“Schlock! The Secret History of American Movies” (2001) / Z-View

Posted on by

Schlock! The Secret History of American Movies (2001)

Director: Ray Greene

Screenplay: Ray Greene

Stars: Ray Greene, Roger Corman, Maila Nurmi, Dick Miller, Samuel Z. Arkoff, Forrest J. Ackerman and Peter Bogdanovich.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Movies that qualify as “schlock” are low-budget, genre films that usually focus on horror, sex and/or violence.  These films were made quickly and usually the second feature on a double bill or drive-in fare.  Schlock! The Secret History of American Movies explores (as the title suggests) the history of these types of movies.  It’s an interesting topic to see how these movies changed over time and influenced popular culture.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

If you have any interest in schlock cinema, this one is for you.

Schlock! The Secret History of American Movies (2001) rates 5 of 5 stars.

EERIE Archives Volume 7 featuring Tom Sutton, Ken Kelly, Richard Corben, Doug Moench, Basil Gogos, Carlos Garzon, Nicola Cuti & more!

Posted on by

EERIE Archives Volume 7 will be released on September 24, 2024.  If you wonder what the 288 pages will contain, here’s the lowdown…

Take a ride on the river Styx with your jovial boatman Cousin Eerie in the panic-packed Eerie Archives Volume 7, now in a value-priced paperback edition.

Remove the pennies from your eyes long enough to take in the dastardly dramas from creators Tom Sutton, Ken Kelly, Richard Corben, Doug Moench, Basil Gogos, Carlos Garzon, Nicola Cuti, and more. Also includes an illustrated foreword by comics creator Guy Davis and the first US appearance of comic great Esteban Maroto!

Collects Eerie magazine issues #32–#36.

  Deal me in.  Pre-Orders are available now.

“Docks of New Orleans” (1948) starring Roland Winters, Virginia Dale & Mantan Moreland / Z-View

Posted on by

Docks of New Orleans (1948)

Director: Derwin Abrahams

Screenplay: William Scott Darling based on Charlie Chan by Earl Derr Biggers

Stars: Roland Winters, Virginia Dale, Mantan Moreland, John Gallaudet, Victor Sen Yung, Douglas Fowley, Stanley Andrews, Emmett Vogan and Rory Mallinson.

Tagline:  None.

The Plot…

The owners of the LaFontaine Chemical Company are shipping out a boatload of a secret cargo.  This is going to make them a, pardon the expression, a “boatload” of money.  They decide to sign an agreement that if one (or more) of them were to die, the money would be spent by the survivors.

No sooner done, then one of them is murdered.  How this was done is a mystery.  No signs of death and the victim was alone in a room that no one entered.

Thankfully Charlie Chan has been called in.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Mantan Mooreland gets more to do in this one.  This includes Mooreland’s famous “Indefinite Talk” routine.

Docks of New Orleans (1948) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Wolf Totem” by The Hu Band!

Posted on by

I don’t often post about music.  When I do, it is usually in reference to an “oldies” artist or song.  So, what are the odds that I’d post about a modern band from Mongolia that has a harder edge than I normally prefer?

I’ve watched The Hu’s video Wolf Totem video several times since I first saw it yesterday.  I love the fact that the band leans into their Mongolian heritage.  I’d like to see what the video’s director could do with a feature film.

Wolf Totem by The Hu Band.

“Hitchcock” (2012) starring Anthony Hopkins & Helen Mirren / Z-View

Posted on by

Hitchcock (2012)

Director: Sacha Gervasi

Screenplay: John J. McLaughlin; based on ALFRED HITCHCOCK AND THE MAKING OF PSYCHO by Stephen Rebello

Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson, Danny Huston, Toni Collette, Michael Stuhlbarg, Michael Wincott, Jessica Biel, James D’Arcy, Richard Portnow, Kurtwood Smith, Kai Lennox, Tara Summers, Wallace Langham, Paul Schackman, Currie Graham, Spencer Garrett  and Ralph Macchio.

Tagline: Behind every Psycho is a great woman.

The Plot…

Alfred Hitchcock coming off the success of North by Northwest is looking for a new project.  The studios have offered high profile projects, but Hitch has his sights on adapting Robert Bloch’s novel PSYCHO.  The studio is against the idea.  Hitch is determined to make the film even if he has to finance it himself.

He does. The studio is offering little support. So Hitchcock risks everything to see the project through.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Hitchcock was nominated for one Academy Award…

  • Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling – Howard Berger, Peter Montagna, Martin Samuel

The scenes of Hitchcock’s office on the Paramount lot were shot in Alfred Hitchcock’s actual office!

Michael Wincott is excellent in the role of Ed Gein, the real life murderer that inspired Robert Bloch to write PSYCHO.

