Sly Stallone’s Most Underrated Movies!

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Saeed Saeed, at The National News, posted his choices for Sly Stallone’s Most Underrated Movies.  You know how I enjoy lists, so using just Saeed’s choices, here are how I’d rank them.  

Saeed

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1. Nighthawks (1981)

1. Nighthawks (1981): Ahead of it’s time and solid through and through.

2. Cobra (1986)

2. Cop Land (1997): One of Sly’s finest performances and he’s in with heavy hitters. Sly more than holds his own.

3. Over the Top (1987)

3. Over the Top (1987): Granted it’s a sentimental story that stretches credibility, but it is not as bad as many would believe. That’s the definition of underrated.

4. Demolition Man (1993)

4. Demolition Man (1993): The opening had so much potential but ventures too far into silliness for me. Plus fans love Demolition Man.

5. Cop Land (1997)

5. Cobra (1986): Had soooo much potential. Cool character, cool idea for a movie but needed to be fleshed out more. Still fans dig it.

Saeed’s list is a good one. If I had created the list I would have put Sly’s Get Carter in the first spot. Not only does it contain scenes with some of Sly’s finest acting, but the cast is solid, the story is strong and the director shows great flourishes. Get Carter is not a perfect film (few are), but in my opinion it is Sly’s most underrated.

Action Stars Who Should be in the Next “Fast & Furious” Film!

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Ben Sherlock at ScreenRant came up with a list of 10 Action Stars Who Haven’t Appeared in the Fast Saga (But Would Be Perfect).  You know how I am with lists.  So here is Sherlock’s top ten compared to my rankings of his choices and my thoughts on each…

Sherlock

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10. Jean-Claude Van Damme 10. Sigourney Weaver: Fast & Furious just doesn’t seem like the best fit for her.
09. Jet Li 09. Jackie Chan: I’m a fan, but unless they want to increase the comedy, then Jackie may not be the right one to go to.
08. Sylvester Stallone 08. Liam Neeson: Liam could be a good fit, but he has several films scheduled where he stars so…
07. Liam Neeson

07. Arnold Schwarzenegger: would be a great addition especially if the Rock comes back in the same film.  Who wouldn’t want to see those two square off…
06. Sigourney Weaver 06. Nicolas Cage: Crazy Nick Cage playing a crazy bad guy – sign me up.
05. Keanu Reeves 05. Keanu Reeves: I think with John Wick sequels and BRZRKR lined up, the movie would have to wait. Might be worth it though.
04. Jackie Chan 04. Danny Trejo: Trejo seems like a natural for the F&F universe.
03. Danny Trejo 03. Jean-Claude Van Damme: I can totally see JCVD in a F&F film. He would be a cool villain.
02. Arnold Schwarzenegger 02. Jet Li: Could actually be my top choice. He would provide a lot of opportunity for international appeal and great action scenes.
01. Nicolas Cage 01. Sylvester Stallone: I have to put my main man first. Truthfully, I’d rather see Sly do Hunter or one of his other starring roles though.

“Stairway to Gilligan’s Island”: Led Zeppelin & Classic TV Theme Mash-Up performed by Puddles!

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How about a fun mash-up.  Originally performed by Little Roger and the Goosebumps, our version is by Puddles aka The Sad Clown with the Golden Voice.  If you ever get a chance to see Puddles perform live, you should take it.  I did and would do it again!  Yep, I’m a fan.

Get this single here: https://smarturl.it/s7pnpj

This mash up was created by Little Roger and the Goosebumps. I asked Roger Clark if he would be cool with me covering this and he said that was ok with him. He’s a swell fella. This video is from my Sequestered Summertime Streaming Show on VEEPS streaming platform. I’ll be continuing my streaming shows until I can get back on the road.

Get the original and more from Little Roger and the Goosebumps here: https://littleroger.bandcamp.com/albu…

Derek Ennis played guitars.
Tim DeLaney played bass, drums, keys, mixed and engineered.
Puddles sang it.

RIP: William Smith

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William Smith died on Monday, July 5th at the age of 88.  No cause of death was reported.

William Smith had an amazing life, and a career that spanned 78 years!  His first role was an uncredited part in The Ghost of Frankenstein in 1942.  William Smith was eight years old at the time.  Mr. Smith continued to get small parts in films until he went into the US Air Force.

