil (2024)

Director:  James Watkins

Screenplay: James Watkins; based on Speak No Evil by Christian Tafdrup and Mads Tafdrup

Stars: James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy, Aisling Franciosi, Alix West Lefler and Dan Hough.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

The Daltons, Louise, Ben and their daughter Agnes are on vacation in Italy.  The family has gone through a rough patch and needed a break.  While there they meet Paddy, Ciara and their son Ant.

Ant and Agnes are both pretty shy, so their parents are happy to see how well the kids get along.  Ben and Paddy really hit it off as well.  The families end up spending time together.  When vacations are over and everyone is to return home, Paddy invites the Dalton’s to come visit any time.

Back at home things aren’t improving for the Dalton’s.  So when they get a postcard invite from Paddy, they decide to take the offer.  Louise isn’t big on the idea, but agrees because Ben really wants to go.

At Paddy and Ciara’s house, Louise gets vibes that things aren’t right.  She feels uneasy but says nothing.  As the weekend progresses, Louise and Ben realize coming was a mistake.

But it is too late.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Based on the 2022 Danish film of the same name.

James McAvoy is perfect as the alpha male. Mackenzie Davis is believable as the mother who slowly realizes the danger that her family is in. When she turns into mama bear it works.  She’s tough but not a superhero. Dan Hough (in his feature film debut) more than holds his own.

Speak No Evil is a fun ride.

Speak No Evil (2024) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“The Mask of Dimitrios” (1944) starring Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet and Zachary Scott / Z-View

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The Mask of Dimitrios (1944)

Director:  Jean Negulesco

Screenplay: Frank Gruber; based on THE MASK OF DIMITRIOS by Eric Ambler

Stars: Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet, Zachary Scott, Steven Geray, Eduardo Ciannelli, Kurt Katch, John Abbott, Monte Blue, David Hoffman and Vince Barnett.

Tagline: Thrilling successor to “The Maltese Falcon”

The Plot…

Cornelius Leyden, a mystery writer, is spending a night in Istanbul.  Leyden meets Colonel Haki, a Turkish police offical.  Haki is a fan of Leyden’s books.  Haki shares the story of Dimitrios Makropoulos, a famous international criminal who was recently found murdered.  Leyden is intrigued.  Colonel Haki allows Leyden to see Makropoulos’ corpse.  Haki also gives Leyden background info on the dead man.

Leyden decides to interview those who knew Dimitrios Makropoulos and perhaps write a book about the criminal mastermind.  As Leyden digs deeper he learns just how cunning and brutal Dimitrios Makropoulos was.

Maybe cunning enough to fake his own death.  Maybe cunning enough to kill anyone looking into his life.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Peter Lorre had the most screen time of anyone in the film.  Yet, he was given fourth billing.  Lorre was listed behind Sydney Greenstreet, Zachary Scott (in his first feature film) and Faye Emmerson (who had a small role).  Lorre felt that his lowered status was because Jack L. Warner (one of the studio heads) was not a fan.

Orson Welles played Colonel Haki in Journey into Fear.

The Mask of Dimitrios (1944) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” (2024) directed by Tim Burton, starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Willem Dafoe & Monica Bellucci / Z-View

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Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)

Director:  Tim Burton

Screenplay: Alfred Gough, Miles Millar; story by Alfred Gough, Miles Millar, Seth Grahame-Smith based on characters by Michael McDowell, Larry Wilson

Stars: Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Willem Dafoe, Monica Bellucci, Arthur Conti, Santiago Cabrera, Burn Gorman  and Danny DeVito.

Tagline: The ghost with the most is back.

The Plot…

Thirtysix years ago Betelgeuse, a vulgar, prankster ghost attempted to marry a teenager named Lydia Deetz.  Although unsuccessful, Betelgeuse hasn’t given up.  Confined to the underworld, he still has hopes to escape.

Lydia and her mother struggle to have a healthy relationship.  Lydia and her daughter, Astrid, don’t get along much better.  Astrid doesn’t believe her mom can see ghosts.

When Lydia, her mother and Astrid return to Winter River for a funeral things take a turn.  Astrid accidentally frees Betelgeuse.  Now he can finally force marriage to Lydia.  Meanwhile Betelgeuse’s first wife has “pulled herself together” and has plans for Betelgeuse (and anyone who gets in her way).  And don’t get me started on Astrid’s problems.

The juice is loose indeed.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

While not as fun as the original, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is still a fun ride.  The film is best when Keaton is on screen cutting up.  Jenna Ortega is an excellent choice to play Winona Ryder’s daughter.

My favorite scene was the MacArthur Park wedding scene.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Carriers” (2009) starring Chris Pine, Piper Perabo, Lou Taylor Pucci and Emily VanCamp / Z-View

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Carriers (2009)

Director:  Àlex Pastor, David Pastor

Screenplay: Àlex Pastor, David Pastor

Stars: Chris Pine, Piper Perabo, Lou Taylor Pucci, Emily VanCamp, Kiernan Shipka, Mark Moses, Josh Berry, Tim D. Janis, Dylan Kenin and Christopher Meloni.

Tagline: The rules are simple. You break them, you die…

The Plot…

A highly contagious virus has wiped out most of the human race.  Brian, his girlfriend Bobby, along with his brother Danny and Danny’s friend Kate have joined for a trip.  They hope to make their way to a remote beach house that they know will be empty.  Once there the four plan to enjoy the beach and wait until the virus dies out.  Or a cure is found.

Getting there will be dangerous.  Breathing the air or contact with an infected person means sure death.  Uninfected  people are just as dangerous.  Food, water and gasoline is scare.

Not everyone will survive.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I liked that Carriers had a virus that didn’t turn people into zombies.  THAT was a different angle from most movies.

Carriers was filmed in 2006, but the studio held it from release.  Then when Chris Pine hit big with Star Trek, it was released.  Pine ended up getting top billing, even though Lou Taylor Pucci’s character was the first lead.

Christopher Meloni (who plays the father of an infected child) and Mark Moses (who plays a doctor who has lost all hope) have characters/scenes that will stay with you.

I saw Carriers when it was first released and again yesterday.  I liked it better the second time.  I wanted more action on my first viewing.  The second time, I realized that Carriers should be seen as more of a psychological thriller.

Carriers (2009) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Caddo Lake” (2024) written and directed by Celine Held & Logan George / Z-View

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Caddo Lake (2024)

Director:  Celine Held, Logan George

Screenplay: Celine Held, Logan George

Stars: Dylan O’Brien, Eliza Scanlen, Lauren Ambrose, Eric Lange, David Maldonado and Gina Limbrick.

Tagline: Find your way back.

The Plot…

Strange things happen at Caddo Lake.

When a woman has a seizure, she drives off the Caddo Lake bridge.  Her son Paris is able to free himself, but not his mother.  She dies.  Paris lives with guilt.

Ellie’s family lives on Caddo Lake.  Ellie never forgave her mother for remarrying after her dad disappeared. Although Ellie loves her stepsister, Anna, Ellie’s relationship with her mother and stepfather is strained at best.

When Anna disappears somewhere on Lake Caddo, the police form search parties.  Paris joins in. Ellie as well.

In a remote area of Lake Caddo, mysteries unravel.  Paris and Ellie will learn answers to questions that have haunted them for years.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Lake Caddo is a real lake in Texas.

I appreciate that Lake Cadado respects the audience’s intelligence.  It takes time building the story and this adds to the payoff.

Caddo Lake (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.