Category: Z-View

“Contagion” directed by Steven Soderbergh, starring Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Winslet / Z-View

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Contagion (2011)

Director: Steven Soderbergh

Screenplay:  Scott Z. Burns

Strs: Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Bryan Cranston, Jennifer Ehle, Sanaa Lathan, John Hawkes and Elliott Gould.

Tagline: Nothing Spreads Like Fear

The Plot…

Beth Emhoff returns home from a Hong Kong business trip feeling a bit under the weather.  Two days later, Beth is dead.  Her young son who became ill shortly after her return soon dies as well.

When others around the country show the same symptoms as Beth and quickly die, the Center for Disease Control and Homeland Security go on high alert.  The CDC has never seen a virus like this.  Scientists must develop a plan to minimize deaths caused by the virus as they search for a cure.  Masks, distancing and other steps are accepted by some but not others.  Meanwhile Homeland Security works to discover if this outbreak was a planned attack.  If so, they must work out the appropriate response.

As the virus rapidly spreads, and the deaths mount, conspiracy theories abound.  They only create more confusion, doubt and distrust.

If a cure isn’t found, millions more will die.  The clock is ticking.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I saw Contagion when it was first released.  I thought it was a good film. I recently watched it again and thought it was even better.  Although made nearly a decade before COVID, so much of the events covered in the film actually took place during the COVID pandemic.

In December 2019, Contagion was listed in 270th place in Warner Bros.’ catalogue.  Since the COVID pandemic the film has become much more popular rising as high as #2.  After COVID Contagion also reappeared at the top of ITunes rentals.

The head used in Gwyneth Paltrow’s autopsy was actually created for the movie Se7en and reused here.

Contagion (2011) rates 4 of 5 stars.

NIGHTFALL (aka THE DARK CHASE) by David Goodis / Z-View

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NIGHTFALL (aka THE DARK CHASE) by David Goodis

First sentence…

“It was one of those hot sticky nights that makes Manhattan show its age.”

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Jim Vanning is a wanted man.  The cops want him in regard to the theft of $300,000.00.  The crooks involved in the theft want Vanning as well.  Problem is, Vanning can’t remember exactly what happened.

Vanning knows a man was killed during the robbery.  Did he kill the guy?  Was he part of the robbery crew?  Was he an innocent that got caught up in the theft?   He knows he had the $300,000.00 in a satchel at one point.  Now he doesn’t know what happened to the loot.

Vanning is tired of running.  It’s just a question of who or what is going to get to him first… the crooks… the cops… or his memory.

+++

NIGHTFALL was also released under the titles CONVICTED and THE DARK CHASE.  It was also adapted into a feature film under the Nightfall title in 1957.  It was directed by Jacques  (Cat People; Out of the Past; Night of the Demon) Tourneur and starred Aldo Ray, Brian Keith and Anne Bancroft.

Rating:

“Fluttering Hearts”(1927) starring Charley Chase and Oliver Hardy / Z-View

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Fluttering Hearts (1927)

Director: James Parrott

Screenplay:  H.M. Walker

Stars:  Charley Chase, Oliver Hardy, Martha Sleeper.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

A young woman cannot wait to get to a big department store sale.  Her reckless driving attracts the attention of a motorcycle cop.  The woman arrives at the sale with the cop in hot pursuit.  Charley, attracted to the woman decides to help her.

Later, in an effort to get in good with the lady’s dad, Charley goes up against Big Bill, a mobster who is blackmailing her father.

Let the antics begin!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Charley Chase was an writer, director and actor.  Although he died at a relatively young age (46), his resume includes 282 acting roles, 174 films as a director and 37 as writer.

Fluttering Hearts was directed by Charley Chase’s brother.

Oliver Hardy (of Laurel & Hardy fame) plays Big Bill.

