Category: Z-View

“Lights Out” (2024) starring Frank Grillo, Mekhi Phifer, Jaime King & Dermot Mulroney / Z-View

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Lights Out (2024)

Director: Christian Sesma

Screenplay: Chad Law, Garry Charles, story by Brandon Burrows

Stars: Frank Grillo, Mekhi Phifer, Jaime King, Dermot Mulroney, Scott Adkins, Amaury Nolasco, Kevin Gage, Jessica Medina and Donald Cerrone .

Tagline: They started the wrong fight.

The Plot…

Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield (Grillo) is a drifter.  He’s also ex-military who suffers from PTSD.  After observing Duffy take apart several guys in a bar fight, Max Bomer (Phifer) sees easy money in his future.  Bomer tells Duffy about an underground fight circuit where big money is wagered.  Hesitant at first, Duffy agrees.

Soon Duffy and Bomer on the wrong side of gangster, Sage Parker (Mulroney) and the leader of the criminal gang, Detective Ellen Ridway (King).  With criminals and crooked cops after them, what chance do Duffy and Bomer have?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Lights Out is fairly by-the-numbers action, but the cast of Frank Grillo, Mekhi Phifer, Jaime King and Dermot Mulroney add to it’s watchability.

Lights Out (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Sanford and Son”: Season 2 (1973) starring Redd Foxx & Demond Wilson / Z-View

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Sanford and Son: Season 2 (1973)

Based on: Steptoe and Son by Ray Galton, Alan Simpson
Developed by: Bud Yorkin, Norman Lear (uncredited)

Director: Peter Baldwin (Eps. 15, 19-20, 22-24, 28, 35-36, 38); Rick Edelstein (Eps. 16, 21, 25, 27, 34); Jack Shea (Eps. 17-18, 26, 29-32, 37); Sid McCoy (Ep. 33)

Teleplay: Terry Ryan (Ep. 15); Allan Katz & Don Reo (Eps. 16, 22-24, 30, 34); Richard Pryor & Paul Mooney (Eps. 17, 25); Everett Greenbaum & Jim Fritzell (Ep. 18, 37); Ilunga Adell (credited as Adell Stevenson) (Eps. 19, 21, 26, 31, 38); Lloyd Garver & Ken Hecht (Ep. 27, 32); Lee Kalcheim and Aaron Ruben (story by Lee Kalcheim) (Ep. 28); Odie Hawkins and Aaron Ruben (story by Odie Hawkins) (Ep. 29); Aaron Ruben (story by : Ray Galton & Alan Simpson) (Ep. 33, 35-36)

Stars: Redd Foxx, Demond Wilson, LaWanda Page, Don Bexley, Beah Richards, Hal Williams, Nathaniel Taylor, Noam Pitlik, Dick O’Neill, Gregory Sierra, Slappy White, Davis Roberts, Marguerite Ray, Roscoe Lee Browne, Lynn Hamilton, Thalmus Rasulala, Ron Glass, William Hansen, Larry J. Blake, Howard Platt, Roger E. Mosley, Vernon Weddle, Ja’net DuBois, Liam Dunn, Kim Hamilton, Mary Wickes, Gabriel Dell, Lena Horne, John Amos, Joan Prather, Paula Kelly, Alma Beltran, James Wheaton, Maida Severn, Burt Mustin, Jonathan Harris, Herb Voland, Lincoln Kilpatrick Jr., Jack DeLeon and Kelly Thordsen.

Tagline: Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson play two guys who know the score – and how to beat the game. America, you’re in for a yock…Archie, you’re in for a shock

The Plot…

Fred Sanford (Foxx) and his son, Lamont (Wilson) are junk dealers.  Fred’s wife died years ago and Lamont stays on to assist his dad with the business.  Together they get into various misadventures as they attempt to get ahead.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

In its second season Sanford and Son became the 2nd highest rated show on television.  Also in its second season, Sanford and Son earned two Primetime Emmy nominations:

  • Outstanding Comedy Series
  • Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series – Redd Foxx

Season two saw the first appearance of semi-regulars Bubba (Don Bexley), Rollo (Nathaniel Taylor), Julio (Gregory Sierra), and Aunt Esther (LaWanda Page).

Season two notable guest stars include: Roscoe Lee Brown (The Cowboys); Ron Glass (Barney Miller); Gregory Sierra (Barney Miller); Roger E. Mosley (Magnum PI); Ja’Net DuBois (Good Times); Lena Horne; John Amos (Good Times) and Jonathan Harris (Lost in Space).

