Category: Z-View

“Whiplash” (1948) starring Dane Clark, Alexis Smith and Zachary Scott / Z-View

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Whiplash (1948)

Director: Lewis Seiler

Screenwriter: Harriet Frank Jr., Maurice Geraghty, adaptation by Gordon Kahn from a story by Kenneth Earl

Cast: Dane Clark, Alexis Smith, Zachary Scott, Eve Arden, S.Z. Sakall, John Daheim  and Alan Hale.

Tagline: “Sure I know you’re a two-timer!…but I’m going to kiss the two-timing out of you!”

The Plot…

When Michael Gordon (Clark) learns that he’s sold his first painting, he wants to meet the person who bought it.  So he tracks down Laurie Durant (Smith) and invites her to dinner.  There’s an instant attraction between the two.  Dinner leads to an evening swim. Then breakfast the following morning.  When Laurie spots a thugish looking man entering the cafe, she quickly leaves.

Michael learns that she has returned to New York City. He follows.  Mike finds Laurie singing in a nightclub. When she finishes, he goes to her dressing room.  There Mike gets into a fight and knocks out a hood.  Turns out the hood was a middleweight contender who works for Rex Durant (Scott), the owner of the nightclub.  Rex is also Laurie’s husband.  Rex tells Michael he’s got the makings of a champion prize fighter.  Soon Michael is climbing up the ranks and trying to put Laurie out of this mind.

But we all know that’s not going to happen.  Let the love triangle roll…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

Whiplash works better than it should.  It’s got the sensitive artist who’s also a championship caliber fighter.  Two lovers who cannot be together because of a sadistic man.  A mob boss surrounded by thugs to protect him.  Some of the most unrealistic boxing scenes outside of The Three Stooges.  A fighter who refuses to “stay down”.  A secret revealed.  And a mob boss who gets his in the end.  (“Did someone call a taxi?”)

Dane Clark projects just the right amount of cockiness.  While I find him more believable as a sensitive artist, than a tough guy, for some reason he does a fine job playing both here.  The camera likes Alexis Smith and so do I. Zachary Scott is a villain audiences love to hate.  Kudos also to S.Z. Sakall.  His scenes are a joy.

Whiplash (1948) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“The Ledge” (2022) starring Brittany Ashworth / Z-View

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The Ledge (2022)

Director: Howard J. Ford

Screenwriter: Tom Boyle

Cast: Brittany Ashworth, Ben Lamb, Louis Boyer, Nathan Welsh, Anaïs Parello and David Wayman.

Tagline: Don’t Lose Your Grip.

The Plot…

The night before a climb, Kelly (Ashworth) and Sophie (Parello) meet four guys in the cabin across the way.  The guys, less experienced climbers, are going up an easier path of the mountain in the morning.  When the fellas invite the girls over for a drink, they agree to “just one”.  After some small talk and the drink Kelly is ready to head back to their cabin.  Sophie decides to stay longer.

After a few more drinks, Sophie is ready to call it a night.  On the way to her cabin she is attacked by one of the guys.  He tries to rape her.  She scratches his face, In their fight he kicks Sophie. She falls twenty feet onto rocks.  When the other guys show up, they are forced to come up with a cover story.  Sophie was drunk. She fell while showing the guys her climbing skills.  Once they have their alibi, the guys throw Sophie off the side of the mountain.

Kelly had heard Sophie’s cries and arrives in time to see Sophie thrown to her death. The men see Kelly and begin to chase her.  Realizing that there is no help around, Kelly begins to free climb the mountain.  Her only escape is up.  The guys grab gear and head up an easier path.  The rock face is too sheer for Kelly to climb down.  They get ahead of her, trapping her on a ledge just below them.  It’s just a matter of time now…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

The Ledge is an okay way to spend a little less than an hour and a half.  Much of that credit goes to Brittany Ashworth.  She’s believable as a climber and likeable as the character.