Fluttering Hearts (1927) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Famous Last Words: Eric Dane” (2025) / Z-View

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Famous Last Words: Eric Dane  (2025)

Director:  Ivan Dudynsky

Stars:  Eric Dane, Brad Falchuk

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Eric Dane knew he was dying.  In April 2025, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Since the diagnosis, Dane’s health rapidly declined.  Three months before his death, Dane sat with Brad Falchuk for a final interview.

The interview took place in a closed studio room.  Camera operators were outside the set and couldn’t hear what was being said.  Falchuk guided the conversation which touched on topics such as living in the present; choosing friends wisely, finding your passion/joy and dealing with hardships with grace.

Then Falchuk left the room.  Dane was given the time to speak his final last words.  Dane’s last message would not be heard by anyone until after his death and the interview aired.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The interview was filmed secretly in November 2025.  Dane died on February 19, 2026.  The interview premiered the next day.

I was an Eric Dane fan thanks to the series The Last Ship.  I became a bigger fan after watching this interview.  He approached his end with positivity, dignity and self-reflection.  His final message was to his fans and daughters.

Famous Last Words: Eric Dane  (2025) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Slayground” (1983) starring Peter Coyote / Z-View

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Slayground  (1983)

Director:  Terry Bedford

Screenplay: Trevor Preston; based on SLAYGROUND by Richard Stark

Stars:  Peter Coyote, Mel Smith, Billie Whitelaw.

Tagline: Welcome to Your Funeral

The Plot…

Stone is a career criminal.  He’s ready to walk away from his next planned armed robbery because his regular getaway driver is unavailable.  Stone’s partner has another wheelman for the job and convinces Stone to go through it.

Big mistake.

The new driver is inexperienced.  During the getaway, he causes a crash that kills a nine-year-old girl.  The girl’s father is a millionaire.  He hires a hitman to find and murder the men responsible for his daughter’s death.

The killer is relentless and the girl’s father has money to pay whatever the cost.  When Stone learns there is a price on his head, he goes on the run.

But there is no where he can hide.  The killer is closing in.

Stone… welcome to your funeral.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Slayground is based on the novel of the same name by Richard Stark (Donald Westlake).  Except for the title, little else from Stark’s novel makes it onscreen.

When the film was released I thought it was another killer at a carnival movie.  Years later I learned it was based on the Parker novels by Richard Stark.  So I gave it a go only to find out it had little to do with the Stark’s novel.  Meh.

Slayground  (1983) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Gladiator” (2000) directed by Ridley Scott, starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen & Oliver Reed / Z-View

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Gladiator  (2000)

Director:  Ridley Scott

Screenplay: David Franzoni, John Logan, William Nicholson; story by David Franzoni

Stars:  Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Derek Jacobi, Djimon Hounsou, Richard Harris, Ralf Moeller, David Hemmings, Sven-Ole Thorsen and Tommy Flanagan .

Tagline: Father of a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife and I shall have my vengeance in this life or the next.

The Plot…

Marcus Aurelius, the aging Emperor of Rome, with the leadership of his best General, Maximus Decimus Meridius, has conquered the Germanic tribes.  There have been many battles, but finally peace has come to Rome.  Maximus now wants to return home to his wife and child.

Emperor Aurelius has other plans for Maximus.  Aurelius says that his son Commodus is unfit to rule.  Aurelius wants Maximus to replace him as leader of Rome.  Not as Emperor, but as a regent as Rome transitions to a republic.

Commodus realizes his father’s plan and secretly murders him.  Commodus then names himself Emperor of Rome.  When Maximus refuses to pledge loyalty to Commodus, Commodus has him arrested and marked for execution.

Maximus escapes only to discover that Commodus had Maximus wife and son murdered.  Maximus is now the father of a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife and he shall have his vengeance in this life or the next.

