The Punisher by Mike Zeck!
The Punisher by Mike Zeck.
“The Carry-On” (2024) starring Taron Egerton, Sofia Carson, Dannielle Deadwyler and Jason Batemen / Z-View
The Carry-On (2024)
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Screenplay: T.J. Fixman
Stars: Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, Logan Marshall-Green, Dean Norris, Sinqua Walls, Curtiss Cook, Joe Williamson, Gil Perez-Abraham, Benito Martinez, Adam Stephenson and Theo Rossi.
Tagline: Every holiday season, millions travel safely by air. This Christmas will be different.
The Plot…
Christmas Eve. Ethan Kopek (Egerton) and his girlfriend Nora (Carson) just found out they’re going to have a baby. They plan to marry. Nora is in management for an airline. Ethan is a TSA agent at the same airport. Life is good.
Ethan and Nora arrive at the airport full of travelers. They kiss and head to their jobs. Ethan talks to his supervisor about a promotion. Ethan’s boss is open to the suggestion. He moves Ethan to a new position — running a baggage-scanning lane. Things are hectic but going well… until Ethan is given an earbud that he’s told to wear.
Ethan hears a voice telling him that him being moved to the new position is unfortunate. Ethan has a choice, let a specific carry-on case pass through or Nora will be killed. Ethan is shocked. How can they know about Nora so quickly? The voice says that Ethan and Nora are being watched. Any attempt to contact the authorities or anyone and Nora dies. The voice tells Ethan, “all you have to do is nothing.”
Ethan quickly learns that they are watching his every move. When Ethan gets a message to one of his co-workers, the man is killed before he can read it. Ethan realizes he is in way over his head.
If he doesn’t do as told, Nora dies. If he allows the carry-on through, an airplane full of Christmas travelers will die.
The clock is ticking.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The Carry-On is an intelligent thriller that is well directed and well cast.
Kudos to writer T.J. Fixman for creating an action picture that doesn’t depend on anyone (hero or villain) doing something stupid for the film to work. This is T.J. Fixman’s first live action script. I look forward to his next.
Taron Egerton and Jason Bateman make great adversaries. Kudos also to Danielle Deadwyler and Theo Rossi – they elevate every scene they’re in. It was nice seeing Dean (Breaking Bad) Norris and Benito (The Shield) Martinez is supporting roles.
The Carry-On is surprisingly good.
The Carry-On (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.
“Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” starring Gerard Butler & O’Shea Jackson – The Final Trailer is Here!
The Den of Thieves 2 final trailer is here.
Deal me in.
Gerard Butler (Plane, Has Fallen series) and O’Shea Jackson Jr. (Straight Outta Compton, Godzilla: King of the Monsters) return in the sequel to 2018’s action-heist hit Den of Thieves.
In DEN OF THIEVES: PANTERA, Big Nick (Butler) is back on the hunt in Europe and closing in on Donnie (Jackson), who is embroiled in the treacherous and unpredictable world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia, as they plot a massive heist of the world’s largest diamond exchange.
Scariest Witch I’ve Ever Seen by Bernie Wrightson!
This witch by Bernie Wrightson may be the scariest I’ve ever seen.
“The Woman in the Window” (1944) directed by Fritz Lang, starring Edward G. Robinson, Joan Bennett, Raymond Massey and Dan Duryea / Z-View
The Woman in the Window (1944)
Director: Fritz Lang
Screenplay: Nunnally Johnson based on ONCE OFF GUARD by J. H. Wallis
Stars: Edward G. Robinson, Joan Bennett, Raymond Massey, Dan Duryea, Edmund Breon, Thomas E. Jackson, Dorothy Peterson, Arthur Loft, Iris Adrian, George “Spanky” McFarland and Robert Blake.
Tagline: It was the look in her eyes that made him think of murder.
The Plot…
Richard Wanley is a mild-mannered, middle-aged college professor. While his wife and kids are away, Wanley decides to meet some friends at a club. In the store window next to the club is a large painting of a beautiful woman. Wanley stops to admire it before heading into the club.
During a conversation with his friends, the painting is brought up. All of the men agree that the woman is beautiful. At the end of the evening as Wanley leaves the club, he decides to look at the painting one more time. The woman IS beautiful. Wanley is surprised to see a woman watching him stare at the portrait. He is even more surprised to see it is the woman from the painting. Her name is Alice Reed (Bennett).
Wanley and Alice engage in small talk. She invites Wanley to her place for a nightcap. Wanley agrees. As they are talking, a man bursts into the room. The intruder is Alice’s lover who believes Alice is cheating. The man attacks Wanley. In the struggle Wanley kills the man in self-defense.
Wanley and Alice decide the best thing is to dispose of the body and act like nothing ever happened. Of course neither Wanley nor Alice are professional criminals. They make mistakes and leave behind clues. As the police begin to close in, a crooked ex-cop sees an opportunity for blackmail.
