“Speak No Evil” (2024) starring James McAvoy / Z-View

Posted on by

Speak No Evil (2024)

Director:  James Watkins

Screenplay: James Watkins; based on Speak No Evil by Christian Tafdrup and Mads Tafdrup

Stars: James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy, Aisling Franciosi, Alix West Lefler and Dan Hough.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

The Daltons, Louise, Ben and their daughter Agnes are on vacation in Italy.  The family has gone through a rough patch and needed a break.  While there they meet Paddy, Ciara and their son Ant.

Ant and Agnes are both pretty shy, so their parents are happy to see how well the kids get along.  Ben and Paddy really hit it off as well.  The families end up spending time together.  When vacations are over and everyone is to return home, Paddy invites the Dalton’s to come visit any time.

Back at home things aren’t improving for the Dalton’s.  So when they get a postcard invite from Paddy, they decide to take the offer.  Louise isn’t big on the idea, but agrees because Ben really wants to go.

At Paddy and Ciara’s house, Louise gets vibes that things aren’t right.  She feels uneasy but says nothing.  As the weekend progresses, Louise and Ben realize coming was a mistake.

But it is too late.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Based on the 2022 Danish film of the same name.

James McAvoy is perfect as the alpha male. Mackenzie Davis is believable as the mother who slowly realizes the danger that her family is in. When she turns into mama bear it works.  She’s tough but not a superhero. Dan Hough (in his feature film debut) more than holds his own.

Speak No Evil is a fun ride.

Speak No Evil (2024) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“The Mask of Dimitrios” (1944) starring Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet and Zachary Scott / Z-View

Posted on by

The Mask of Dimitrios (1944)

Director:  Jean Negulesco

Screenplay: Frank Gruber; based on THE MASK OF DIMITRIOS by Eric Ambler

Stars: Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet, Zachary Scott, Steven Geray, Eduardo Ciannelli, Kurt Katch, John Abbott, Monte Blue, David Hoffman and Vince Barnett.

Tagline: Thrilling successor to “The Maltese Falcon”

The Plot…

Cornelius Leyden, a mystery writer, is spending a night in Istanbul.  Leyden meets Colonel Haki, a Turkish police offical.  Haki is a fan of Leyden’s books.  Haki shares the story of Dimitrios Makropoulos, a famous international criminal who was recently found murdered.  Leyden is intrigued.  Colonel Haki allows Leyden to see Makropoulos’ corpse.  Haki also gives Leyden background info on the dead man.

Leyden decides to interview those who knew Dimitrios Makropoulos and perhaps write a book about the criminal mastermind.  As Leyden digs deeper he learns just how cunning and brutal Dimitrios Makropoulos was.

Maybe cunning enough to fake his own death.  Maybe cunning enough to kill anyone looking into his life.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Peter Lorre had the most screen time of anyone in the film.  Yet, he was given fourth billing.  Lorre was listed behind Sydney Greenstreet, Zachary Scott (in his first feature film) and Faye Emmerson (who had a small role).  Lorre felt that his lowered status was because Jack L. Warner (one of the studio heads) was not a fan.

Orson Welles played Colonel Haki in Journey into Fear.

The Mask of Dimitrios (1944) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” (2024) directed by Tim Burton, starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Willem Dafoe & Monica Bellucci / Z-View

Posted on by

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)

Director:  Tim Burton

Screenplay: Alfred Gough, Miles Millar; story by Alfred Gough, Miles Millar, Seth Grahame-Smith based on characters by Michael McDowell, Larry Wilson

Stars: Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Willem Dafoe, Monica Bellucci, Arthur Conti, Santiago Cabrera, Burn Gorman  and Danny DeVito.

Tagline: The ghost with the most is back.

The Plot…

Thirtysix years ago Betelgeuse, a vulgar, prankster ghost attempted to marry a teenager named Lydia Deetz.  Although unsuccessful, Betelgeuse hasn’t given up.  Confined to the underworld, he still has hopes to escape.

Lydia and her mother struggle to have a healthy relationship.  Lydia and her daughter, Astrid, don’t get along much better.  Astrid doesn’t believe her mom can see ghosts.

When Lydia, her mother and Astrid return to Winter River for a funeral things take a turn.  Astrid accidentally frees Betelgeuse.  Now he can finally force marriage to Lydia.  Meanwhile Betelgeuse’s first wife has “pulled herself together” and has plans for Betelgeuse (and anyone who gets in her way).  And don’t get me started on Astrid’s problems.