What keeps the movie from a 3 star rating are the clichés.  Kelly’s lover, also a climber, fell to his death trying to retrieve her engagement ring.  Now she’s climbing in his memory.  The rapist character is a psycho who has been bullying his three friends since elementary school.  Now as adults they continue to hang with him because they fear him.  He’s so bad that he’s been having sex with one of his friend’s wife on a regular basis for years.  The other friends knew but were so afraid they never told.

Still, the situation of being stuck on a mountain top ledge with a psycho right above you provides an interesting scenario.  If there’s nothing better on, give The Ledge a go.

The Ledge (2022) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Encounters” (2023) / Z-View

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Encounters (2023)

Director: Yon Motskin

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

There are many documentaries that explore the idea that humans have had encounters with extraterrestrial beings.  What sets Encounters apart from most of those is that Encounters focuses on situations where several, sometimes dozens, of people experienced the same event.

Encounters is a four episode mini-series.

In the first episode the encounter took place over Central Texas. Dozens of people saw an UFO followed by US aircraft.  Although there were official denials at first, radar data confirmed what people said they saw. The incident was covered in national and international news.  One man became so obsessed it cost him his business and his marriage.

The second episode covers another famous encounter.  In 1994, over sixty children at a  Zimbabwe school claimed to have seen a spaceship and alien.  A prominent psychologist tested the students and said results indicated they were telling the truth.  This episode features interviews with some of the same children who are now adults, dealing with the impact of their encounter.

The third episode details an encounter at a small Welsh village that led to multiple UFO sightings.

The four episode explores the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. There were multiple UFO sightings observed and filmed by many witnesses.  The encounters took on a religious/spiritual aspect for many of those involved.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

I am always impressed by people who seem to have nothing to gain (and often a lot to lose) who come forward with their stories.  Some witnesses are more believable than others.  Encounters presents a mixed bag.

My favorite episodes were the first and fourth.  The first because of the sheer number of folks who came forward.  I would like to know more about the man who lost everything because of his obsession with the encounter.  The fourth episode provided video of the UFOs flying over a nuclear plant that began to have a meltdown due to an earthquake.  After the UFOs appeared, the readings began to change to a safer output.  I’d like to hear more experts weigh in on that.  I also enjoyed the religious/spiritual aspect witnesses in this episode displayed towards the encounters.

Encounters (2023) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“The Adjustment Bureau” (2011) starring Matt Damon & Emily Blunt / Z-View

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The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

Director: George Nolfi

Screenplay: George Nolfi based on “Adjustment Team” by Philip K. Dick

Stars: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Michael Kelly, Anthony Mackie, Terence Stamp and Pedro Pascal.

Tagline: Your Future Has Been Adjusted

The Plot…

David Norris (Damon) was the leading candidate for a Senate seat.  A foolish college prank that Norris pulled years ago blew up on Social Media and cost him the race.  As Norris, thinking he’s alone, goes over his concession speech he meets Elise Sellas (Blunt).  There’s an instant attraction between the two.  He gets her first name and phone number before she has to run off and he has to give his speech.

The next day, Norris plans to call Elise.  He’s surprised to discover that a group of well dressed men are going to do everything in their power to keep the two apart.  Norris is told that if he and Elise get together it will ruin “the plan”.  As crazy as it sounds, this plan will change the world.  Norris sees enough to realize he’s not dealing with humans.  He also realizes that he’s got to see Elise again… no matter the cost.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

The Adjustment Bureau crosses into several genres (sci-fi, romance, drama) and works well in each. 

The Adjustment Bureau will leave the viewer thinking about free will, destiny and how far would he/she would go to be with someone… even at the expense of the “greater good”.

Matt Damon and Michael Kelly are excellent. Emily Blunt, Anthony Mackie and Terence Stamp give performances that take the film to another level.  Watch for Pedro Pascal.  He has a cameo as a Maitre D’.

The Adjustment Bureau (2011) rates 4 of 5 stars.