Hitchcock (2012) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Grotesquerie” starring Niecy Nash-Betts, Courtney B. Vance, Lesley Manville, and Travis Kelce – The Teaser is Here!

Posted on by

Here’s the teaser for Grotesquerie starring Niecy Nash-Betts, Courtney B. Vance, Lesley Manville, and Travis Kelce.  I plan to check it out.

In FX’s Grotesquerie, a series of heinous crimes have unsettled a small community. Detective Lois Tryon feels these crimes are eerily personal, as if someone—or something—is taunting her. With no leads and unsure of where to turn, she accepts the help of Sister Megan. However, they find themselves ensnared in a sinister web that only seems to raise more questions than answers.

Fear the worst. FX’s GROTESQUERIE. OFFICIAL TEASER. 9.25 on FX. Stream on Hulu. Starring Niecy Nash-Betts, Courtney B. Vance, Lesley Manville, and Travis Kelce.

“Tulsa King” – The Season Two Trailer is Here!

Posted on by

I cannot wait!

In season two, Dwight (Stallone) and his crew continue to build up and defend their growing empire in Tulsa but, just as they get their bearings, they realize that they’re not the only ones who want to stake their claim. With looming threats from the Kansas City mob and a very powerful local businessman, Dwight struggles to keep his family and crew safe while keeping track of all his affairs. Plus, he still has unfinished business back in New York. TULSA KING’s Second Season Premieres on Sunday, Sep. 15

“Mayor of Kingstown”: Season 3 (2024) starring Jeremy Renner / Z-View

Posted on by

Mayor of Kingstown: Season 3 (2024)

Created by: Taylor Sheridan, Hugh Dillon

Director: Christoph Schrewe (Eps. 1-2, 9-10); Nina Lopez-Corrado (Eps. 3-4); Paul Cameron  (Ep. 5-6); Guy Ferland (7-8)

Teleplay: Dave Erickson (Ep. 1-10); Regina Corrado (Ep. 2); Wendy Riss (Ep. 3); Aalia Brown (Ep. 4); Christian Donovan (Ep. 5); James Arcega Tinsley (Ep. 6); Wendy Riss & Molly Forman (Ep. 7); ; Regina Corrado & Dave Erickson (Ep. 10)

Stars: Jeremy Renner, Hugh Dillon, Tobi Bamtefa, Taylor Handley, Emma Laird, Derek Webster, Hamish Allan-Headley, Michael Beach, Yorick van Wageningen, Nichole Galicia, Necar Zadegan, Lane Garrison, Mark Ivanir, Denny Love, Derek Basco, Gratiela Brancusi, Richard Brake, Paula Malcomson, Nona Parker Johnson, Dylan Kenin, Rob Kirkland, Matthew Del Negro and Kenny Johnson.

Tagline: You can’t bury the past.

The Plot…

The prison riot left gangs without leadership.  As they battle to determine their status, a Russian mob moves into town.  Each gang jockeys to get Mike to assist their rise to the top.  Mike and Bunny’s relationship is pushed to the breaking point.  As the body count rises, Mike comes up with a plan…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Mayor of Kingstown continues to be well written, well directed, well acted with production values that rival those of feature films.

Jeremy Renner is perfect as the no-nonsense Mike McClusky.  Other standouts in the acting department include Hugh Dillon, Emma Laird, Nichole Galicia, Tobi Bamtefa and Hamish Allan-Headley.  Actually, I should probably list every supporting actor/actress because they are all perfectly cast.

The surprises, twists and ever building tension make each episode must-see tv.  I hope we get a season four.

Mayor of Kingstown: Season 3 (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Red Light” (1949) starring George Raft & Virginia Mayo / Z-View

Posted on by

Red Light (1949)

Director: Roy Del Ruth

Screenplay: George Callahan, Charles Grayson (additional dialogue); based on the story “This Guy Gideon” by Don “Red” Barry

Stars: George Raft, Virginia Mayo, Gene Lockhart, Raymond Burr, Harry Morgan, Barton MacLane, Arthur Franz, Ken Murray, Stanley Clements, Arthur Shields, Frank Orth, Phillip Pine, Leonard Bremen and William Frawley.

Tagline: The raw, ruthless story of a strong-arm guy…and the blonde he used to bait his deadly trap!

The Plot…

John Torno (Raft) is a successful business man.  John’s younger brother, Jess (Franz) is a Catholic Chaplin just brought home from a World War II prisoner of war camp.  John idolizes Jess who he raised.  He’s a war hero who has dedicated his life to helping others.

So when Jess is murdered, John makes it his life’s mission to find the killer.  And get revenge.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Raymond Burr made an excellent heavy in this and other films early in his career.

Red Light (1949) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“The Old Man: Season 2” starring Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

Posted on by

I enjoyed the first season of The Old Man and am looking forward to the second.  Check out the teaser and trailer below.  Oh, and how about the cool season two poster?

