Category: Z-View

“True Detective: Night Country” (2024) starring Jodie Foster & Kali Reis / Z-View

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True Detective: Night Country (2024)

Director:  Issa López (eps. 1- 6)

Teleplays: Issa López (eps. 1 – 2, 6); Issa López and Alan Page Arriaga (ep.3); Namsi Khan and Chris Mundy and Issa López (ep. 4); Katrina Albright & Wenonah Wilms and Chris Mundy & Issa López (ep. 5)

Stars: Jodie Foster, Kali Reis, John Hawkes, John Albasiny.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Ennis, Alaska is about to enter their season of night.  Police Chief Liz Danvers (Foster) is called to the Tsalal Research Station. The eight researchers working at the station have disappeared. Alaskan State trooper Evangeline Navarro (Reis) also arrives on scene.  Danvers and Navarro have an uneasy alliance due to something from their past.  The researchers’ bodies are found, away from the station, naked and frozen together.  A woman’s severed tongue is located nearby.  Despite their differences, Danvers and Navarro are determined to resolve the mystery.  No matter the cost.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The first episode sets up an interesting mystery with a horror aspect.  The great cast and remote location add to the production.  Unfortunately, I’ve never seen a series with so many hard to like characters.  I would have preferred a tighter focus on the mystery of how/why the researchers were killed.  The fifth and sixth episodes (along with the first) were my favorites.

True Detective: Night Country (2024) earns 3 of 5 stars.

“Terror By Night” (1946) starring Basil Rathbone & Nigel Bruce / Z-View

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Terror by Night (1946)

Director:  Roy William Neill

Screenplay:  Frank Gruber based on characters created by Arthur Conan Doyle

Stars: Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, Alan Mowbray, Frederick Worlock, Billy Bevan, Harry Cording and Renee Godfrey

Tagline: MURDER… at 90 Miles an Hour!

The Plot…

Sherlock Holmes (Rathbone) and his assistant, Dr. Watson (Bruce) are hired to travel by train with Lady Margaret Carstairs and her son Roland.  Holmes is there to provide security since Lady Carstairs has the the famous Star of Rhodesia diamond in her possession.  When her son is murdered and the diamond disappears, it is up to Holmes to find the killer… and the diamond.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Terror by Night‘s copyright wasn’t renewed.  This has allowed bootleg and inferior copies to appear on the market.  Buyers should beware.

This is the 13th of 14th Sherlock Holmes films starring Basil Rathbone.

Terror by Night (1946) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Blood for Dust” starring Scoot McNairy, Josh Lucas & Kit Harington – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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Deal me in!

If crime pays, then consider it payday. But beware, the currency may just be blood. Watch #ScootMcNairy #KitHarrington and @JoshLucas try to cash in #BloodForDust, full of twists and turns. In select theaters and digital April 19.
Learn More: www.bloodfordustmovie.com

TITLE: BLOOD FOR DUST
IN THEATERS AND ON DIGITAL: April 19, 2024
DIRECTOR: Rod Blackhurst
WRITER: David Ebeltoft
CAST: Scoot McNairy, Nora Zehetne, Ethan Suplee, Amber Rose Mason, Stephen Dorff, Josh Lucas and Kit Harington
SYNOPSIS: Cliff (Scoot McNairy), a former salesman with a checkered past, is pulled back into a life of crime after losing his job. Desperate to keep his family afloat, he’s lured by his old colleague, Ricky (Kit Harington), into trafficking drugs and guns for a cartel. As Cliff delves deeper, his once straight-laced life turns into a high-stakes game of survival in this gripping thriller hailed as “Breaking Bad meets Fargo” (Variety). Also starring Josh Lucas and Stephen Dorff.
RUN TIME: 100 Minutes
RATING: Rated R for violence, suicide, language, some sexual material/nudity and drug use.
GENRE: Action, Thriller
DISTRIBUTOR: The Avenue

“The Hound of the Baskervilles” (1939) starring Basil Rathbone & Nigel Bruce / Z-View

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The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939)

Director:  Sidney Lanfield

Screenplay:  Ernest Pascal based on THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES by Arthur Conan Doyle

Stars: Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, Lionel Atwill and John Carradine

Tagline: SPINE-CHILLING! The adventures of Sherlock Holmes on the ghostly moor!