William Smith served as a pilot where he flew secret missions over Russia.  His work earned him CIA and NSA clearance.  While in the service, William Smith’s love of fitness and sports continued.  He won arm wrestling and weight lifting championships.  He compiled a 31-1 record as an amateur boxer.  Around this same time, William Smith attracted the attention of MGM and was offered a contract. 

In 1961, William Smith landed a starring role on the tv series, The Asphalt Jungle.  When the series ended William Smith never hurt for roles.  He would go on to work in both television and film throughout the rest of his career, amassing an astounding 274 acting credits. 

William Smith starred in the following television series: Zero One; Laredo; Rich Man, Poor Man (Books I and II); Hawaii 5-0 (the last season) and Wildside. 

When he wasn’t appearing on his own series, William Smith kept busy guest starring on others.  This is just a taste of some apearances: Combat; Perry Mason; Alfred Hitchcock Hour; Batman; I Dream of Jeannie; The Guns of Will Sonnett; Lassie; Here Come the Brides;  Daniel Boone; Dan August; The Mod Squad; Columbo; Mission Impossible; The Six Million Dollar Man; The Rockford Files and Gunsmoke.

William Smith was no stranger to feature films.  He might be best known for Every Which Way But Loose with Clint Eastwood.  Some of my favorite William Smith film appearances include: CC & Company; The Ultimate Warrior; Scorchy; Conan the Barbarian; Rumble Fish and Red Dawn.

When I was a kid I loved when William Smith showed up in a tv show or movie.  I knew that the hero was in for a rough time or else he was lucky to meet the character Smith was playing.  As I moved into my teen years I continued to enjoy William Smith’s appearances, but also started to wonder why he wasn’t get the big push as an action star.  Perhaps he just stayed too busy and liked the variety of parts he was offered.  If he enjoyed them half as much as we did, he was a very happy man.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to William Smith’s family, friends and fans.   

“No Man of God” starring Luke Kirby and Elijah Wood – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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I like both the poster and trailer for No Man of God starring Luke Kirby and Elijah Wood.  The title ain’t bad either.  I plan to check this one out.

Starring Elijah Wood, Luke Kirby, Aleksa Palladino and Robert Patrick
Directed by Amber Sealey

In 1980, Ted Bundy was sentenced to death by electrocution. In the years that followed, he agreed to disclose the details of his crimes, but only to one man. During the early days of the agency’s criminal profiling unit, FBI analyst Bill Hagmaier met with the incarcerated Ted Bundy in the hopes of understanding the psychology of the serial killer and providing closure for the victim’s families. As Hagmaier delves into Bundy’s dark and twisted mind, a strange and complicated relationship develops that neither man expected. Based on actual transcripts of interviews between FBI analyst Bill Hagmaier and the incarcerated Ted Bundy, No Man of God is “nothing short of riveting. It is a must-see” (Reel News Daily).

“Kingdom: Ashin of the North” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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Today we have the poster and trailer to Kingdom: Ashin of the North.  Billed as a special episode, but at 92 minutes, I see it more as a spinoff movie.

I’ve enjoyed both seasons of Kingdom and Kingdom: Ashin of the North is written by Kim Eun-Hee. who wrote both seasons as well.  I had no idea this was coming, so call me surprised and deal me in!

This summer, a 92 minute thirst for blood begins.
Kingdom: Ashin of the North

A Kingdom Special Episode:  Kingdom: Ashin of the North
Coming July 23, only on Netflix

What is Best at the Top 25 USA Restaurant Chains?

