“Perdita Durango” aka “Dance with the Devil” (1997) starring Rosie Perez, Javier Bardem and James Gandolfini / Z-View

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Perdita Durango aka Dance with the Devil (1997)

Director: Álex de la Iglesia

Screenplay: Barry Gifford, David Trueba, Jorge Guerricaechevarría, Álex de la Iglesia; based on 59° And RAINING: THE STORY OF PERDITA DURANGO by Barry Gifford

Stars: Rosie Perez, Javier Bardem, Aimee Graham, Demián Bichir, Santiago Segura, Don Stroud, Roger Cudney and James Gandolfini.

Tagline: Get On The Road

The Plot…

Perdita Durango, in Mexico to scatter the ashes of her dead sister, meets Romeo Dolorosa who is on the run.  Dolorosa is a drug dealing, bank robbing satanist.  The two hook-up and devise a plan to kidnap a couple of college students and use them in a cannibalistic ceremony.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Álex de la Iglesia has a very visual style.  He was joined by terrific leads in Rosie Perez, Javier Bardem and James Gandolfini.  But the subject matter was too over the top gross for me.  I tapped out at about the 20 minute mark when a coked-up Dolorosa was hacking up a dead body in front of tourists.  He then threw the limbs in a boiling pot of blood and drank from it.

The character of Perdita Durango first appeared as a minor character in WILD AT HEART another novel by Barry Gifford.  On film she first was played by Isabella Rossellini in the adaptation of the novel.

Javier Bardem’s hairstyle in Perdita Durango is worse than his in No Country for Old Men.

Perdita Durango was released in the United States as Dance with the Devil.

Perdita Durango aka Dance with the Devil (1997) rates 1 of 5 stars.

“The Beast in Me” (2025) starring Claire Danes, Matthew Rhys and Jonathan Banks / Z-View

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The Beast in Me (2025)

Created by: Gabe Rotter

Directors:

  • Antonio Campos (Eps. 1-2; 7-8)
  • Tyne Rafaeli (Eps. 3-4)
  • Lila Neugebauer (Eps. 5-6)

Teleplay:

  • Gabe Rotter and Daniel Pearle; story by Gabe Rotter (Ep. 1)
  • Gabe Rotter (Ep. 2)
  • Erika Sheffer (Ep. 3)
  • C.A. Johnson (Ep. 4)
  • Daniel Pearle (Ep. 5)
  • Ali Liebegott (Ep. 6)
  • Mike Skerrett (Ep. 7)
  • Howard Gordon & Daniel Pearle (Ep. 8)

Stars: Claire Danes, Matthew Rhys, Brittany Snow, Natalie Morales, Tim Guinee, Hettienne Park, Deirdre O’Connell, Julie Ann Emery, Amir Arison, Peter Grosz, Bill Irwin, Kate Burton and Jonathan Banks.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Aggie Wiggs was on top of the world.  She was an award-winning author with a beautiful wife and child. They lived in a big old house in a wooded remote area.  It was a beautiful life.

Then it all fell apart when a driver crashed into her car killing her son.  Aggie suspected the man was drunk, but he was not charged.  After that Aggie’s marriage fell apart.  It’s been several years now.  Things haven’t gotten better for Aggie.  Her next book is way overdue and the publisher wants it.

Aggie is surprised when Nile Jarvis moves in next door.  Jarvis is the the super rich real estate magnate suspected of killing his first wife.  Although Jarvis was never charged, his wife disappeared under mysterious circumstances.  Jarvis is a ruthless business man used to getting his way in every aspect of his life.  He’s also a narcissist and perhaps a sociopath.

When Aggie decides to write a book about Jarvis, it brings her into his orbit.  Which is a dangerous place to be.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Beast in Me was executive produced by Claire Danes, Jodie Foster and Conan O’Brien.

Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys had no idea how the series would end when they signed on to star.

Claire Danes, Matthew Rhys, Natalie Morales and Jonathan Banks are excellent.  The series is well written and well directed.  It gets my highest recommendation.

The Beast in Me (2025) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Sympathy for the Devil” (2023) starring Nicholas Cage & Joel Kinnaman / Z-View

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Sympathy for the Devil (2023)

Director: Yuval Adler

Screenplay: Luke Paradise

Stars: Nicolas Cage, Joel Kinnaman.

Tagline: Revenge is a hell of a ride.

The Plot…

David Chamberlain is worried he won’t make it in time for his child’s birth.  As David pulls into the hospital parking lot, a man with a gun jumps into the backseat and orders David to drive.  The gunman appears crazy and David’s car was picked at random.

Things aren’t always as they appear.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Sympathy for the Devil is a fun ride.

Sympathy for the Devil (2023) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“The Smashing Machine” (2025) written & directed by Benny Safdie, starring Dwayne Johnson & Emily Blunt / Z-View

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The Smashing Machine (2025)

Director: Benny Safdie

Screenplay: Benny Safdie

Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader and Bas Rutten.

Tagline: The unforgettable true story of a UFC legend.