TOO MANY BULLETS by Max Allan Collins / Z-View

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TOO MANY BULLETS by Max Allan Collins

Publisher: Titan Books

First sentence…

At the end of this narrative, certain guilty people go free.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

When Robert Kennedy asks Nate Heller to be his bodyguard, Heller agrees.  How could he refuse?  Nate and Bobby had been friends for years.  Plus security is a service that Heller and his agency provides.  Nate agreed even when Bobby’s demands made protecting him nearly impossible.  “No guns” and Nate as the only bodyguard. That’s how Nate Heller came to be present when Robert Kennedy was assassinated.

Of course the conspiracy theories started almost immediately.  The same people who killed John Kennedy got to Robert.  It was the mafia, the C.I.A., the… you fill in the blank.  It was a conspiracy.  There’s no way it was a lone gunman.  Heller didn’t buy into any of it.  He was there.  Hell, he was one of the first to grab Sirhan Sirhan as the little murderer was still firing.  No, they got the right guy.

Then Heller begins to hear things that don’t add up.  The number of bullets for instance.  By almost every account, there were more bullets fired than Sirhan’s gun could hold.  There were witnesses who saw more than one gunman.  Their reports were dismissed without merit.  Plus Sirhan Sirhan’s lawyer didn’t present evidence that could have brought doubt as to if he acted alone.  Then there were the questionable characters all around the periphery of the assassination.  Even though Nate was there, he was starting to have questions.

So Nate Heller decides to do his own investigation.  What he discovers isn’t in any history book and just might get him killed.

+++++

I’m a huge fan of Max Allan Collins’ Nate Heller series.  Heller is a fictional detective who finds himself in the middle of real crimes.  Heller ages in real time as the series progresses. His tales are fiction mixed with extensive research and historical fact. Heller has been in the mix on everything from the Lindbergh baby kidnapping/murder to the suspicious death of Marilyn Monroe and much more. It’s fun watching Heller interact with famous (and infamous) folks right out of our history books. Equally enjoyable is Collins’ take on the crimes and what may have really happened.

TOO MANY BULLETS is another great addition to the Nate Heller legacy.  It gets my highest recommendation.

Rating:

“Strays” (2023) starring Ashley Madekwe / Z-View

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Strays (2023)

Director: Nathaniel Martello-White

Screenplay: Nathaniel Martello-White

Stars: Ashley Madekwe, Samuel Paul Small, Maria Almeida and Justin Salinger.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

The movie opens with a Cheryl, young bi-racial woman, discussing concerns about racial discrimination and finances with her sister.  Cheryl places a note for her husband on the refrigerator and leaves. Later we see her ignore calls from her husband.

We then shift forward several years.  Neve is a bi-racial woman married two a white man.  They have two bi-racial high-school aged children.  The family is well off.  Neve works as the Deputy Headmistress at the elite private school her children attend.  Neve is very high strung. Her world seems to be coming apart.  Neve has issues with “blackness”.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

Strays is described as a horror thriller. I gave up looking for horror or thrills after 32 minutes.  The movie moved at a snail’s pace.  It was obvious that Cheryl and Neve are the same person.  Neve’s character is unlikable and that didn’t help.  Ashley Madekwe was excellent in the role.  I look forward to seeing her in better productions in the future.

Strays currently has a 4.8/10 rating on IMDb.  It has a 2.1/5 audience rating.  As for me…

Strays (2023) rates 1 of 5 stars.

“Day of the Dead 2: Contagium” (2005) / Z-View

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Day of the Dead 2: Contagium (2005)

Director: Ana Clavell, James Dudelson

Screenplay: Ryan Carrassi, Ana Clavell

Stars: Justin Ipock, Laurie Maria Baranyay, John F. Henry III.

Tagline: Every day has a beginning

The Plot…

In 1968, the Ravenside facility was a military hospital.  A biological experiment there accidentally turned soldiers into zombies.  Immediately things were out of control.  A private stole one of the vials and placed it in a thermos.  The soldier was killed trying to escape but the thermos was never found.  Thankfully the zombie uprising at the facility was contained. Word of it never leaked out.