Richard Pryor co-wrote two episodes.

Sandford and Son: Season 2 (1973) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“The Continental: From the World of John Wick” (2023) starring Mel Gibson, Colin Woodell & Ayo Adegun / Z-View

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The Continental: From the World of John Wick (2023)

Developed by Greg Coolidge, Kirk Ward, Shawn Simmon based on John Wick by Derek Kolstad

Director: Albert Hughes (Eps.1, 3); Charlotte Brändström (Ep. 2)

Teleplay: Greg Coolidge & Kirk Ward and Shawn Simmons (Ep. 1); Shawn Simmons and Greg Coolidge & Kirk Ward & Ken Kristensen (Ep. 2), story by Greg Coolidge & Kirk Ward & Shawn Simmons (Ep.2); Greg Coolidge & Kirk Ward & Ken Kristensen (Ep. 3)

Stars: Mel Gibson, Colin Woodell, Mishel Prada, Hubert Point-Du Jour, Nhung Kate, Jessica Allain, Ayo Adegun, Jeremy Bobb, Adam Shapiro, Katie McGrath, Marina Mazepa, Mark Musashi, Kirk Ward, Dan Li, Chris Ryman, Fflyn Edwards, Ben Robinson, Peter Bergin and Peter Greene.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Set in the 1970s, The Continental: From the World of John Wick details how young Winston Scott (Woodell) was pulled into the world of assassins and rose to become the director of The Continental.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Continental: From the World of John Wick continues, as the title implies, the world-building of the John Wick movie franchise.  It is stylish, action-packed with outrageous characters and a welcome addition.

I loved the opening titles which reminded me of the opening credits to Casino Royale (2006).

The Continental: From the World of John Wick features a sweet soundtrack from the 1970s.

In the third episode, KD checks into The Continental.  She is given room 818, which is the same room John Wick gets in the first movie.

Kirk Ward plays a creepy huge thug to the hilt.  Short white hair, skintight sleeveless t-shirt, a kilt, heavy workboots and black eye makeup make for a scary appearance.  Add in his caresses and loving pats to the man he’s about to torture and you have one sick, memorable henchman.

Let’s not forget Katie McGrath as The Adjudicator.  She wears a half-mask that covers something so grotesque that it sickens those who get a glance behind the covering.  Oh, and what about the strange assassins known as The Twins aka Hansel (Musashi) and Gretal (Mazepa).

Mel Gibson adds gravitas.

I hope we get more adventures in this world.

The Continental: From the World of John Wick (2023) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Shōgun” (2024) starring Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano & Hiroyuki Sanada / Z-View

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Shōgun (2024)

Created by Rachel Kondo, Justin Marks, based on Shōgun by James Clavel

Director: Jonathan van Tulleken (Eps.1-2); Charlotte Brändström (Ep. 3); Frederick E.O. Toye (Eps. 4-5, 9-10); Hiromi Kamata (Ep. 6); Takeshi Fukunaga (Ep. 7); Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour (Ep. 8)

Teleplay: Rachel Kondo & Justin Marks (Eps. 1-2); Shannon Goss (Eps. 3, 8); Nigel Williams & Emily Yoshida (Ep. 4); Matt Lambert (Eps. 5, 7); Maegan Houang (Ep. 6); Rachel Kondo & Caillin Puente (Ep. 9); Maegan Houang & Emily Yoshida (Ep. 10)

Stars: Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, Yûki Kedôin, Akiko Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Sanada, Takehiro Hira

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

17th century.  John Blackthorne (Jarvis), one of the few surviving sailors shipwrecked in Japan, finds himself a pawn in a power struggle between factions.  Literally a stranger in a strange land, Blackthorne is viewed as a savage.  Yet, using his cunning and skills he will rise to a position of respect, not realizing the depth of deception and long-range plans being formed around him.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

This miniseries is based on James Clavell’s novel of the same name.  Clavell based many of the characters in his book on real historical figures.  James Clavell’s daughter (Michaela Clavell) served as an executive producer of the series.

Shōgun is amazing from top to bottom.  Great writing, acting, directing and production values make this series a joy to watch.

Shōgun currently has an 8.8/10 rating on IMDb.  At Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 99% rating with reviewers and a 90% average audience score.