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Michele Debczak at Mental Floss posted the list of America’s 25 Biggest Restaurant Chains.  I thought it might be interesting to share my favorite food or drink at each.  Perhaps we have the same taste…

  • McDonald’s: Believe it or not, I go to McDonald’s almost every day for the Sugar-free French Vanilla Coffee.  I love it (even if I sometimes have to doctor it up with a bit of Monk Fruit.)
  • Starbucks: I never go there unless it is through the drive-through with/for my wife.  I find Starbucks to be
    over-priced and snooty.  Grande, indeed.
  • Taco Bell: Another place I seldom go.  I used to like the 7 layer burrito, but it has gone the way of Burger Chef.
  • Chick-fil-A: I go to Chick-fil-A on a weekly basis (at least). For breakfast; Egg white grill (egg, grilled chicken on an English muffin). For lunch: Grilled chicken sandwich & cup of chicken noodle soup.  They have the best staff and service time no matter the location.
  • Wendy’s: I love that you can get chili there year round.  Their grilled chicken sandwich isn’t bad either.  Want to splurge?  Get the Baconator.
  • Burger King: Their Whopper used to be the best fast food burger going.  It is still awesome, but the service at BK (no matter the locations) make the experience less than pleasurable.  I hope for a BK comeback some day.
  • Subway: I don’t eat there as often as I used to, but when I do, I get the BMT with lettuce, pickle, onion, mayo, mustard, plus a little oil and vinegar.
  • Dunkin’: I don’t eat at Dunkin’ unless there is nothing else.  Then I get a cinnamon roll.
  • Domino’s: I don’t eat at Domino’s but when I did it would be pizza with pepperoni and extra cheese.
  • Panera Bread: Any of their soup and sandwich choices are good.
  • Chipotle: I eat at Chipolte pretty regularly.  I like the burrito bowl.  Be sure and get the chips and salsa!
  • Pizza Hut:  I don’t eat at Pizza Hut but when I did it would be barbeque pizza.
  • KFC: They have great slaw and their biscuits aren’t bad either!
  • Popeyes: Their chicken sandwich is amazing.
  • Sonic Drive-In: I love that you can always get a hot dog or corn dog there… and they ain’t bad.
  • Buffalo Wild Wings: Go with what is in the name – get wings and a Diet Coke then watch some sports.
  • Arby’s: Get the Arby’s classic loaded with roast beef and add some horsey sauce.
  • Little Caesars: I don’t do Little Caesars.
  • Dairy Queen: Either a M&M Blizzard or an old fashioned chocolate milk shake made with vanilla ice cream and Hershey’s chocolate syrup.
  • Jack in the Box: I don’t eat at Jack in the Box.
  • Panda Express: Get the Honey Walnut Shrimp!
  • Olive Garden: Unlimited Soup, Salad and Breadsticks!  Switch up the soup if you go for seconds.  Oh, and be sure and add a side of Alfredo sauce for the breadsticks.
  • Papa John’s:  I don’t eat at Papa John’s.
  • Chili’s: They have a good bacon burger.
  • Applebee’s: I used to get the Club House Grill but it has gone the way of Lum’s, so I don’t eat at Applebee’s very often.

“Top Secret UFO Projects: Declassified” – The Trailer is Here!

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I enjoy documentaries, movies and television shows about UFOs.  I’m intrigued by the Roswell incident and other ufo/alien reports that feel like they could be true.  It is interesting that the government has admitted that there are things out there that and they don’t know what they are.

Below is a trailer for Top Secret UFO Projects: Declassified.  Because it will be on Netflix, I’ll check it out.  Based on the trailer it may not be worthy.  I hate the poor cgi aliens and ufos in the trailer. And the guy that says, “Nobody’s seen it or knows where it’s at” doesn’t inspire confidence in the quality of the series.  Still, you never know…

Original factual television series featuring the most recent information and proof exposing the most top-secret government projects that handled contacts with and cover-ups of, extraterrestrial presence on Earth.

“Terminator 2” – Surprising Facts!

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Terminator 2 is consider by many to be not only the best film in the Terminator series, but also the best movie that Arnold Schwarzenegger ever made.  It’s interesting to note that initially James Cameron had no interest in a sequel, Arnold didn’t like the idea of playing a good terminator and Linda Hamilton just wanted to be crazy.  You’ll learn the reasons behind these facts and a whole lot more if you click over to Todd Gilchrist’s 20 Facts About Terminator 2: Judgment Day at Mental Floss.  Before you do, here are three of my favorites and my thoughts on each…

JAMES CAMERON WANTED BILLY IDOL TO PLAY THE T-1000.  (Cameron wanted a different body type for the T-1000 and Billy Idol was his first choice.  Idol was in a motorcycle wreck that led to Robert Patrick getting the part.  I believe that Idol’s celebrity would have taken from the impact of the T-1000 and it would have looked like stunt casting.  I also believe that Patrick was a better choice for the role – he’s an excellent actor! – Craig)