Now Ravenside Memorial Hospital serves people struggling with mental illness. When one of the patients finds a thermos, you know what is about to take place.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

This movie was titled in an effort to cash in on George Romero’s success with zombie films.  It has NO relationship to Romero or any of his movies.

Day of the Dead 2: Contagium’s tagline is “Every day has a beginning.”  The same can be said for the movie.  It had a beginning and it began badly.  I hoped it would get better.  It didn’t. I tapped out after 41 minutes.

Day of the Dead 2: Contagium currently has a 2.3/10 rating in IMDb.  

Day of the Dead 2: Contagium (2005) rates 1 of 5 stars.

“Gemini Man” (2019) starring Will Smith, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Clive Owen & Benedict Wong / Z-View

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Gemini Man (2019)

Director: Ang Lee

Screenplay: David Benioff, Billy Ray, Darren Lemke from a story by Darren Lemke, David Benioff

Stars: Will Smith, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Clive Owen, Benedict Wong, Ralph Brown, Ilia Volok.

Tagline: Who will save you from yourself

The Plot…

Henry Brogan (Smith) is an assassin for a secret US government agency.  He’s the best in the business, but the kills are starting to weigh heavy.  Even though he’s “taking out” really bad people, it’s getting harder to pull the trigger.  So after his last kill, Henry retires to a cabin by the sea at Buttermilk Sound, Georgia.

Soon after, Henry is contacted by a former partner.  Henry learns that he was given bad intel for his last hit.  The guy Henry assassinated wasn’t the threat to our government that Henry was led to believe.  When Henry’s former partner is killed, Henry knows he’s next.

What Henry doesn’t know, is that one of the agents sent to kill him is his clone.  If Henry’s the best assassin ever, how can he beat a younger, stronger version of himself?

Henry better figure it out and fast.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

Gemini Man has an interesting plot.  The technology of 2019 is good enough to make a young Will Smith acting/fighting with his older self work. 

Will Smith makes a good hero.  He’s matched by an equally good villain in Clive Owen.  Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Benedict Wong are standouts.  Winstead is believable in the quiet moments as well as when the action revs up.  Wong provides restrained comic relief.

The action scenes come at a rate that allows you to go with the flow instead of thinking, this is a pretty by-the-numbers story. 

Where the movie goes off the rails is the last battle between old Will, Winstead, young Will and a large number of heavy armored and armed agents.  Despite the fact that they’re outnumbered and outgunned, Will and Winstead leave cover repeatedly to move forward. They kill agents by shooting them in the neck. Since the agents are wearing bulletproof helmets and armor, that’s the one shot that will take them out. 

Then if you can accept that 51 year old Will has repeatedly battled 21 year old Will to a standstill, you also have to buy that 55 year old Clive Owen who has spent the last few decades behind a desk can also hold his own in a fight with the best assassin in the business.  If your suspension of disbelief is still hanging in, wait until they bring out an even younger clone of Will Smith to kill the 21 year old clone and the original. 

I was tempted to rate Gemini Man a “2” but until that last battle, it was a solid “3” so I’m going with that.

Gemini Man (2019) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Hard Boiled Mahoney” (1947) starring Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall, Dan Seymour & the Bowery Boys / Z-View

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Hard Boiled Mahoney (1947)

Director: William Beaudine

Screenplay: Cy Endfield, Edmond Seward, Tim Ryan

Stars: Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall, Gabriel Dell, William ‘Billy’ Benedict, David Gorcey, Dan Seymour, Pierre Watkin, Bernard Gorcey, Patti Brill and Noble Johnson.

Tagline: DEFECTIVE DETECTIVES!

The Plot…

A woman mistakenly thinks that Slip (L. Gorcey) and Satch (Hall) are detectives.  She hires them to find her sister.  The clues lead to Dr. Rolfe Carter (Watkin).  Slip and Satch arrive at Dr. Carter’s office just as he’s being murdered.  Slip is knocked unconscious.  He awakens to find that he’s been set up to take the fall.

Slip escapes.  Now Slip, Satch and the rest of the Bowery Boys need to find the real killer.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

This is one of the Bowery Boys better outings.