Shōgun (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Anna” (2019) starring Sasha Luss, Helen Mirren, Luke Evans & Cillian Murphy / Z-View

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Anna (2019)

Director: Luc Besson

Screenplay: Luc Besson

Stars: Sasha Luss, Helen Mirren, Luke Evans, Cillian Murphy.

Tagline: Revenge has a new name.

The Plot…

Anna is a beautiful young woman with immense potential and talents.  For these reasons she is recruited as a KGB agent.  After an intense year of training, Anna begins her career as an assassin.  Under the guise of an international fashion model, Anna travels the world completing assignments.

When the CIA discovers Anna’s secrets, they move to recruit her as a double agent.  What chance does one person have against the two most powerful countries in the world?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Helen Mirren’s character reminded me of Helen Parr (voiced by Holly Hunter) from The Incredibles.

Sasha Luss, Helen Mirren, Luke Evans, Cillian Murphy elevate this film.

Luc Besson doesn’t use linear story-telling for this one.  It worked.

Anna (2019) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Sanford and Son”: Season 1 (1972) starring Redd Foxx & Demond Wilson / Z-View

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Sanford and Son: Season 1 (1972)

Based on: Steptoe and Son by Ray Galton, Alan Simpson
Developed by: Bud Yorkin, Norman Lear (uncredited)

Director: Bud Yorkin (Eps. 1-4); George Tyne (Ep. 5); Coby Ruskin (Ep. 6); Bob LaHendro (Ep. 7); Peter Baldwin (Ep. 8, 11 – 13); Charles S. Dubin (Eps. 9 – 10); Bruce Bilson (Ep. 14)

Teleplay: Aaron Rubin, Ray Galton, Alan Simpson (Eps. 1 – 11, 13 – 14); Everett Greenbaum, James Fritzell, Ray Galton (Ep. 12)

Stars: Redd Foxx, Demond Wilson, Hal Williams, Noam Pitlik, Lynn Hamilton, White, William Lanteau, Paulene Myers, Lillian Randolph, Stanley Bennett Clay, Leonard Stone, Judyann Elder, Dick Van Patten, James Wheaton, Peter Bonerz, Gabriel Dell, Florida Friebus and Rick Hurst.

Tagline: Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson play two guys who know the score – and how to beat the game. America, you’re in for a yock…Archie, you’re in for a shock

The Plot…

Fred Sanford (Foxx) and his son, Lamont (Wilson) are junk dealers.  Fred’s wife died years ago and Lamont stays on to assist his dad with the business.  Together they get into various misadventures as they attempt to get ahead.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

In its first season Sanford and Son became the 6th highest rated show on television.  Also in its first season, Sanford and Son earned three Primetime Emmy nominations:

  • Outstanding Comedy Series
  • Outstanding New Series
  • Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series – Redd Foxx

One of the running gags of the series is that in each episode Fred Sanford would find a reason to clutch his chest as if having a heart attack and proclaim, “Hear that, Elizabeth? I’m coming to join you!”  Sadly, Redd Foxx died of a heart attack in 1991.

Fred Sanford was supposed to be 65 years old.  Redd Foxx was just 49 during filming of the first season.

Sanford and Son‘s theme music is by Quincy Jones and it is titled The Streetbeater.

Sandford and Son: Season 1 (1972) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver” (2024) directed by Zack Snyder, starring Sofia Boutella, Djimon Hounsou & Ed Skrein / Z-View

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Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver (2024)

Director:  Zack Snyder

Screenplay:  Zack Snyder, Kurt Johnstad, Shay Hatten

Stars: Sofia Boutella, Djimon Hounsou, Ed Skrein, Michiel Huisman, Bae Doona, Ray Fisher, Anthony Hopkins, Staz Nair, Stuart Martin, Alfonso Herrera, Cary Elwes and Rhian Rees.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Kora (Boutella) and the surviving warriors of her team return home.  There they learn that Admiral Noble (Skrein) who they thought had been killed, is alive. The Admiral is returning with a warship and enough soldiers to wipe them out.

As Kora, her warriors and the villagers prepare for a battle to the death, secrets are revealed.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I enjoyed Rebel Moon: Part One – Child of Fire.  I liked Part 2 less.  It may have been a mistake to bring back Admiral Noble.  While he’s a good nemesis, any time you bring a character back from the dead, you diminish the impact of dying.  With Part 2 I often felt like, we’ve been there and done that already.

Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver (2024) earns 3 of 5 stars.

“Southern Comfort” directed by Walter Hill, starring Keith Carradine and Powers Boothe / Z-View

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Southern Comfort (1981)

Director: Walter Hill

Screenplay: Michael Kane, Walter Hill, David Giler

Stars: Keith Carradine, Powers Boothe, Fred Ward, Franklyn Seales, T.K. Carter, Lewis Smith, Les Lannom, Peter Coyote, Alan Autry, Brion James, Allan Graf, Ned Dowd and Sonny Landham.

Tagline: In the Louisiana backwaters, it’s easy to make enemies…and VERY difficult to escape from them.

The Plot…

One weekend when the Louisiana Army National Guard is running maneuvers in a bayou, nine soldiers become lost.  As frustrations with their squad leader grow, the men come upon a campsite.  Although no one is there, the site contains three canoes.  Rather than wait for the owners to return, the soldiers decide to leave a note explaining that they “borrowed” the canoes and will leave them once they find their way to civilization.

As they are paddling across the swamp, they hear yelling.  The Cajun hunters have returned and believe the soldiers are stealing their boats.  One of the National guardsmen, stupidly fires his machine gun filled with blanks towards the Cajuns.  The hunters dive for cover and return fire.  The Guardsmen’s leader is killed.  The guardsmen paddle deeper into the swamp.

Lost, with only a few rounds of live ammunition, the soldiers will have to battle each other, the elements and angry Cajun hunters if they are to survive.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Ned Dowd, who played one of the Cajun hunters, transitioned from acting to producing.  Some of these films include The Last of the Mohicans (supervising producer); The 13th Warrior (producer); Reign of Fire (line producer) and Apocalypto (executive producer).

Many believe that Southern Comfort is an allegory for America’s involvement in Viet Nam.  Walter Hill denies this.

Alan Autry, made his feature film debut playing Corporal ‘Coach’ Bowden.  He was listed in the credits as Carlos Brown.

Walter Hill had one of the best starts as any director.  His first seven films were Hard Times; The Driver; The Warriors; The Long Riders; Southern Comfort; 48 Hrs. and Streets of Fire.

Southern Comfort (1981) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“The Man Who Knew Too Much”(1934) directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starring Peter Lorre / Z-View

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The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934)

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Screenplay: Charles Bennett, D. B. Wyndham-Lewis, Edwin Greenwood (scenario), A. R. Rawlinson (scenario)

Stars: Leslie Banks, Edna Best, Peter Lorre and Nova Pilbeam.

Tagline: Public Enemy No. 1 of all the world…

The Plot…

Bob (Banks), Jill (Best) and their daughter, Betty (Pilbeam) are on vacation in Switzerland.  One evening, a man that they recently met is shot.  As the man is dying he tells Jill where he’s hidden information about a terrorist group.  She is to get the note to the British consulate.

The criminals kidnap Betty when they learn that Bob and Jill have information about their planned political assassination.  It will be up to Bob and Jill to get Betty back and foil the assassination.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Peter Lorre was still learning English when Hitchcock cast him.  Lorre had to learn his part phonetically.

The film is in public domain so beware of bad copies.

Alfred Hitchcock has a cameo crossing the street from right to left in a black trenchcoat before Bob and Clive enter the chapel.

The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“L.A. Confidential” (1997) directed by Curtis Hanson, starring Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger & Danny DeVito / Z-View

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L.A. Confidential (1997)

Director: Curtis Hanson

Screenplay: Brian Helgeland, Curtis Hanson based on L.A. CONFIDENTIAL by James Ellroy

Stars: Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger, James Cromwell, Danny DeVito, David Strathairn, Ron Rifkin, Matt McCoy, Paul Guilfoyle, Paolo Seganti, Elisabeth Granli, Sandra Taylor, Steve Rankin, Graham Beckel, Allan Graf, Symba Smith, Brenda Bakke and Simon Baker.

Tagline: Everything is suspect…everyone is for sale…and nothing is what it seems.

The Plot…

The year is 1953.  Three L.A. detectives find themselves at odds when investigating a series of murders.

  • Straight laced, by-the-book, Ed Exley (Pearce) is the son of a police legend.  Exley’s father was killed in the line of duty.  The murderer never caught.
  • Jack Vincennes (Spacey) is most concerned with his role as technical advisor on a popular cop tv show. Vincennes makes additional cash by providing inside info on celebrity busts to the publisher of a sleazy gossip rag.
  • Bud White (Crowe) isn’t above throwing a beat-down on criminals and is willing to cross certain lines to get justice.