Prepare to be entertained!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Gladiator was nominated for twelve 2001 Academy Awards and won five…

  • Nominee for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration – Arthur Max (art director), Crispian Sallis (set decorator)
  • Nominee for Best Music, Original Score – Hans Zimmer
  • Nominee for Best Film Editing – Pietro Scalia
  • Nominee for Best Cinematography – John Mathieson
  • Nominee for Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen – David Franzoni (screenplay/story), John Logan (screenplay), William Nicholson (screenplay)
  • Nominee for Best Director – Ridley Scott
  • Nominee for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Joaquin Phoenix
  • Winner for Best Effects, Visual Effects – John Nelson, Neil Corbould, Tim Burke, Rob Harvey
  • Winner for Best Sound – Scott Millan, Bob Beemer, Ken Weston
  • Winner for Best Costume Design – Janty Yates
  • Winner for Best Actor in a Leading Role – Russell Crowe
  • Winner for Best Picture – Douglas Wick, David Franzoni, Branko Lustig

Oliver Reed died three weeks short of the end of principal photography.  Ridley Scott didn’t want to recast and reshoot the role (which insurance would have covered).  The script was tweaked and a body double and CGI was used to finish Reed’s role.

Gladiator deserved all of the awards (and nominations) it received.  It is a rare film that continues to entertain over multiple viewings.

Gladiator  (2000) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Guys and Dolls” starring Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons, Frank Sinatra and Vivian Blaine / Z-View

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Guys and Dolls  (1955)

Director:  Joseph L. Mankiewicz

Screenplay: Joseph L. Mankiewicz; based on Guys and Dolls by Abe Burrows, Jo Swerling, Frank Loesser, Damon Runyon

Stars:  Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons, Frank Sinatra, Vivian Blaine, Stubby Kaye, Johnny Silver, Robert Keith, B.S. Pullym, Regis Toomey and Sheldon Leonard.

Tagline: SAMUEL GOLDWYN presents America’s Own Musical!

The Plot…

Nathan Detroit is feeling the pressure.

Detroit is supposed to put together a huge crap game.  Word went out.  The town is gonna be full of high rollers and Nathan needs to deliver.  Complicating matters are three things.  One: New York City’s finest, Lieutenant Brannigan, is watching Nathan like a hawk.  First sign of an illegal game and he plans to bust Nathan and all involved.  Two: Nathan still needs a location.  Three: Nathan’s fiancée, Miss Adelaide, is pressuring him to marry her — their 14 year engagement is just too long.

Nathan finds the perfect location.  Problem is the location’s owner wants $1,000.00 for the property’s use.  Nathan doesn’t have the needed dough.

Then he gets an idea.  Sky Masterson is in town to gamble.  Sky will be on anything.  If Nathan can get Sky to bet $1,000 on a bet Sky’s sure to lose, Nathan will have the needed cash.

But what is a sure fire bet?

Nathan comes up with the perfect wager.  Sky is a known lady’s man and proud of his reputation.  Nathan gets Sky to say he could get any woman to go out on a date with him.  Nathan then wagers that if he can pick the woman, Sky would fail to get her to go with him to dinner in Havanna.  Sky agrees to the wager.

Nathan picks Sarah Brown.  Sarah happens to be very straight laced and a sister in the Save a Soul Mission.  Sarah runs the local chapter.

Sky wants to con Sarah.  Sarah wants to “save” Sky.   Nathan wants towin the bet so the big craps game is a go.  Miss Adelaide wants to get married.  Lieutenant Brannigan wants to arrest the whole lot of ’em.

There’s no way everyone is going to get what they want.  Wanna bet?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Guys and Dolls was nominated for four 1956 Academy Awards…

  • Nominee for Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture – Jay Blackton, Cyril J. Mockridge
  • Nominee for Best Costume Design, Color – Irene Sharaff
  • Nominee for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Color –  Oliver Smith, Joseph C. Wright, Howard Bristol
  • Nominee for Best Cinematography, Color – Harry Stradling Sr.

Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando had a strained relationship during filming.  Sinatra referred to Brando as “Mumbles”.  Sinatra coveted the role of Sky Masterson and was upset that Brando, got it — especially since Brando wasn’t a singer.

Brando’s singing in the film was put together from multiple takes.  Brando approached Sinatra early on in filming to ask for help with his singing scenes.  Sinatra refused.