Dan Seymour is a welcome addition to the cast.  He plays the main bad guy.  You may know Seymour from his appearances in To Have and Have Not, Key Largo, The Big Heat, or another of his over 100 acting credits.

Patti Brill is in only a few scenes as Slip’s girl, but she makes an impact.

Heads up: There is a scene where two of the Bowery Boys are disguised as a shoe shiner and customer.  The shoe shiner is in blackface.

Hard Boiled Mahoney (1947) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Why Worry?” starring Harold Lloyd / Z-View

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Why Worry? (1923)

Director: Fred Newmeyer, Sam Taylor

Screenplay: Sam Taylor (story), H.M. Walker (titles)

Stars: Harold Lloyd, Jobyna Ralston, John Aasen, Wally Howe.

Tagline: Come and See the Enormous Giant, 8ft. 9in. high, who helps Harold Quell a Revolution in Six reels of the cleverest and funniest humor imaginable.

The Plot…

Harold Van Pelham (Lloyd) is a wealthy hypochondriac.  Pelham decides to go to the South American island of Paradiso for his health.  There Pelham finds himself in the middle of a revolution… winds up rooming with men who are to be shot at dawn… befriends a giant… takes on an army… and finds true love!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

Why Worry really takes off when Lloyd befriends the giant with a toothache.  Repeated attempts to remove the giant’s tooth bring laughs.

The funniest scene has Lloyd repeatedly jumping on a commandant and hitting him until the soldiers he was leading (from the rear) realize what is happening.  Lloyd then runs off with the soldiers after him and the Captain again leading from behind.  Lloyd then knocks the Captain down and starts beating him again.  This happens several times with Lloyd using some inventive means to get his licks in.

It’s hard to believe Why Worry premiered 100 years ago.

Why Worry? (1923) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Beast” (2022) starring Idris Elba / Z-View

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Beast (2022)

Director: Baltasar Kormákur

Screenplay: Ryan Engle, story by Jaime Primak Sullivan

Stars: Idris Elba, Sharlto Copley, Iyana Halley, Leah Jeffries.

Tagline: Sometimes the rustle in the bushes actually is a monster.

The Plot…

Dr. Nate Samuels (Elba) was separated from her wife when she developed cancer and died.  Now, in an effort to reconnect with his two teenage daughters he’s taken them on vacation to Africa.  Samuels’ old friend, Martin Battles (Copley) is a biologist with access to restricted areas of the preserve.  As they drive across the savannah they are able to get close to many wild animals.  When they reach a small village on the preserve  they are shocked to find all the villagers dead.  A rouge lion is on the loose.  Before Nate, his daughters and Martin can get back to the truck, the lion attacks.  Martin is badly injured.  Now the group is stranded.  The lion will return.  Their only hope for survival rests with Nate.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

Watching Beast is an okay way to spend an hour and a half if you’re willing to put your brain on hold.

Beast (2022) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” – Season 2(2023) / Z-View

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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – Season 2 (2023)

Director:  Chris Fisher (Ep.11); Valerie Weiss (Ep. 12); Amanda Row (Ep. 13); Eduardo Sánchez (Ep. 14); Jordan Canning (Ep. 15); Dan Liu (Ep. 16); Jonathan Frakes (Ep. 17); Jeff W. Byrd (Ep. 18); Dermott Downs (Ep. 19); Maja Vrvilo  (Ep. 20)

Teleplay by:  Henry Alonso Myers & Akiva Goldsman (Ep. 11); Dana Horgan (Ep. 12); David Reed (Ep. 13); Kirsten Beyer & Davy Perez (Ep. 14); Kathryn Lyn & Henry Alonso Myers (Ep. 15); Onitra Johnson & David Reed (Ep. 16); Kathryn Lyn & Bill Wolkoff (Ep. 17); Davy Perez (Ep. 18); Dana Horgan & Bill Wolkoff (Ep. 19); Henry Alonso Myers (Ep. 20)

Starring:  Anson Mount, Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, Melissa Navia, Christina Chong, Rebecca Romijn, Celia Rose Gooding, Babs Olusanmokun, Gia Sandhu, Carol Kane, Melanie Scrofano, Dan Jeannotte, Clint Howard, Martin Quinn and Paul Wesley.