The Plot…

The great detective Sherlock Holmes (Rathbone) and his assistant, Dr. Watson (Bruce) are called to the Baskerville Estate.  The Baskervilles seemed to be cursed.  Over the years many family members have died under unusual circumstances.  The estate is said to be prowled by a huge supernatural hound.  When Sir Charles Baskerville’s corpse was found, there was a giant pawprint near the body.  Now Sir Henry Baskerville has been warned he will be next to die.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Hound of the Baskervilles was Basil Rathbone’s first outing as Sherlock Holmes.  20th Century Fox was so unsure of his star power Richard Greene was given top billing!  Rathbone as Holmes with Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson proved so popular that they not only returned for 13 more Sherlock Holmes films, they also appeared together on the radio in The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939) rates 3 of 5 stars.

The Savage Sword of Conan #1 (2024) / Z-View

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Savage Sword of Conan #1 is out and it is a winner.

It features five covers to choose from.  I selected the one with art by Gerardo Zaffino (shown above).  Other cover-featured artists include Joe Jusko (two versions), Mac von Fafner and Douglas Klauba.

Roy Thomas provides an introduction, Savage Tales of Savage Swords.
Sacrifice in the Sand is a prose tale by Jim Zub.
Solomon Kane, An Essay by Jeffrey Shanks explores the history and influences of Solomon Kane.

Pinups included are: Conan by Roberto De La Torre, Belit b Rebeca Puebla, Conan and the Road Kings by Gerado Zaffino with a poem by Robert E. Howard and Solomon Kane by Howard Chaykin.

The issue features a full-length Conan story, Conan and the Dragon Horde by John Arcudi (writer) and Max von Fafner (artist).  Conan has agreed to lead an army of “mercenaries and hangers-on who have a greater thirst for gold than for combat.”  Their goal is to reclaim a city for a deposed king.  The kicker is the city rests on a gold mine and all warriors will share equally in the spoils.  Expect the unexpected, giant warrior twins, prehistoric beasts, crosses and double-crosses, a beautiful warrior woman and plenty of Conan doing what Conan does.  I wasn’t familiar with von Fafner’s art prior to this, but he is an artist I’ll watch for.

The second story features Solomon Kane in Master of the Hunt, Part One by writer/artist Patrick Zircher.  Solomon Kane becomes involved in a search for a missing man and his son.  Fear abounds that an ancient beast is on the prowl.  Most folks know Zircher as an accomplished artist, but since he’s added writer to his resume the title needs to become accomplished writer/artist.  I want to give kudos to Zircher for making his background characters interesting.  They may not have dialogue, but you can tell what they’re thinking from body language and facial expressions.  I look forward to Part Two.

Savage Sword of Conan #1 (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo” (1937) starring Warner Oland / Z-View

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Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo (1937)

Director:  Eugene Forde

Screenplay:  Charles Belden. Jerome Cady story by Robert Ellis, Helen Logan

Stars: Warner Oland, Keye Luke, Virginia Field and Sidney Blackmer

Tagline: Triple murder for high stakes! A new high in mystery excitement! And laughs, too!

The Plot…

Charlie Chan (Oland) and his son Lee (Luke) are in Monte Carlo.  When their cab comes upon a murder scene, they become involved in the investigation.  A messenger has been killed and the $200,000 in bonds he was delivering is missing.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

This was Warner Oland’s 16th and final outing as Charlie Chan.  It was also Oland’s last film.

Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo (1937) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Wil” (2023) / Z-View

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Wil (2023)

Director:  Tim Mielants

Screenplay:  Carl Joos, Tim Mielants, Jeroen Olyslaegers

Stars: Stef Aerts, Annelore Crollet

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

1942.  World War rages.  Nazis occupy Belgium.  With two weeks training, Wilfried Wils (Aerts) and other young police officers in Antwerp are the buffer between Nazi occupation and citizens. Personal survival will test their morals and their willingness to follow Nazi orders in order to survive.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Wil is an excellent drama that explores the lines that some are willing, or not to cross.

Wil (2023) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“El Conde” (2023) / Z-View

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El Conde (2023)

Director:  Pablo Larraín

Screenplay:  Pablo Larraín, Guillermo Calderón

Stars: Jaime Vadell

Tagline: Things are about to get bloody…

The Plot…

El Conde is a 250 year old vampire who is ready to die. His children who aren’t vampires are ready to help him.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I tapped out after 42 minutes.  Your mileage may vary.  El Conde currently has a 6.4/10 rating, while on Rotten Tomatoes it is at 82% out of 116 reviews and a65% audience score.

El Conde (2023) rates 1 of 5 stars.

“Wrestled Away: The Lee Kemp Story” (2019) / Z-View

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Wrestled Away: The Lee Kemp Story (2019)

Director:  Riley Hanlon

Stars: Lee Kemp, William Baldwin (voice), Henry Cejudo, Daniel Cormier, Urijah Faber and Dan Gable.

Tagline: A World Champion Wrestler on the podium of life with one mission despite devastating setbacks; keep WINNING GOLD.