The stakes couldn’t get any higher. Don’t miss the two-episode premiere of FX’s The Old Man, 9.12 on FX. Stream on Hulu.

In FX’s The Old Man Season 2, former CIA agent “Dan Chase” (Jeff Bridges) and former FBI Assistant Director “Harold Harper” (John Lithgow) set off to recover “Emily Chase” (Alia Shawkat) after she is kidnapped. As the stakes rise and secrets are uncovered, Emily finds herself in an identity crisis with dire implications, and “Zoe McDonald” (Amy Brenneman) makes surprising moves into Chase’s world.

Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow are back. FX’s The Old Man OFFICIAL TRAILER. 9.12 on FX. Stream on Hulu.

“Trigger Point” (2021) starring Barry Pepper & Colm Feore / Z-View

Posted on by

Trigger Point (2021)

Director: Brad Turner

Screenplay: Michael Vickerman

Stars: Barry Pepper, Colm Feore, Eve Harlow, Carlo Rota, Jayne Eastwood, Nazneen Contractor, Laura Vandervoort, Karen Robinson, Greg Bryk and Rainbow Sun Francks.

Tagline: Everyone breaks.

The Plot…

Nicolas Shaw (Pepper) used to be a US special agent.  He was part of a special team that targeted the worst and took them out by any means.  Then Shaw was captured and tortured.  During his abuse, Shaw finally gave up the names of others on his squad.  He was then framed for their murders.

So Shaw went into hiding.  He lived a quiet in a remote location.  Shaw thought he was safe until, Elias Kane (Feore), his former boss, showed up.  Kane’s daughter was kidnapped and Kane needs Shaw’s help.

Shaw has no choice…but can Kane be trusted?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

After seeing (and loving) Barry Pepper in Bring Him to Me, I had high hopes for Trigger Point.  What a letdown.  To make things even worse, it ends setting up a sequel.  Bah!

Trigger Point (2021) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Bram Stoker’s Dracula” (1992) directed by Francis Ford Coppola, starring Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins & Keanu Reeves / Z-View

Posted on by

Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

Screenplay: James V. Hart, based on DRACULA by Bram Stoker

Stars: Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins, Keanu Reeves, Richard E. Grant, Billy Campbell, Sadie Frost, Tom Waits, Monica Bellucci, Jay Robinson, Laurie Franks and Cary Elwes.

Tagline: Love Never Dies

The Plot…

1462.  When Vlad Dracula (Oldman) returns from a victorious war campaign, he learns that his defeated enemies sent messages that they had killed Dracula in battle.  His wife Elisabeta became so distraught that she committed suicide.

Vlad Dracula is beside himself.  How could God let this happen?  A Priest tells Dracula that Elisabeta committed a cardinal sin by killing herself.  Her soul will be damned to hell.  Dracula loses it.  He renounces his Christian God and vows to use the powers of darkness to avenge her!  Dracula drives his sword into the chapel’s huge crucifix. When blood begins flowing from the cross, Dracula drinks it.

Four hundred years pass. Feeling the need to leave his homeland, Dracula has settled on London as his new home.  When Dracula sees a photograph of Mina Harker, he is convinced she is the reincarnation of Elisabeta.

Dracula will have her at all costs.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Bram Stoker’s Dracula was nominated for four Academy Awards and won three…

  • nominee Best Art Direction-Set Decoration: Thomas E. Sanders, Garrett Lewis
  • winner Best Costume Design – Eiko Ishioka
  • winner Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing – Tom C. McCarthy, David E. Stone
  • winner Best Makeup – Greg Cannom, Michèle Burke, Matthew W. Mungle

Francis Ford Coppola was determined to use only effects available when movies first started (since this was the time period of most of this movie).  He used no CGI.  Coppola made use of forced perspective, rear projection, miniatures, matte paintings and more.  For instance, to create a sense of increasing claustrophobia, he gradually had the walls move in during a scene.  For some vampire scenes the film was run in reverse to make their movements seem off.  One of my favorite of Coppola’s effects is how Dracula’s shadow moves independently of him!

Liam Neeson wanted the role of Van Helsing, but Anthony Hopkins was riding a popularity wave after Silence of the Lambs, so it went to him.  Steve Buscemi turned down the role of Renfield.  Tom Waits was a perfect choice.

Actors who auditioned for the part of Dracula include: Armand Assante, Gabriel Byrne, Antonio Banderas, Viggo Mortensen and Andy Garcia.  Of that group I’d have given the nod to Assante or Banderas.

Coppola wanted Johnny Depp to play Jonathan Harker.  Charlie Sheen auditioned for the role.  The studio wanted an actor more popular with young girls.  Keanu Reeves was awarded the part.

I’m a fan of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.  I love that Coppola swung for the fences.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) rates 4 of 5 stars.