Director Joseph L. Mankiewicz made the decision to not shot on location and instead make the sets have the feel of a stage play.  This is a big part of the film’s charm and makes it feel special.

I’m not a huge fan of musicals, but I love Guys and Dolls.

Guys and Dolls  (1955) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Inside Moves”  (1980) directed by Richard Donner, starring John Savage, David Morse and Diana Scarwid / Z-View

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Inside Moves  (1980)

Director:  Richard Donner

Screenplay: Valerie Curtin, Barry Levinson; based on INSIDE MOVES by Todd Walton

Stars:  John Savage, David Morse, Diana Scarwid, Amy Wright, Bill Henderson, Steve Kahan, Bert Remsen, Harold Russell, Pepe Serna, Harold Sylvester, Richard Donner and Tony Burton.

Tagline: Come join the gang at Max’s for a heartfelt visit and an unforgettable experience.

The Plot…

Roary’s failed suicide attempt left him partially crippled and living in a low-rent area.  One day Roary wanders into Max’s, a bar near his apartment.  Max, the owner is a warm-hearted guy who loves his regulars.

And his regulars are quite a crew.  There’s Blue Lewis who is paralyzed from the waist down and confined to a wheelchair.  Wings is a double-amputee with hooks for hands.  Stinky is blind.  These three meet at the bar daily for a beer, cards and banter.  Oh, and there’s Jerry Maxwell, one of the bartenders.  Jerry’s bum knee killed his dreams of a career in the NBA.

Soon enough Roary is one of the regulars.  His daily meetings with the gang at Max’s reinvigorates his love of life.  Roary and Jerry become best friends.  Roary has started to develop feelings for Louise, a waitress at the bar.

While shooting around one day, Jerry runs into Alvin Martin, one of the stars of the Golden State Warriors.  Jerry challenges Alvin to a game of one-on-one.  Martin at first refuses.  He doesn’t want to play a guy with a bum leg.  Jerry insults Alvin to the point, that he can’t back down.  Alvin wins.  Barely.  He’s impressed with Jerry’s skills.

Roary, who watched the game, is beyond impressed. He learns that an expensive operation might fix Jerry’s leg.  Jerry doesn’t have that kind of money.  It would take him years to save it.  By then he’d be too old to play.  Plus the operation isn’t a sure thing.  Roary believes it is worth the shot.

And Roary is willing to risk his life savings on it.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Valerie Curtin, who co-wrote the adaptation of Inside Moves, is a writer, actress, and cousin of Jane Curtin.  She co-wrote the film with her then husband, Barry Levinson.

Inside Moves features Harold Russell’s first theatrical film appearance since his Academy Award-winning performance in 1946’s The Best Years of Our Lives.

A pinball machine with Christopher Reeve as Superman appears in Max’s Bar.  Inside Moves‘ director, Richard Donner, also directed Superman starring Christopher Reeve.  In Jerry’s house a poster for The Omen can be seen.  Donner also directed that film.

Inside Moves features David Morse’s theaterical debut and he is excellent.

Diana Scarwid was nominated for an Academy Award as Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

Richard Donner appears, uncredited, as the man who closes the ambulance door.  Donner’s cousin, Steve Kahan, has a role as Burt.

Inside Moves features my favorite performance by John Savage, who is excellent as Roary.

Inside Moves (1980) rates 5 of 5 stars.

CHASING THE BEAR: A YOUNG SPENSER NOVEL by Robert B. Parker / Z-View

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CHASING THE BEAR: A YOUNG SPENSER NOVEL by Robert B. Parker

First sentence…

I was sitting with the girl of my dreams on a bench in Boston Public Garden watching the swan boats circle the little lagoon.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

As Spenser relaxes with Susan in the park on a summer afternoon, their talk drifts to Spenser’s formative years.  After his mother died, Spenser was raised by his father and his two maternal uncles.  They were blue collar men’s men who did their best to give Spenser a well-rounded upbringing.  So Spenser learned to fish, hunt and fight as well as read, write and think critically.