Tagline:  None

The Overview:  Beware of spoilers…

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is the prequel to the original Star Trek series.  Set ten years prior to Star Trek, Strange New Worlds follows the adventures of the crew of the Enterprise under the command of Christopher Pike (Mount).  Characters from the original series (Spock, Nurse Christine Chapel, Uhura, T’Pring, James T. Kirk and watch for Montgomery Scott) are joined by new crew members (Erica Ortegas, La’an Noonien-Singh, Una Chin-Riley).

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 amazing 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 in season 2.  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 (the relationship between Spock and Nurse Chapel; seeing Nyota Uhura’s growth into a Star Fleet officer, the romance that will fail between Spock and T’Pring, and more).

In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Season 2 different characters were given the spotlight.  This allowed us to better understand them and at the same time see how they perceived others.  I wasn’t thrilled when I read about the crossover with Star Trek: Lower Decks.  I don’t watch the series and didn’t think it would be my cup of tea.  I had the same feelings when I read that episode 19 would be a “musical”.  I’m happy to say the writers made both episodes work.  While I’m still not planning to check out Lower Decks, the crossover was good. Truth be told, the musical episode is one of my favorites of the season, and probably the most memorable.

I loved every episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and cannot wait for season 3.  Star Trek: Strange New Worlds earns 5 of 5 stars.

“Reptile” (2023) starring Benicio Del Toro, Justin Timberlake, Eric Bogosian, Alicia Silverstone & Domenick Lombardozzi / Z-View

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Reptile (2023)

Director: Grant Singer

Screenplay: Grant Singer, Benjamin Brewer, Benicio del Toro from a story by Grant Singer, Benjamin Brewer

Stars: Benicio Del Toro, Justin Timberlake, Eric Bogosian, Alicia Silverstone, Domenick Lombardozzi, Frances Fisher, Ato Essandoh, Mike Pniewski, Catherine Dyer, Michael Beasley, James Devoti and Matilda Lutz.

Tagline: Shed the Lies

The Plot…

When real estate agent Summer Elswick (Lutz) is brutally murdered, Detective Tom Nichols (del Toro) and his partner, Detective Dan Cleary (Essandoh) get the case.  As they dig into the murder several suspects begin to appear.  There’s Summer’s boyfriend, Will Grady (Timberlake), co-owner of the real estate company she worked for.  The murder victim’s ex-husband also looks good for it.  Then there’s the guy who thinks Grady was responsible for his father’s death.  Maybe he did it to get revenge.

The twisted truth is there.  Nichols will just have to dig through the lies and alibies.  He won’t like what he discovers.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

Reptile features an excellent cast.

  • Benicio del Toro always brings his “A” game.
  • Justin Timberlake surprised me.  He plays the boyfriend of the murder victim.  The guy’s just drained due to her death… or is he?
  • Alicia Silverstone is great as del Toro’s sexy wife.  She appears to be devoted and in love.  But is she?
  • I love when Domenick Lombardozzi shows up in a movie/series.  I first took notice of him in Tulsa King.  Then I went, “Yeah, that’s the guy from…”  Lombardozzi is always solid.
  • Eric Bogosian,  Frances Fisher and Mike Pniewski are in smaller, but important roles.  They are welcome additions to the cast.

Hats off to director and co-writer Grant Singer for creating a murder mystery populated by characters that all feel real.  Singer handles the action and quiet moments well.  I look forward to his next project.

Reptile (2023) rates 4 of 5 stars.