The juice is loose indeed.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

While not as fun as the original, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is still a fun ride.  The film is best when Keaton is on screen cutting up.  Jenna Ortega is an excellent choice to play Winona Ryder’s daughter.

My favorite scene was the MacArthur Park wedding scene.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“The Pitt” starring Noah Wyle – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

Posted on by

The poster and trailer for The Pitt, starring Noah Wyle is here!

I like the idea of a 15 hour limited series about 15 hours in a big city emergency room.

Deal me in.

In The Pitt, every hour counts.

#ThePitt, a new Max Original Series from John Wells, Executive Producer of ER and The West Wing, and starring Noah Wyle, premieres January 9 on Max.

“Carriers” (2009) starring Chris Pine, Piper Perabo, Lou Taylor Pucci and Emily VanCamp / Z-View

Posted on by

Carriers (2009)

Director:  Àlex Pastor, David Pastor

Screenplay: Àlex Pastor, David Pastor

Stars: Chris Pine, Piper Perabo, Lou Taylor Pucci, Emily VanCamp, Kiernan Shipka, Mark Moses, Josh Berry, Tim D. Janis, Dylan Kenin and Christopher Meloni.

Tagline: The rules are simple. You break them, you die…

The Plot…

A highly contagious virus has wiped out most of the human race.  Brian, his girlfriend Bobby, along with his brother Danny and Danny’s friend Kate have joined for a trip.  They hope to make their way to a remote beach house that they know will be empty.  Once there the four plan to enjoy the beach and wait until the virus dies out.  Or a cure is found.

Getting there will be dangerous.  Breathing the air or contact with an infected person means sure death.  Uninfected  people are just as dangerous.  Food, water and gasoline is scare.

Not everyone will survive.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I liked that Carriers had a virus that didn’t turn people into zombies.  THAT was a different angle from most movies.

Carriers was filmed in 2006, but the studio held it from release.  Then when Chris Pine hit big with Star Trek, it was released.  Pine ended up getting top billing, even though Lou Taylor Pucci’s character was the first lead.

Christopher Meloni (who plays the father of an infected child) and Mark Moses (who plays a doctor who has lost all hope) have characters/scenes that will stay with you.

I saw Carriers when it was first released and again yesterday.  I liked it better the second time.  I wanted more action on my first viewing.  The second time, I realized that Carriers should be seen as more of a psychological thriller.

Carriers (2009) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Alarum” starring Scott Eastwood, Sylvester Stallone, Willa Fitzgerald and Mike Colter – The Poster & Trailer are Here!

Posted on by

Alarum starring Scott Eastwood, Sylvester Stallone, Willa Fitzgerald and Mike Colter.  The poster and trailer are here.

Deal me in.

Alarum – Watch the trailer now! In Theaters, On Digital and On Demand January 17. Starring Scott Eastwood, Sylvester Stallone, Willa Fitzgerald and Mike Colter

Academy Award® nominee* Sylvester Stallone, Scott Eastwood, Mike Colter, and Willa Fitzgerald star in this explosive action-thriller about two married spies caught in the crosshairs of an international intelligence network that will stop at nothing to obtain a critical asset. Joe (Eastwood) and Lara (Fitzgerald) are agents living off the grid whose quiet retreat at a winter resort is blown to shreds when members of the old guard suspect the two may have joined an elite team of rogue spies, known as ALARUM.

“Caddo Lake” (2024) written and directed by Celine Held & Logan George / Z-View

Posted on by

Caddo Lake (2024)

Director:  Celine Held, Logan George

Screenplay: Celine Held, Logan George

Stars: Dylan O’Brien, Eliza Scanlen, Lauren Ambrose, Eric Lange, David Maldonado and Gina Limbrick.

Tagline: Find your way back.

The Plot…

Strange things happen at Caddo Lake.

When a woman has a seizure, she drives off the Caddo Lake bridge.  Her son Paris is able to free himself, but not his mother.  She dies.  Paris lives with guilt.

Ellie’s family lives on Caddo Lake.  Ellie never forgave her mother for remarrying after her dad disappeared. Although Ellie loves her stepsister, Anna, Ellie’s relationship with her mother and stepfather is strained at best.

When Anna disappears somewhere on Lake Caddo, the police form search parties.  Paris joins in. Ellie as well.