TERMINATOR 2 ESSENTIALLY MADE ITS MONEY BACK BEFORE IT EVEN PREMIERED. (This is an amazing fact when you consider that Cameron was paid $6 million dollars, Arnold was paid $15 million, Linda Hamilton got $1 million and the total budget was $102 million dollars. – Craig)

SEVERAL VERSIONS OF T2 HAVE BEEN RELEASED, BUT JAMES CAMERON HAS A FAVORITE. (It’s the theatrical release and I agree. – Craig)

 

“Val” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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Here we have the poster and trailer for Val.  The poster is interesting and the documentary should be as well.  I hope that it is insightful as well.  Val Kilmer is one of the most under-rated actors still alive.  His performance in Tombstone should have won the Oscar and he made everything he was in better.  Sadly, Val Kilmer got throat cancer which impacted his life and career.  I look forward to seeing Val when it premieres on August 6th.

Who is Val Kilmer? He’s Batman. He’s Iceman. He’s Jim Morrison. And he’s a lifelong filmmaker. Get re-acquainted with the legend on August 6.

J. Edgar Hoover – Some Surprising Facts You May Not Know!

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J. Edgar Hoover is an interesting character.  The fact that he was the head of the FBI and able to stay in office for decades, that even President’s feared him, and that he had “the goods” on anyone who was anyone has always intrigued me.  He wasn’t a good guy and there are many rumors that surround his personal life. 

Scott Beggs touches on many of these things and more in 20 Surprising Facts About J. Edgar Hoover.  Before you click over, here are three of my favorites and my thoughts on each…

.J. EDGAR HOOVER DIDN’T HAVE A BIRTH CERTIFICATE UNTIL HE WAS 43.  (This was the same year his mother died and there is speculation “that Hoover, who persecuted Black civil rights leaders, had a secret African-American heritage.” Wouldn’t that be something?  I wonder if the rumors are true. – Craig)

RICHARD NIXON WAS AFRAID OF J. EDGAR HOOVER.  (Hoover apparently had “dirt” on every President and they were afraid to fire him.  It is especially telling that “Richard Nixon, thought Hoover might ‘bring down the temple’ if he were sacked.”  We have learned over the years the indiscretions of many of our Presidents but Hoover had the goods at the time. – Craig)

J. EDGAR HOOVER HAD WHAT WAS POSSIBLY THE WORLD’S LARGEST COLLECTION OF PORNOGRAPHY. (Reportedly it contained photos of celebrities and politicians. The craziest rumor about it: That it contained nude pictures of Eleanor Roosevelt given to him by W.C. Fields!?  Really??  Also, why would he keep the collection — perhaps for his own enjoyment or more likely to have something on these folks should he ever need to it. – Craig)

RIP: Richard Donner

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Richard Donner died today at the age of 91.  This one hurts worse than most.

Richard Donner wanted a career as an actor.  It was director Martin Ritt who encouraged Donner to consider directing instead.  Ritt gave Donner a job as his assistant.  Later Donner graduated to a staff position at Desilu Productions where he directed commercials. 

In 1960, Mr. Donner began directing television episodes with the occasional feature film.  For the next 15 years Richard Donner directed well over 100 episodes of the best television had to offer.   Shows that I regularly watched that Mr. Donner directed episodes of include: The Rifleman; Combat; The Twilight Zone; The Man from UNCLE; Gilligan’s Island; Get Smart; The FBI; The Fugitive; It’s About Time; Jericho; The Wild, Wild West; The Banana Splits Adventure Hour / Danger Island; the Bearcats; Ironside and Cannon.

Richard Donner directed his first feature film in 1961.  Titled  X-15, it starred Charles Bronson and Mary Tyler Moore.  In 1976, Mr. Donner directed one of the biggest box office hits of the year with The Omen.  His next film was also a hit with fans and the box office: Superman.  The success of Superman allowed Richard Donner to add producer to his resume.  He would go on to produce 37 projects as he continued to direct feature films.  Following Superman, some of my favorite Richard Donner directed features include: Inside Moves; Ladyhawke; Lethal Weapon 1 -4; Maverick and Assassins.