ALL SINNERS BLEED by S.A. Cosby / Z-View

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ALL SINNERS BLEED by S.A. Cosby

Hardback: ‎ 352 pages
Publisher: ‎ Flatiron Books (June 6, 2023)

First sentence…

Charon County was founded in bloodshed and darkness.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Titus Crown is the first Black sheriff in Charon County, Virginia.  Titus grew up there.  He then served ten years as a F.B.I. agent.  Now he’s come home. Hopefully to do some good. Although elected by a majority, there are still some who can’t get past Titus’ skin color.

When an active shooter call comes in, Titus and his deputies rush to the local high school.  They arrive to find one of the community’s most beloved teachers murdered by a former student.  As the young killer walks out, gun in hand, Titus attempts to take him in to custody without more bloodshed.  Unfortunately, one of Titus’ deputies fatally shoots the kid.

Titus’ investigation into the teacher’s murder uncovers evidence of more crimes.  The beloved teacher, a pillar of the community, was involved in sadistic crimes against children.  As Titus digs deeper it becomes clear that three people were torturing and killing children.  Two are dead.  But one is still alive.  Hiding in plain sight among the people of Charon County.

Things become even more complicated. Evidence surfaces that Titus’ Deputy may have had a secret reason to kill the kid.

Another person is murdered.  The killer stages the body to let the world (and Sheriff Crown) know it is related to the murders of the children.  The killer begins taunting Titus.  Publicity about the gruesome murders puts the town on edge.  It also gives those who oppose Titus as Sheriff a reason to remove him from office.

As Titus continues to dig into the evidence, he uncovers dark secrets hidden for decades.  Of course Titus has a secret of his own.  The real reason he left the F.B.I..

Thoughts…

S.A. Cosby is one of my must-buy authors.  He won the Anthony Award for Best Novel two years in a row for BLACKTOP WASTELAND and RAZORBLADE TEARS.  Both get my highest recommendation.  As does Cosby’s MY DARKEST PRAYER.

ALL SINNER’S BLEED is another winner.  Titus Crown is a great lead character.  I was surprised by the ending, but it felt right.  Especially Crown’s last act.

Each novel that Cosby has created made me hope for a sequel.  Yet, each new book brought new lead characters that I come to love.  Perhaps a crossover is due.  Truth is, it doesn’t matter what Cosby writes.  I, like many, many others will be in line to buy it.
Rating:

“No One Will Save You” (2023) written & directed by Brian Duffield, starring Kaitlyn Dever / Z-View

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No One Will Save You (2023)

Director: Brian Duffield

Screenplay: Brian Duffield

Stars: Kaitlyn Dever, Zack Duhame, Geraldine Singer, Dane Rhodes.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Brynn (Dever) is a young woman living on the outskirts of a small town.  A tragic event turned many of those in town against Brynn. Now she suffers from anxiety and is a bit of a recluse.  When Brynn wakes one night to discover that aliens are invading, she realizes that to survive, she will have to save herself.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

Hats off to Brian Duffield who wrote and directed No One Will Save You.  The film is engaging from the start.  Duffield knows how to tell a story.  He chooses interesting camera angles and shots.  Duffield’s scares don’t rely on jump takes and he knows how to create tension.

No One Will Save You is basically a one woman show.  Thankfully, Kaitlyn “Justified” Dever is up to the task.  She was excellent.  Dever’s performance is even more impressive taking into account there are less than ten words spoken in the entire movie.

Stephen King said this about “NO ONE WILL SAVE YOU: Brilliant, daring, involving, scary. You have to go back over 60 years, to a TWILIGHT ZONE episode called ‘The Invaders’ to find anything remotely like it. Truly unique.”

I agree with everything Stephen King wrote.  If you feel a “but” coming, you’re right.  No One Will Save You is all that Mr. King said…

…BUT, movies are sometimes like trips.  It’s not about the destination, but the journey.  Where No One Will Save You fell short is the ending. I didn’t hate how the film concluded, but for me, it was a step below everything that came before.  The ending provides plenty to think about and discuss.  I loved everything up to the end.  I hope that doesn’t put potential viewers off watching No One Will Save You, because the journey is worth the trip.

No One Will Save You (2023) rates 3 of 5 stars.