The Plot…

Lee Kemp was arguably the greatest amateur wrestler ever.  He was was a four-time NCAA Division I National finalist.  He was a National Champion his sophomore, junior and senior years.  His freshman year (freshman!) he came in 2nd thanks to a split decision.  He lost just three times during his entire collegiate wrestling career (and all of those losses came his freshman year).

Kemp was America’s first three time World Champion.  He was also America’s youngest World Champion at that time. Kemp was also a four-time World Cup Champion and a 7-time United States Freestyle National Champion.  Olympic Gold Medalist came out of retirement to wrestle Lee Kemp and Kemp won.  Going into the 1980 Olympics, Lee Kemp was favored to win a Gold Medal.

Then Russia invaded Afghanistan.  President Carter decreed that the U.S. would not participate in the Olympics in protest since they were to be held in Moscow.  Kemp’s dream of Olympic Gold was crushed.  Everything he had worked for was taken away with that decision.

Then life got worse.  This is Lee Kemp’s story.  One of a rise to the top and then a hard fall.  But like every true champion, Lee Kemp found a way back.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

When I was in high school the two main amateur wrestlers known to the world were Dan Gable, the 1972 Olympic Gold Medalist and Lee Kemp.  Gable lost just once in his college career.  He was a legend.  Then along came Lee Kemp.  I knew that Gable had gone on to become a great college wrestling coach.  I never knew what became of Lee Kemp.  I’m glad Wrestled Away… The Lee Kemp Story tells us.

On a side note, when I was in tenth grade, I attended a Dan Gable wrestling camp.  Gable was impressive.  The highlight for me was when he picked me out of dozens in attendance to come on the mat with him for the demonstration.

Wrestled Away: The Lee Kemp Story (2019) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Coded” (2021) / Z-View

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Coded (2021)

Director:  Ryan White

Tagline: Look Between the Lines.

The Plot…

J.C. Leyendecker was arguably the most popular artist of his time.  He worked professionally the mid-1890s until his death in 1951.  Leyendecker is most famous for his run of Saturday Evening Post covers that covered a 44 year span.  He also was known for his Arrow Shirts commercial art.

J.C. Leyendecker was gay and although closeted (due to prejudice of the time), some aspects of his lifestyle came through subliminally in his art.  Coded explores Leyendecker’s career and subliminal messages in commercial art then and now.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Although I’m a fan of J.C. Leyendecker’s art, I didn’t know much about his life or career.  It was interesting that Leyendecker mentored Norman Rockwell who went on to be the next “Leyendecker”.

Coded gets my highest recommendation.

Coded (2021) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Revolution in the Ring” (2017) / Z-View

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Revolution in the Ring (2017)

Director:  Jason Sklaver

Writer: Jason Sklaver

Tagline: None

The Plot…

Teófilo Stevenson was a Cuban amateur boxer who won Gold Medals in the 1972, 1976 and 1980 Olympics.  Because Cuba outlawed professional sports in 1962, Stevenson was never allowed to turn pro.  With Stevenson’s Gold Medal wins, many wondered how he would fare against the best heavyweight boxers in the world.  Several promoters offered Stevenson one million dollars to challenge Muhammad Ali for the title.  The fight never happened.  Revolution in the Ring is that story.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

A couple of times it appeared that the Ali vs Stevenson fight would be made.  Fight aficionados still debate who would have won. Ali fought the best professionals in the world in battles that went 15 rounds.  Stevenson fought the world’s best amateurs in matches that lasted 3 rounds at most.  The edge would go to Ali in a professional fight.  Yet, if the fight was held in 1977, Ali was past his prime and Stevenson was still in his.  So maybe Stevenson would have the edge.  The fight never happened but the debate will never end.

Revolution in the Ring (2017) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“MLK/FBI” (2020) / Z-View

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MLK/FBI (2020)

Director:  Sam Pollard

Writers: David J. Carrow, Benjamin Hedin, Laura Tomaselli

Stars:  Martin Luther King, J. Edgar Hoover, Andrew Young, James Comey, Merv Griffin, Lyndon B. Johnson, John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy  and Coretta Scott King

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

MLK/FBI chronicles the attempts made by the FBI through wiretaps and surveillance to discredit and ruin Martin Luther King, Jr..  Using newly declassified files coupled with news reports and film from the time period, we are given insight into the methods and extreme steps taken.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

MLK/FBI does an excellent job of presenting the civil unrest and movement for equal rights that brought Martin Luther King to the attention of our nation. The film’s biggest shocker is the lengths J. Edgar Hoover, the Director of the F.B.I. took to discredit Martin Luther King, Jr..