As Susan asks questions, Spenser remembers a pivotal point in his life.  He was 14.  Jeannie Haden was his best friend.  Jeannie had a rough home life.  Her dad was an alcoholic and a mean drunk.  Usually his abuse was verbal, but he thought nothing of smacking Jeannie when she needed it.

Spenser wanted to help, but how?

Then one afternoon Spenser sees Jeannie in the back of her father’s car.  The car is slowly moving through traffic in their small town.  As the car pulls away, Spenser sees Jeannie mouthing “HELP!”.  The car is headed towards the river, so Spenser follows.  He arrives in time to see Jeannie and her dad headed down river in a small boat.

With no time to go for help, Spenser jumps in a row boat and heads downstream.  Spenser has no plan but knows that Jeannie’s life depends on his next moves.

+++

CHASING THE BEAR: A YOUNG SPENSER NOVEL is geared to teenagers and older.  It’s an easy read. Fans of Parker’s long-running novel series should enjoy a look at Spenser’s upbringing and events that helped shape the man he would become.

Rating:

ROBERT B. PARKER’S THE BRIDGE: A COLE AND HITCH NOVEL by Robert Knott / Z-View

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ROBERT B. PARKER’S THE BRIDGE: A COLE AND HITCH NOVEL by Robert Knott

First sentence…

The dense mass of stars was unusually ominous and threatening as if the whole tangle of constellations was up to no damn good.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Word reaches Appaloosa that the massive 300 foot bridge being built over the Rio Blanco River has been blown up.  There has been no account of the lives lost or who was behind the deadly blast.  Appaloosa’s sheriff, Sledge Driskill and his two deputies ride out to investigate.

When days pass with no word from Sheriff Driskill, territorial Marshals Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch decide to investigate.  It could be that Driskill and his men were delayed by the treacherous winter storm that has hit the area.

Or it could be something worse.

When Cole and Hitch are involved, bet on something worse.

+++

THE BRIDGE is the seventh Cole and Hitch outing and the third written by Robert Knott.  The first four were written by the series creator, Robert B. Parker.  Knott was selected to continue the series due to Knott’s involvement with the movie adaptation of Parker’s first Cole and Hitch novel, APPALOOSA.  Knott co-wrote the screenplay with Ed Harris, the star of the film.  Knott also served as a producer on the film and played a supporting role in it as well.  Knott was a worthy choice to continue the Cole and Hitch tales.  Each new novel is sure to entertain.

Rating:

“Us” (1927) starring Charley Chase / Z-View

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Us (1927)

Director: James Parrott

Screenplay:  Leo McCarey, H.M. Walker

Stars:  Charley Chase, Margaret Quimby, Jim Mason, William Orlamond.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Charley dreams of flying.  Every day Charley goes to the airfield where for a small price a pilot will give you a plane ride.  Every day Charley gets in line with his money ready.  And every day, Charley chickens out.

Today is no different.  Well… except for one small change.

Charley went to the airfield.  He got in line with his money.  He chickened out.  Instead of leaving he went over to stand by one of the airplanes.  When a cute woman came by, Charley acted as if he was a pilot and the plane was his.

What Charley didn’t know is the woman is a pilot and the plane is hers.  She thought Charley was cute by trying to impress her as a pilot when it was so clear, he wasn’t.

But she played along.  She asked Charley to take her up for a ride.  At that point Charley couldn’t refuse.

Better buckle up.  It’s going to be a bumpy ride.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Charley Chase was an writer, director and actor.  Although he died at a relatively young age (46), his resume includes 282 acting roles, 174 films as a director and 37 as writer.

Us was directed by Charley Chase’s brother.

Us is a play on the title of Charles Lindberg’s account of his solo flight across the Atlantic, titled We.