Wanley has no idea how to escape this nightmare.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The Woman in the Window was nominated for one Academy Award: Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture – Hugo Friedhofer, Arthur Lange
Director Fritz Lang and three of his stars (Edward G. Robinson, Dan Duryea, and Joan Bennett) from The Woman in the Window reteamed in Lang’s next film: Scarlet Street.
George Spanky McFarland and Robert Blake (both former child stars of the Our Gang series) have uncredited cameos. McFarland would not appear in another film until 1986’s The Aurora Encounter (which was his last film appearance).
The original film ending was very bleak. Director Fritz Lang came up with the new ending and the inventive way it was shot.
The Woman in the Window (1944) rates 5 of 5 stars.
“The Electric State” starring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt – The Poster and Trailer are Here!
The Electric State starring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt – The Poster and Trailer are Here!
Deal me in.
In the aftermath of the robot war, the only path forward is into THE ELECTRIC STATE.
Starring Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Stanley Tucci and directed by the Russo Brothers, only on Netflix MARCH 14.
Set in a retro-futuristic past, this blockbuster adventure from filmmakers Anthony and Joe Russo follows Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown), an orphaned teenager who traverses the American West in search of her younger brother. Joining her on the journey is a sweet but mysterious robot and an eccentric drifter (Chris Pratt). The film also stars Ke Huy Quan, Jason Alexander, Woody Norman, Giancarlo Esposito and Stanley Tucci. Woody Harrelson, Anthony Mackie, Brian Cox, Jenny Slate, Hank Azaria, Colman Domingo and Alan Tudyk join the cast in voice roles.
THE ELECTRIC STATE premieres globally on Netflix MARCH 14.
Bounty Hunter by Jeff Wamester!
I still love this vintage bounty hunter piece by Jeff Wamester. Would have loved to have seen a series with this character.
“Black Gravel” (1961) directed by Helmut Käutner / Z-View
Black Gravel (1961)
Director: Helmut Käutner
Screenplay: Helmut Käutner, Walter Ulbrich
Stars: Helmut Wildt, Ingmar Zeisberg, Wolfgang Büttner, Anita Höfer and Peter Nestler.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Post-World War II West Germany. The population struggles with shortages of jobs, and life’s necessities such as food, water and housing. The major source of revenue for the small village of Sohnen is the nearby American Air Force base. The soldiers spend their money on booze and broads. The black market flourishes.
Robert Neidhardt has always made his way on the outskirts of the law. Now he owns a huge truck and drives for Air Base construction projects. Neidhardt makes extra cash working with a group diverting black gravel from the construction sites to a private buyer.
One evening Neidhardt stops to assist (for a price) a couple stranded on the side of the road. The car belongs to American Air Force Major John Gaines. Neidhardt offers to tow the car into town for ten bucks. Major Gaines agrees. He and his wife get into Neidhardt’s truck. Neidhardt is shocked. The Major’s wife, Inge, is Neidhardt’s former lover. She left one day with no explanation.
The next morning Neidhardt calls on Inge. Although they are still attracted to each other, Inge wants no part of Neidhardt. She knows they’re bad for each other. But the attraction is too strong.
Soon Neidhardt’s affair, his illegal trucking activities, and the death of two young lovers will put his life at risk. Despite his best efforts, the noose is tightening…
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Black Gravel is extremely dark. It features adult themes. Black Gravel was edited and shown with a more upbeat ending during the initial release. In 2009, the film was restored to the version shown now. It’s hard hitting and not for everyone.
I’m surprised Black Gravel is better known among fans of noir.
Black Gravel (1961) rates 4 of 5 stars.
Kevin Matchstick by Matt Wagner!
Kevin Matchstick by Matt Wagner!
“Gunga Din” (1939) directed by George Stevens, starring Cary Grant, Joan Fontaine, Victor McLaglen, Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Sam Jaffe / Z-View
Gunga Din (1939)
Director: George Stevens
Screenplay: Joel Sayre, Fred Guiol; story by Ben Hecht, Charles MacArthur; based on Gunga Din from BARRACK ROOM BALLADS by Rudyard Kipling
Stars: Cary Grant, Joan Fontaine, Victor McLaglen, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Sam Jaffe, Eduardo Ciannelli, Montagu Love, Robert Coote, Abner Biberman and Lumsden Hare.
Tagline: Armies and elephants!…Love and laughter!…Breathless adventure inspired by Kipling’s heroic odyssey of fighting in India!…Astride its eye-staggering scenes, three lusty sons of the sword…reckless in love, ruthless in war and dauntless in peril!
The Plot…
In the 1880s, India’s Northwest frontier was dangerous in the best of times. When all contact is lost with the Tantrapur British outpost, a squad of 25 soldiers is sent to investigate. The colonel includes his three best men: Sergeant Archibald Cutter (Grant), Sergeant MacChesney (McLaglen) and Sergeant Ballantine (Fairbanks). The three are cutups, and discipline problems, but veterans that can be counted on when things go sideways. Also accompanying the squad is Gunga Din (Jaffe). Din is of low status regulated to carrying water or other such menial tasks. Din dreams of someday being a soldier.