When phone wiretaps proved Martin Luther King, Jr. was having affairs with multiple women, this information was used in an attempt to blackmail MLK into committing suicide!  The film says that Martin Luther King was worried that the information would become public knowledge.  It didn’t.  But Martin Luther King’s wife, Coretta Scott King was sent copies of the tapes.  So were church and civic leaders.  At the end of the film there is brief discussion that confirmed MLK did have affairs.  I would have liked to have heard more about how these revelations were received when the tapes were delivered.  Were these folks already aware?  What was the plan if the tapes became public knowledge?

Martin Luther King was a flawed human being.  He wasn’t perfect.  But who is?  The lengths the F.B.I. went to discredit him are shameful.  And we haven’t heard the full story yet.  Perhaps we never will.  Even with the full weight of the government working to take him down, Martin Luther King continued to speak out for equal rights for all and a future that we have yet to achieve.

MLK/FBI (2020) earns 3 of 5 stars.

“The League” (2023) / Z-View

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The League (2023)

Director:  Sam Pollard

Writers:  Bob Motley, Byron Motley

Stars:  Hank Aaron, Monte Irvin, Ernie Banks, Willie Mays, Jackie Robinson and Maya Angelou

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

The League details the birth, rise and demise of the Professional Negro Baseball Leagues and the outstanding players who made it popular.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The League shows that black players have been playing baseball since it’s invention.  It wasn’t until the major leagues wouldn’t allow players of color to participate that the Negro leagues came to be.  Cities that had a Negro League team saw their economies improve.  Fans saw a faster paced, more exciting game.

The League does an amazing job of presenting the social issues and history that brought about the formation of Negro Professional Baseball Leagues.  In addition to learning about the stars who played the game we learn about the folks behind the scenes who made the leagues possible.

The League earns my highest recommendation.

The League (2023) earns 5 of 5 stars.

“MLK: The Assassination Tapes” (2012) / Z-View

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MLK: The Assassination Tapes (2012)

Director:  Tom Jennings

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

The assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. is documented using primary sources, some never seen/heard from television and radio reports as well as police communications.  Director Tom Jennings does an amazing job of setting up the events that brought Dr. King to Memphis as well as his assassination and aftermath.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

MLK: The Assassination Tapes gets my highest recommendation.

MLK: The Assassination Tapes (2012) earns 5 of 5 stars.

“A Murder at the End of the World” (2023) starring Emma Corrin and Clive Owen / Z-View

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A Murder at the End of the World (2023)

Created by:  Brit Marling, Zal Batmanglij

Directors:  Brit Marling (eps. 1, 5 – 6); Zal Batmanglij (eps. 2 – 4, 7)

Teleplays: Brit Marling & Zal Batmanglij (eps. 1, 4, 6 – 7); Brit Marling & Zal Batmanglij and Melanie Marnich & Rebecca Roanhorse (ep. 2); Brit Marling & Zal Batmanglij & Melanie Marnich (ep. 3); Brit Marling (ep. 5)

Stars: Emma Corrin, Brit Marling, Harris Dickinson, Louis Cancelmi, Clive Owen, Joan Chen and Alice Braga.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Darby Hart (Corrin) is an amateur detective and author of a book detailing how she solved a cold case where a serial killer had murdered several women.  Darby accepts an invitation from billionaire Andy Ronson (Owen) to attend a retreat being held in a remote location in Iceland.  Ronson has invited nine people from different walks of life who think out of the box.

When Darby arrives, she is surprised to discover that Ronson has used his billions to create a home that is like a fortress from the future.  Artificial Intelligence responds to commands throughout the mansion. Even more surprising is that her former boyfriend, Bill Farrah (Dickinson) is there.  Bill was her partner when she followed clues to solve the cold case. They haven’t seen each other in six years.

Ronson explains that the guests are there to brainstorm ideas to make the future better.  The guests mingle and begin to get to know each other.  After everyone has retired for the night, Darby decides to go to Bill’s room.  Through the window Darby sees Bill on the floor bleeding and taking his last breaths.  By the time Darby gets help, Bill has died.

It’s obvious Bill was murdered.  Since no one else could have gained entrance to Ronson’s estate, the murderer is one of them.  Will Darby figure who before the killer strikes again?  Who can she trust?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

A Murder at the End of the World is a clever whodunnit.  Emma Corrin is outstanding as Darby, the socially awkward amateur sleuth.  I love that the story takes place in a rarely used location.  If you’re a fan of Nero Wolfe, Benoit Blanc and/or Hercule Poirot then give this one a shot.

A Murder at the End of the World (2023) earns 4 of 5 stars.