Us (1927) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Hallow Road”  (2025) starring Rosamund Pike & Matthew Rhys / Z-View

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Hallow Road  (2025)

Director:  Babak Anvari

Screenplay: William Gillies

Stars:  Rosamund Pike, Matthew Rhys, Megan McDonnell.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Late one Halloween night Frank and Maddie Finch get a call from their eighteen year old daughter Alice.  Alice, driving on a remote forest road struck a girl.  Alice said the ambulance is going to take a long time to get to them because she is so deep in the forest.  Frank and Maddie jump in their car.  Maddie is a paramedic and they are only 30 minutes away.

As they drive to the site of the wreck Frank and Maddie keep talking to Alice… but Alice’s story keeps changing… and getting worse.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Hallow Road feels like a play.  Most of the action takes place in the front seat of the car with Frank and Maddie talking to Alice.  Rosamund Pike and Matthew Rhys acting along with William Gillies screenplay keep us interested.  Unfortunately the payoff isn’t as good as the journey.

Hallow Road  (2025) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Send Help” (2026) directed by Sam Raimi, starring Rachel McAdams & Dylan O’Brien / Z-View

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Send Help (2026)

Director: Sam Raimi

Screenplay:  Damian Shannon, Mark Swift

Stars:  Rachel McAdams, Dylan O’Brien, Edyll Ismail, Xavier Samuel, Chris Pang, and Dennis Haysbert

Tagline: She’s the boss now.

The Plot…

Linda Liddle is socially awkward and more than a bit nerdy.  Oh, and she’s a fanatic for the tv show “Survivor“.  Linda is also smart, insightful and dedicated.  In the seven years Linda has worked for Mr. Preston she’s brought in business and saved the company money.  Mr. Preston promised Linda a Vice President position the next time one opens.

When Mr. Preston unexpectedly dies, his son Bradley, takes over the company.  Bradley is cockey and spoiled.  He doesn’t know the business, but thinks that being the boss is enough.  Bradley is more interested in the perks being in charge brings than taking care of the business.  He’s brought in a college buddy as the new VP.

When Linda confronts Bradley about his father’s promise, he blows her off.

Then Bradley learns that Linda is knowledgeable and needed for the upcoming Bankok merger.  Bradley decides to bring her on the trip to Bankok and use her expertise.  Then fire her after the merger is complete.

Bradley tells Linda, he’s sorry for the way their first meeting went.  He is going to reconsider her for a VP spot, depending on how the Bankok merger goes.  Linda is beyond happy.

On the flight to Bankok, Bradley’s private jet experiences engine trouble and crashes into the ocean.   The only survivors are Bradley and Linda.  They barely make it to a deserted island.

Now the tables are turned.  Bradley with his pampered upbringing has no idea how to survive in the wild.  Linda, with her love of (and hopes of being a competitor on) Survivor, and her book smarts, knows exactly what she needs to do to survive.  Linda is now the boss!

As the days pass, Linda and Bradley’s relationship ebbs and flows.  They see each other in a different light.  Perhaps they’ll be rescued.  Perhaps not.  For now, they have only each other.

Bet you can’t guess how this ends.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I went into this thinking it would be a typical romcom.  Nerdy, but smart girl at odds with handsome hipster.  Something would happen for them to fight at first and then realize they were meant for each other.

BOY WAS I WRONG.

Send Help has a huge twist and change in tone.  So much so, that for a bit I thought we had entered a dream sequence.

Rachel McAdams is perfectly cast.  She pulls off the nerdy, socially awkward young lady and is believable as the confident survivor expert.

Kudos to screenwriters Damian Shannon and Mark Swift.  It’s been a while that I’ve seen a movie that lured me in and then surprised me as much.

Director Sam Raimi was the perfect choice to direct.

My advice — go into Send Help without knowing the twist and have a blast!

Send Help (2026) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Wolf” (1994) starring Jack Nicholson and Michelle Pfeiffer / Z-View

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Wolf  (1994)

Director:  Mike Nichols

Screenplay: Jim Harrison, Wesley Strick

Stars:  Jack Nicholson, Michelle Pfeiffer, James Spader, Kate Nelligan, Richard Jenkins, Christopher Plummer, Allison Janey, David Schwimmer, and David Hyde Pierce.