The squad finds the outpost deserted. Before they can fix the telegraph, they are attacked. Although most of the team is wiped out, the three Sergeants, Gunga Din and a few others escape. They are shocked to learn that a murderous cult known as the Thuggee have returned. Thought to have been wiped out decades ago, the Thuggee have secretly been organizing.
The Thuggee plan to kill all nonbelievers. They are on the move.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Only Gone with the Wind earned more at the box office in 1939 than Gunga Din.
The giant gong used in the opening sequence was the same gong used in King Kong.
Gunga Din was the most expensive film RKO had produced up to that point. Even still it went over budget by a half a million dollars.
The Thuggees were an actual religious cult. They would gain the confidence of travelers. Later they would strangle the poor soul and steal their good. Thuggees were the inspiration for the word “thug”.
Gunga Din (1939) rates 5 of 5 stars.
“1923” Season 2 – The Trailer is Here!
The 1923 Season 2 trailer is here. Loved the first season.
Deal me in.
1923 season 2 premieres February 23, only on Paramount+.
“Warfare” directed by Ray Mendoza & Alex Garland – The Poster and Trailer are Here!
Warfare directed by Ray Mendoza & Alex Garland – The poster and trailer are here.
Deal me in.
Written and directed by Iraq War Veteran Ray Mendoza and Civil War’s Alex Garland, and starring D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Will Poulter, Cosmo Jarvis, Kit Connor, Finn Bennett, Taylor John Smith, Michael Gandolfini, Adain Bradley, Noah Centineo, Evan Holtzman, Henrique Zaga, with Joesph Quinn, and Charles Melton.
WARFARE – In Theaters 2025.
SCARECROW RETURNS by Matthew Reilly / Z-View
SCARECROW RETURNS by Matthew Reilly
First sentence…
The plane hurled down the airstrip, chased by furious machine-gun fire, before it lifted off with a stomach-lurching swoop and soared out over the vast expanse of Artic sea ice that stretched away to the north.
The Overview: Beware of Spoilers…
Dragon Island, located near the Artic circle, was a Russian possession. There the best Russian scientists conducted cutting-edge experiments with no guardrails. When Russia collapsed in 1991, so did the program. Since then only a skeleton crew of scientists have lived and worked there.
Until today.
Today, a terrorist group that calls themselves the Army of Thieves let it be known that they have control of the island. They have set in motion something that will literally burn the atmosphere above the USA, Russia and every country along that latitude/longitude. The only way to stop the process is with boots on the ground. Neither Russia nor the US has military ships/planes close enough.
There is one hope. Marine Captain Shane “Scarecrow” Schofield is on site about 100 miles north of Dragon Island. Schofield, a couple of marines and a few civilians have been testing extreme cold weather gear. They could get to the island before the deadline. Once there the odds would be overwhelmingly against their survival, let alone stopping the Army of Thieves.
When there is only one chance to save the world, you take it. Even if it’s a suicide mission.
+++++
Matthew Reilly is the king of page turning nonstop action. His villains are truly evil. Shane “Scarecrow” Schofield although outmanned and outgunned never gives up. Each cliffhanger will push you forward. Reilly shocks and surprises readers with outlandish situations and roller-coaster thrills.
Rating:
Marv by Stephen Segovia!
Marv from Frank Miller’s Sin City is one of my all-time favorite characters. I love seeing artists do their “take” on the big lug. Today we have Marv by Stephen Segovia.
“Flight of the Living Dead: Outbreak on a Plane” (2007) / Z-View
Flight of the Living Dead: Outbreak on a Plane (2007)
Director: Scott Thomas
Screenplay: Scott Thomas, Mark Onspaugh, Sidney Iwanter
Stars: David Chisum, Kristen Kerr, Kevin J. O’Connor, Richard Tyson, Todd Babcock, Derek Webster, Siena Goines, Mieko Hillman, Raymond J. Barry, Serah D’Laine, Brian Ames, Ashley Bashioum, Laura Cayouette, Dale Midkiff, Brian Thompson, Tucker Smallwood and Erick Avari.
Tagline: If it’s in your blood, you’re just plane dead!
The Plot…
The Concorde is full of passengers flying from LA to Paris. Also onboard in the cargo hold is an armed guard sitting by a refrigerated tank. The scientists responsible for the experiment in the hold are topside. These renegade researchers have created a virus that reanimates the dead. Once revived the corpses are stronger, faster and more durable. The idea was to create a super-soldier who could fight even after dead. The scientists succeeded with one drawback. Once the dead come back, they have an insatiable thirst for human blood.
What could go wrong.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Flight of the Living Dead: Outbreak on a Plane was originally titled Plane Dead. Both aren’t bad titles considering the film. I prefer the one they went with.
Flight of the Living Dead is a low budget fun ride that throws logic out the window (with some of the victims). I’ve never seen so many people firing guns, setting off explosions and starting fires on a plane. Also the air vents are large enough to easily crawl through. Even the airplane bathroom ones. If you’re willing to just sit back and go with the flow, Flight of the Living Dead might be for you.
Flight of the Living Dead: Outbreak on a Plane (2007) rates 2 of 5 stars.