The Plot…

Mark Kerr was a high school state wrestling champion.  He was a NCAA Division I collegiate wrestling champion, a World Cup freestyle wrestling gold and silver medalist, and silver medalist in the Pan American Games.  Kerr was one of the first UFC fighters and a two-time UFC Heavyweight tournament champion.

This is his story.  Warts and all.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Bas Rutten, Kerr’s former coach and friend plays himself.

Dwayne Johnson is transformed into Mark Kerr.  The make-up is amazing.  Also Johnson gets to show real acting chops in his most “real” performance.

The Smashing Machine (2025) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Diabolique” (1955) directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot, starring Simone Signoret, Véra Clouzot, Paul Meurisse, and Charles Vanel / Z-View

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Diabolique (1955)

Director: Henri-Georges Clouzot

Screenplay: Henri-Georges Clouzot, Jérôme Géronimi, René Masson, Frédéric Grendel, based on  CELLE QUI N’éTAIT PLUS by Boileau-Narcejac

Stars: Simone Signoret, Véra Clouzot, Paul Meurisse, Charles Vanel

Tagline: Don’t Reveal the Ending!

The Plot…

Michel Delassalle is a cruel man.  Michel is the Principal of a boys’ boarding school owned by his wife, Christina.  Christina also works as a teacher at the school.  Michel enjoys flaunting his authority over his teachers including his wife.  He gets off on humiliating them at every opportunity.  To make matters worse, Michel has an on-going affair with Nicole Horner, another teacher at the school, who he also mistreats.

Surprisingly, Christina and Nicole have developed a friendship… and a plan.  They’ve devised the perfect albi so when they kill Michel, they will be above suspicion.

Or so they thought.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Alfred Hitchcock reportedly wanted the rights to the original novel but was beaten by just a few hours by Henri-Georges Clouzot who went on to direct Diabolique.

Véra Clouzot died suddenly of a heart attack five years after the release of Diabolique.  She was only 46. Her character in the film suffered from a weak heart.

Diabolique was ahead of it’s time.  It inspired filmmakers from William Castle to Alfred Hitchcock.  And what a twist ending!

Diabolique (1955) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Landman: Season 2” written by Taylor Sheridan, directed by Stephan Kay, starring Billy Bob Thorton, Demi Moore, Andy Garcia, Ali Carter and Sam Elliott / Z-View

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Landman: Season 2 (2026)

Created by: Taylor Sheridan, Christian Wallace

Director: Stephen Kay (Eps. 1-10)

Teleplay: Taylor Sheridan (Eps. 1-10)

Stars: Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, Jacob Lofland, Michelle Randolph, Paulina Chavez, Kayla Wallace, Mark Collie, James Jordan, Demi Moore, Andy Garcia, Sam Elliott, Colm Feore, Mustafa Speaks, Dougie Hall, K.C. Clyde, Stefania Spampinato, Guy Burnet and Francesca Xuereb.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Tommy Norris (Thorton) oversees the day-to-day operations for the M-Tex oil company.  It’s Tommy’s job to make sure everything runs smoothly and the company makes money.

Monty Miller owned M-Tex.  Since his death it’s become clear that although he was a billionaire (on paper), his dealings behind the scenes have the company on the precipice of losing everything.  With Monty dead, his wife Cami, who has no experience in business, is owner of M-Tex.  Tommy encourages Cami to sell the company.  The sale would bring Cami generational wealth.  Tami is set on moving forward with a drill that has a 10% chance of success.  If they strike oil, the money earned would be exponentially more than selling the business.  But if the drill doesn’t produce, Cami would lose everything.

In order to finance the new drill, Cami goes to Danny “Gallino” Morrell.  Morrell is a financier on the surface, but behind the scenes runs a drug cartel.  Cami ignored Tommy’s warnings about Morrell.  Morrell also has his hooks in Tommy’s son’s wildcat wells.

To complicate matters, Tommy’s 80 year old father has come to live with him and his daughter is about to leave for college.  Tommy cannot catch a break.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Taylor Sheridan, the show’s creator, returns to write all ten episodes of season two.

Stephen Kay, who directed six of the ten episodes in season one, returns to direct all ten in season two. Kay is known for directing episodes of The Shield, Sons of Anarchy, The Punisher, Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown, Lioness, 1883, 1923 and one of my favorite films, Get Carter (2000).

The casting from the biggest to the smallest roles is on point.  Standouts include:

  • Billy Bob Thorton was born to play Tommy Norris.  Thorton is an excellent actor, and I’ve loved him in several roles.  This may be my favorite.
  • Ali Larter is excellent in a role that I love to dislike.
  • Michelle Randolph plays Elizabeth Strafford in 1923.  What a different character than the one she plays in Landman.  She’s excellent in both.  I guess that’s why they call it acting.
  • Jacob Lofland is more than holding his own.  I’ve seen Lofland before in Mud and Justified, but in Landman he shines.
  • Paulina Chavez continues to shine.
  • Kayla Wallace owns her role as the lawyer who goes for the throat in every interaction.  This season we also get to see another side of her.
  • James Jordan is fun to watch.  He has a supporting role in this and Lioness.  He helps make both shows so good.
  • Colm Feore – I’ve loved him in every scene he’s in.  Great addition to the show.
  • Andy García – projects the right combination of charm and menace.
  • Demi Moore – is perfect.
  • Mustafa Speaks – plays Theodore “Boss” Ramone, the lead oil crewman on Cooper’s second crew.  I’d love to see more of this character.
  • Francesca Xuereb – plays Cheyenne, a stripper turned physical therapist Tommy hires to help his dad.  I’ve never seen Xuereb before, but she’s one to keep an eye on.