When a police scandal known as Bloody Christmas, puts the reputation of the L.A. police force in jeopardy, Exley devises a solution.  This gets Exley a promotion, but puts him at odds with most of the force.  Then a multiple killing at a coffee house that includes one of the disgraced police officers is assigned to Exley.  Evidence leads to three African-American ex-cons. A shootout ensues and Exley kills them in self-defense.  Exley is cited for bravery and the case closed…

However inconsistences compel Exley to take a closer look.  Were he, as well as the suspects, set up? The evidence points to police and political corruption.  Still an outcast, despite his medal of valor, if Detective Exley refuses to back down, he will be the next targeted for murder.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

L.A. Confidential is based on the novel by James Ellroy.

L.A. Confidential was nominated for 9 Academy Awards and won two:

  • Best Picture (nominee) – Arnon Milchan, Curtis Hanson, Michael G. Nathanson
  • Best Actress in a Supporting Role (winner) – Kim Basinger
  • Best Director – Curtis Hanson (nominee)
  • Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published (winner) – Brian Helgeland, Curtis Hanson
  • Best Cinematography (nominee) – Dante Spinotti 
  • Best Art Direction-Set Decoration (nominee) – Jeannine Oppewall (art director), Jay Hart (set decorator)
  • Best Sound (nominee) – Andy Nelson, Anna Behlmer, Kirk Francis
  • Best Film Editing (nominee) – Peter Honess
  • Best Music, Original Dramatic Score (nominee) – Jerry Goldsmith

Kevin Spacey asked director Curtis Hanson who he would dream cast in the role of Jack Vincennes if the film had been shot in the 1950s.  Hanson surprised him.  Dean Martin, because of his slick, loose style and questionable character was his choice. (Although that choice surprised me as well, I like it! – Craig)

Simon Baker, perhaps best known for his television series The Mentalist, made his feature film debut in L.A. Confidential.

Kevin Spacey got top billing but had less screen time than the other two leads.

L.A. Confidential (1997) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Midnight” (1934) aka “Call It Murder” (1947) featuring Humphrey Bogart

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Midnight (1934) aka Call It Murder (1934)

Director: Chester Erskine

Screenplay: Chester Erskine

Stars: Humphrey Bogart, Sidney Fox, O.P. Heggie, Henry Hull, Margaret Wycherly, Richard Whorf and Granville Bates.

Tagline: One woman was to die at midnight!…another woman was to kill at the same hour…why?

The Plot…

On the night of a woman’s scheduled execution, the jury foreman is having trouble dealing with the verdict.  Then something happens that brings the decision home.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Midnight was originally released in 1934.  Humphrey Bogart was listed 8th in the credits.  Then in 1947, after Bogart became a big star, the film was re-released with the title Call It Murder.  Bogart was given a more prominent role in ads despite his small role.

Richard Whorf who plays Arthur Weldon, would continue acting, but also branch out into directing television and feature films.

Midnight aka Call It Murder (1934) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Doomed to Die” (1940) starring Boris Karloff / Z-View

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Doomed to Die (1940)

Director: William Nigh

Screenplay: Hugh Wiley, Ralph Gilbert Bettison, Michael Jacoby

Stars: Boris Karloff, Marjorie Reynolds, Grant Withers, Henry Brandon, Richard Loo, Melvin Lang and Dick Fleming.

Tagline: The master of crime cleans up the dirty game of murder!

The Plot…

Cyrus Wentworth (Lang) was dealing with the aftermath from the fire and sinking of one of his ships.  Four hundred lives were lost.  It’s not a good day.  When William Stelling (Fleming) shows up, they can be heard arguing in Wentworth’s office.  Stelling is the son of one of Wentworth’s competitors and his daughter’s fiancé.

Suddenly a gunshot rings out.  Stelling is seen standing over Wentworth’s dead body. A gun lies near the body.  Police arrive and arrest Stelling.  It appears to be an open-and-shut case.

Then, the famous James Lee Wong (Karloff) is hired to determine the real killer.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The scenes of the burning ship were taken from newsreel footage of a real ocean liner that burned and sunk with tremendous loss of life.

This is Boris Karloff’s fifth (and last) outing as detective James Lee Wong.