Tagline: The Animal Is Out

The Plot…

Will Randall, Editor-in-Chief of a large New York publishing company, is driving a country road late one night when he hits something.  It appears to be a large dog. Will gets out to check on the animal. It turns out to be an injured wolf.  The beast bites Will before running into the woods.

Not long after Will learns that the publishing house has been bought out by Raymond Alden.  Alden doesn’t know anything about book publishing. But he knows how to make money.  So Will isn’t surprised to learn he’s been demoted. Stuart Swinton, his young former protégé, is now his boss.  Swinton’s attitude changes overnight from smarmy to condesending.

As Will’s wolf bite heals, he feels reinergized.  Colors seem more vivid.  Smells stronger.  As Will’s body improves so does his confidence.  Will visits Raymond Alden at his home.  There Will meets Alden’s adult daughter.  Will is much older than she can’t deny the attraction.

Will knows the wolf bite is causing the changes.  Each day he’s becoming more aggressive and animalistic.  He worries the changes won’t stop.  What then?

The animal is out.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Wolf features Allison Janney’s feature film debut.

David Schwimmer appears as a cop in a very small role.  Just a few months later he would become a breakout star thanks to his role on Friends.

When werewolf movies are discussed, Wolf almost never is brought up.  Interesting to note that the word werewolf is never used in the film either.

I found Wolf to be better than most folks do. As always your mileage may vary.

Wolf presents an interesting take on becoming a werewolf.  Usually the person bitten feels changing is a curse.  Nicholson’s character enjoys the changes… at least at first.

Spader is so good at playing someone easy to dislike.

Wolf (1994) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“La Cage aux Folles” (1978) / Z-View

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La Cage aux Folles (1978)

Director:  Édouard Molinaro

Screenplay: Francis Veber, Édouard Molinaro, Marcello Danon, Jean Poiret; adapted from the play La Cage aux Folles by Jean Poiret

Stars:  Ugo Tognazzi, Michel Serrault, Claire Maurier, Rémi Laurent, Benny Luke,  Carmen Scarpitta, Luisa Maneri and Michel Galabru.

Tagline: The comedy that comes out of the closet!

The Plot…

Renato Baldi and Albin Mougeotte are a gay couple. They’ve been together for twenty years and share ownership of La Cage aux Folles, an extremely popular gay night club.  Renato manages the club.  Albin is the star attraction where he performs in drag as Zaza Napoli.

Renato and Albin’s life is turned upside down when Laurent, Renato’s son (from a brief hetersexual fling), comes home to announce his engagement. Laurent wants to marry Andrea. Andrea’s father is a leader in the Union for Moral Order, a super conservative political party.

Because Andrea was afraid that her parents wouldn’t approve of her marriage to Laurent if they knew he was raised by gay parents, she lied.  She told her parents that Laurent’s father was a political attache and his mother was a housewife.

Andrea’s parents are coming to dinner to meet Laurent’s parents — a nice middle-aged heterosexual couple.  Renalto and Albin are going to do their best to not disappoint.  Andrea’s parents will have dinner with – Renalto and Zaza.

Raise the curtain, the show is about to start!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

La Cage aux Folles was nominated for three 1979 Academy Awards…

  • Nominated for Best Costume Design – Piero Tosi, Ambra Danon
  • Nominated for Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium – Francis Veber, Édouard Molinaro, Marcello Danon, Jean Poiret
  • Nominated for Best Director – Édouard Molinaro

When La Cage aux Folles was released in the United States it became the all-time highest grossing foreign film.

La Cage aux Folles opened on Broadway in August 1983.  It went on to win the 1984 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Book and Score.

La Cage aux Folles was remade as The Birdcage in 1996.  Mike Nichols directed Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Gene Hackman and Dianne Weist in this Americanized version.

La Cage aux Folles (1978) rates 3 of 5 stars.