In a remote area of Lake Caddo, mysteries unravel.  Paris and Ellie will learn answers to questions that have haunted them for years.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Lake Caddo is a real lake in Texas.

I appreciate that Lake Cadado respects the audience’s intelligence.  It takes time building the story and this adds to the payoff.

Caddo Lake (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“28 Years Later” – The Second Poster and First Full Trailer is Here!

Posted on by

The second poster and first trailer for 28 Years Later is here!

Danny Boyle and Alex Garland reunite for #28YearsLater – only in theatres 6.20.25.

Academy Award®-winning director Danny Boyle and Academy Award®-nominated writer Alex Garland reunite for 28 Years Later, a terrifying new story set in the world created by 28 Days Later. It’s been almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, and now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected. One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When one of the group leaves the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well.

Directed by:​​ Danny Boyle​​​
​Written by:​​​​ Alex Garland​​​
Produced by: ​​​​Andrew Macdonald, Peter Rice, ​​​​​Bernard Bellew, Danny Boyle, Alex Garland
Executive Producer:​​​ Cillian Murphy

Cast:​ Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams and Ralph Fiennes

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (2020)starring Viola Davis & Chadwick Boseman / Z-View

Posted on by

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)

Director:  George C. Wolfe

Screenplay: Ruben Santiago-Hudson; based on Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom by August Wilson

Stars: Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, Glynn Turman, Colman Domingo, Colman Domingo, Jeremy Shamos, Jonny Coyne, Taylour Paige, Joshua Harto and Quinn VanAntwerp.

Tagline: Everything Comes Out in the Blues.

The Plot…

In 1927, Ma Rainey is a radio sensation.  Her blues renditions are in demand.  Ma Rainey is in demand and is going to make the best of it.  Ma suffers no fools.  Although black in an age of Jim Crow, Ma Rainey defers to no one.

Ma Rainey has contracted to make a record for white producers.  Her regular band members show up early and begin getting ready.  As they warm up, Levee Green, the band’s trumpeter arrives.  Mel Sturdyvant, the white record producer is getting nervous since Ma isn’t there.  Levee sees an opportunity and talks to Mr. Sturdyvant about recording Leeve’s songs.  The rest of the band sees that as in insult to Ma.  Ma will not be happy if she learns Leeve is trying to undercut her.  She’ll be even more upset if she learns Leeve is putting the moves on Ma’s girl, Dussie Mae.

Finally Ma arrives.  When Ma sees that some of her requests for performing weren’t honored, she becomes irritated.  Mr. Sturdyvant and Ma begin to butt heads.  Ma says she won’t perform until she is satisfied.  Tensions rise.

Who would have thought that a simple recording session would lead to murder.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom was nominated for five Academy Awards and won two…

  • Nominee Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role: Chadwick Boseman
  • Nominee Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role: Viola Davis
  • Nominee Best Achievement in Production Design: Mark Ricker (production design), Karen O’Hara (set decoration), Diana Stoughton (set decoration)
  • Winner Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling: Sergio Lopez-Rivera, Mia Neal, Jamika Wilson
  • Winner Best Achievement in Costume Design: Ann Roth

Denzel Washington was one of the film’s producers and had mentored Chadwick Boseman since Boseman’s college days.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is Chadwick Boseman’s final film.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is a rare film where it all comes together.  A great screenplay, adapted from a superb play, with an excellent director leading a wonderful cast.  I’m surprised Viola Davis didn’t win the Oscar for Best Actress.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“The Last Ronin” – One Poster and Two Trailers are Here!

Posted on by

One poster and two trailers for The Last Ronin are here.  This one reminds me of a drive-in movie I’d want to see as a kid.

Deal me in.

(Not) distant future. As a result of climate change, which led to a global nuclear war, civilization is practically destroyed: lands are scorched, cities are destroyed. The equipment does not work; gasoline has long lost its properties. The main currency in this world is two cartridges: 9mm and 7.62 from the AK-47.

Haunted by the ghosts of the past, lone traveler Ronin wanders the postapocalyptic wastelands in search of his father’s killer. Over the years, he has been creating a map of the lawless world inhabited by tough survivors. Everywhere he goes, he encounters blood-thirsty head hunters and rogue gangs. One day Ronin meets a wayward teenage girl Maria who offers him a precious bounty for escorting her to her birthplace.