Doomed to Die (1940) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“The Sphinx” (1933) starring Lionel Atwell / Z-View

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The Sphinx (1933)

Director: Phil Rosen

Screenplay: Albert DeMond

Stars: Lionel Atwill, Paul Hurst, Lucien Prival, Ernie Adams, George ‘Gabby’ Hayes, Wilfred Lucas and Paul Fix.

Tagline: What was the sinister secret of the man who could speak only with his eyes……………?

The Plot…

The main suspect in a murder case is a mute.  The only problem is that the witness at the scene of the crime heard him talking.  Is he a killer or being framed?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

For Lionel Atwell completists only.

The Sphinx (1933) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Assault on Precinct 13” (1976) written & directed by John Carpenter, starring Austin Stoker & Darwin Joston / Z-View

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Assault on Precinct 13 (1976)

Director: John Carpenter

Screenplay: John Carpenter

Stars: Austin Stoker, Darwin Joston, Laurie Zimmer, Martin West, Tony Burton, Charles Cyphers, Nancy Kyes, Henry Brandon, Frank Doubleday, John Carpenter and Kim Richards.

Tagline: A cop with a war on his hands. His enemy… an army of street killers. His only ally… a convicted murderer.

The Plot…

After members of Street Thunder, a gang who had stolen assault rifles, is ambushed by LA police officers, the gang is out for retribution.

Lieutenant Ethan Bishop’s (Stoker) first assignment is to take command of a Precinct house that is being closed down.  There are only a couple of police officers and secretaries there.  Then a prison transport bus pulls in.  One of the prisoners is sick.  They want to hold a few of the prisoners, one guilty of killing several men, in the jail cells.  What should be a quiet night is turned upside down when a man comes running in.  He witnessed gang members murder his little daughter and an ice cream salesman.

Now the Precinct house is under attack by the street gang.  They’ve killed the two cops on duty.  The phone lines have been cut and no one will be coming to the rescue.  What chance do Lieutenant Bishop, two secretaries and two convicts have for survival?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

John Carpenter originally titled the screenplay The Anderson Alamo.  He later changed it to The Siege.  No studio was interested in distributing the film until Turtle Releasing Organization.  They changed the title to Assault on Precinct 13.  The is a mistake since the police station attacked is Precinct 9, Division 13.

Assault on Precinct 13 was made on an ultra low budget.  Carpenter wrote and directed from a script that he wrote in eight days.  Carpenter also wrote the film’s score (in just three days).  Using the pseudonym, John T. Chance (John Wayne’s character’s name in Rio Bravo), John Carpenter also served as the movie’s editor.  The film was shot in less than a month.  (Oh, and by the way, John Carpenter also plays one of the gang members killed trying to climb through a police station window.)

Darwin Joston, who is excellent as the killer Napoleon Wilson, was John Carpenter’s next door neighbor.

Charles Cyphers and Nancy Loomis would work with John Carpenter on his next film, Halloween.

Frank Doubleday, the actor who kills the ice cream man and little Kim Richards, would go on to appear as Romero in John Carpenter’s Escape from New York.

Assault on Precinct 13 hit me at a perfect time.  It was one of the first films I discovered after getting a VCR back in 1980.  I loved the movie then and still do.  Your mileage may vary.

Assault on Precinct 13 (1976) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“The Monster Walks” (1932) / Z-View

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The Monster Walks (1932)

Director: Frank R. Strayer

Screenplay: Robert Ellis

Stars: Mischa Auer, Rex Lease, Vera Reynolds and Willie Best.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Ruth Earlton (Reynolds) is called back to her childhood home.  Her father has died and the will is going to read.  Ruth and her fiancé, Ted (Lease) arrive on a dark, stormy night.  Ted is introduced to Ruth’s wheelchair-bound Uncle, Mrs. Krug, the strange housekeeper, and her even stranger adult son Hanns.  Oh, and let’s not forget the large ape caged in the basement.

Everyone learns that the estate has been left to Ruth… as long as she is alive.  If she dies it goes to her uncle. Will Ruth make it through the night?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Although posters for The Monster Walks features a huge ape, the movie uses a chimpanzee.

The Monster Walks has the right ingredients (creepy house with secret passageways, dark and stormy night, strange characters, a will leaving the money to one family member as long as they live, an ape) but the end result isn’t as good as could be expected.

The Monster Walks (1932) rates 2 of 5 stars.