Had Richard Donner only directed the Twilight Zone episode: Nightmare at 20,000 Feet, he would have warranted a post about his passing.  Same could be said for Superman, the Lethal Weapon films and a personal favorite of mine, Assassins staring Sly Stallone.  I didn’t realize until I was a young adult how many television shows I loved as a child were directed by Richard Donner.  Any time you see Richard Donner in the credits, now you are in for a good time. 

My thoughts and prayers go out to Richard Donner’s family, friends and fans.         

Have You Read Anything by Howard Chaykin?

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Howard Chaykin is one of my all-time favorite comic creators.  Chaykin started as an assistant to Gil Kane, worked his way up to being an artist on lesser known titles, then some of the more popular characters including the first issues of Star Wars.  Along the way he began writing and drawing his own stories and he never looked back.

Chaykin’s comic stories are intelligent and assume the reader is as well.  He has a sense of humor and irony in every tale.  His work usually contains adult language and adult situations for which he does not apologize.  Comics aren’t just for kids.

If you’ve never read anything by Howard Chaykin, you really should consider changing that.

“The Tomorrow War” / Z-View

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The Tomorrow War (2021) Director: Chris McKay Screenplay: Zach Dean

Stars:  Chris Pratt, Yvonne Strahovski, J.K. Simmons, Sam Richardson, Edwin Hodge  and Mary Lynn Rajskub.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Dan Forester (Pratt) is an ex-military high school science teacher who believes he is destined for something bigger.  Forester will get his opportunity when he is drafted to fight in a war being held nearly 3 decades in the future.

Still with me?

Okay.  In the future earth has been invaded by aliens who have killed almost everyone on the planet.  In an effort to turn the tide and save humanity, future soldiers have come back into the past to recruit people to fight in the future.  A worldwide draft is instated and draftees are sent to the future to fight aliens for seven days.  If they survive they are returned to their proper time.  Forester is drafted.

Forester and the others in his group learn there is no training.  They are given weapons and transported to the future to kill aliens.  Less than 30% will survive the seven days.  In Forester’s group we have a nervous college professor, a tough as nails vet who has done three tours and a bunch of others who we learn nothing about (yep, they’re alien fodder).  As soon as they are in the future Forester’s team is given a mission and off we go.  Alien battles come fast and furious and we learn about the plan to save the world.

What I liked:  Chris Pratt was good.  This may be his best performance yet.  Edwin Hodge is a standout as the soldier with 3 tours.  Sam Richardson provides comic relief (although maybe too much in some spots).  I loved seeing Mary Lynn Rajskub and wish she was given more to do.  The action is non-stop once.  I really liked how they explained who could participate in the time travel (coming and going).  I liked the explanation of how the aliens got to earth.  All through the movie I was thinking these creatures don’t have the brains for space travel.

What bothered me:
  • Too many daddy issues.  Forester has them with his dad and Forester’s daughter has them with him.
  • The coincidences to save the day.  We need a solution that will kill the monsters.  Forester’s daughter (now grown) comes up with it.  We need to figure out where the aliens arrive when they come to earth so we can be there to kill them. Forester’s wife brainstorms with him to figure it out.  We need someone to figure out what the alien claw can tell us.  Remember the nervous college professor?  He can do it.  We need a volcano expert.  Hey, Forester has one in his high school class!  We need a way to get into Soviet air space undetected.  Uh, Forester’s dad can do it.
  • Sometimes the aliens are lethal killing machines and sometimes you can go mano y alien and kick their butt (if they have a butt that is).
  • (Most) Everything gets wrapped up too nicely: Forester was indeed destined for something bigger, daddy issues are resolved all the way around.  Everyone (Forester, his wife, his daughter, his dad, nervous college professor, hardcore vet, nerdy high school volcano lover) has a role in saving the world.
  • What I’d like to know: How does what Forester pulled off change the future (other than the obvious, there will be no aliens wiping out the earth)?

Despite the things I didn’t care for, The Tomorrow War has a core cast that is likeable, a script that keeps things moving and a conflict that involves saving the world.  If you’re looking for a fun ride (and don’t give it too much thought) you’ll enjoy The Tomorrow War.