Landman: Season 2 gets my highest recommendation.

Landman: Season 2 (2026) rates 5 of 5 stars.

NOVEMBER ROAD by Lou Berney / Z-View

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NOVEMBER ROAD by Lou Berney

First sentences…

Behold!  The Big Easy in all its wicked splendor!

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Frank Guidry is living the life he could only imagine as a boy.  Guidry’s charm, smarts and ruthlessness made him a valuable asset to New Orleans’ mob boss Carlos Marcello.  Now Guidry is a fixer for Marcello.  This comes with benefits.  Guidry’s a known man in New Orleans. He gets the best seats at restaurants. He’s respected.  Women are attracted to him.  Even Seraphine, Marcello’s right hand and brains of the outfit fell for Guidry’s charms. Guidry believes he’ll rise even higher in Marcello’s organization.

Then President Kennedy is assassinated in Dallas.

Within hours of Kennedy’s murder, associates of Carlos Marcello start turning up dead.  No way it is a coincidence.  Guidry is worried.  Marcello had Guidry drive a car to Dallas before the assassination.  It was a strange request.  Guidry didn’t think much of it at the time.  But now he’s concerned.  Was it used as the getaway car after the assassination?  If so, Guidry is one of the few people who can tie Carlos Marcello to the President’s murder.  That means Guidry is marked for death.

Maybe he’s reading too much into the errand.

Then Seraphine tells Guidry he needs to return to Dallas to “get rid” of the car.  Seraphine also wants to know the hotel that Guidry is going to use.  Now there is no doubt.  Guidry is sure he’s next on the hit list.  His only chance is to run.

If Guidry can make it to Las Vegas, a contact who hates Marcello will help him escape. Getting to Vegas quick and gone is the plan.  But when Guidry sees a woman and two little girls beside a broken down car, he stops to assist.  Charlotte is heading to California with her two girls to start a new life.  Her car engine is beyond repair.  Guidry realizes that the hitmen sent after him won’t be looking for a man with a woman and two kids.  Guidry offers to take them along if they’ll accompany him to Vegas.  There he promises to help her get a car for the rest of her trip.

Although hesitant at first, Charlotte agrees.  Guidry realizes that Marcello and the killers he sends will think Guidry is racing to Vegas.  If he slows down, they may think he got away.  Then he can slip into Vegas with Charlotte and her kids and his escape will be complete.

There are two things Guidry didn’t count on.  One: He and Charlotte falling in love.  Two: The killer Marcello sent is Barone.  Barone is a ruthless, intelligent, killing machine.  Barone never quits until he’s target is hit.

+++

I loved NOVEMBER ROAD.  At the start of the tale Guidry isn’t sure if he’s been set up or not.  If he has, he needs to run.  But if he hasn’t been set up and he runs, that will surely mark him for execution.  We also see right away that Guidry is all about self-preservation.  Will that change with Charlotte and her girls?

The time on the road for both Guidry and the killer provides for interesting situations for both.  The tension builds as bodies pile up and the killer closes in.

NOVEMBER ROAD has an ending that surprises and satisfies.

Rating:

“Rocky IV” 40th Anniversary Alt Poster by Sahin Düzgün!

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How cool is this alt Rocky IV 40th Anniversary poster created by Sahin Düzgün? Very cool is the correct answer.  Sahin is a graphic designer, poster artist  and movie lover from Berlin, Germany.

Here is what Sahin had to say about his design: Forty years later, the spirit of Rocky IV still hits like a punch to the chest — the snow, the sweat, the cold determination. It’s that relentless 80s intensity mixed with raw emotion, a clash of worlds, and a reminder of how powerful a simple underdog drive can be.

Rocky: Going in one more round when you don’t think you can – that’s what makes all the difference in your life.

“The Convert” (2023) directed by Lee Tamahori, starring Guy Pearce / Z-View

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The Convert (2023)

Director: Lee Tamahori

Screenplay: Shane Danielsen, Lee Tamahori; story by Michael Bennett; based on WULF by Hamish Clayton

Stars: Guy Pearce, Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne, Antonio Te Maioha, Jacqueline McKenzie, Lawrence Makoare, Dean O’Gorman and Duane Evans Jr. 

Tagline: A fight for peace. A heart at war.

The Plot…

1830s.  Thomas Munro, a British preacher is sent to New Zealand to spread the word.  When Munro arrives he finds  two Māori tribes at war.  Munro realizes the British traders are profiting from the tribe’s war.  When Munro’s efforts to bring peace are rejected, he finds himself taking sides.  Munro’s faith is tested as he reverts to the violent man he was in the past.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Guy Pearce is always solid.

It was cool to see how the title plays into the story.

The Convert (2023) rates 3 of 5 stars.