Marv by Brett Parson
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 Brett Parson.
Marv by Pablo De Bonis!
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 Pablo De Bonis.
Source: Nicolas Risso.
“L.A. Confidential” (1997) directed by Curtis Hanson, starring Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger & Danny DeVito / Z-View
L.A. Confidential (1997)
Director: Curtis Hanson
Screenplay: Brian Helgeland, Curtis Hanson based on L.A. CONFIDENTIAL by James Ellroy
Stars: Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger, James Cromwell, Danny DeVito, David Strathairn, Ron Rifkin, Matt McCoy, Paul Guilfoyle, Paolo Seganti, Elisabeth Granli, Sandra Taylor, Steve Rankin, Graham Beckel, Allan Graf, Symba Smith, Brenda Bakke and Simon Baker.
Tagline: Everything is suspect…everyone is for sale…and nothing is what it seems.
The Plot…
The year is 1953. Three L.A. detectives find themselves at odds when investigating a series of murders.
- Straight laced, by-the-book, Ed Exley (Pearce) is the son of a police legend. Exley’s father was killed in the line of duty. The murderer never caught.
- Jack Vincennes (Spacey) is most concerned with his role as technical advisor on a popular cop tv show. Vincennes makes additional cash by providing inside info on celebrity busts to the publisher of a sleazy gossip rag.
- Bud White (Crowe) isn’t above throwing a beat-down on criminals and is willing to cross certain lines to get justice.
When a police scandal known as Bloody Christmas, puts the reputation of the L.A. police force in jeopardy, Exley devises a solution. This gets Exley a promotion, but puts him at odds with most of the force. Then a multiple killing at a coffee house that includes one of the disgraced police officers is assigned to Exley. Evidence leads to three African-American ex-cons. A shootout ensues and Exley kills them in self-defense. Exley is cited for bravery and the case closed…
However inconsistences compel Exley to take a closer look. Were he, as well as the suspects, set up? The evidence points to police and political corruption. Still an outcast, despite his medal of valor, if Detective Exley refuses to back down, he will be the next targeted for murder.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
L.A. Confidential is based on the novel by James Ellroy.
L.A. Confidential was nominated for 9 Academy Awards and won two:
- Best Picture (nominee) – Arnon Milchan, Curtis Hanson, Michael G. Nathanson
- Best Actress in a Supporting Role (winner) – Kim Basinger
- Best Director – Curtis Hanson (nominee)
- Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published (winner) – Brian Helgeland, Curtis Hanson
- Best Cinematography (nominee) – Dante Spinotti
- Best Art Direction-Set Decoration (nominee) – Jeannine Oppewall (art director), Jay Hart (set decorator)
- Best Sound (nominee) – Andy Nelson, Anna Behlmer, Kirk Francis
- Best Film Editing (nominee) – Peter Honess
- Best Music, Original Dramatic Score (nominee) – Jerry Goldsmith
Kevin Spacey asked director Curtis Hanson who he would dream cast in the role of Jack Vincennes if the film had been shot in the 1950s. Hanson surprised him. Dean Martin, because of his slick, loose style and questionable character was his choice. (Although that choice surprised me as well, I like it! – Craig)
Simon Baker, perhaps best known for his television series The Mentalist, made his feature film debut in L.A. Confidential.
Kevin Spacey got top billing but had less screen time than the other two leads.
L.A. Confidential (1997) rates 5 of 5 stars.
“Midnight” (1934) aka “Call It Murder” (1947) featuring Humphrey Bogart
Midnight (1934) aka Call It Murder (1934)
Director: Chester Erskine
Screenplay: Chester Erskine
Stars: Humphrey Bogart, Sidney Fox, O.P. Heggie, Henry Hull, Margaret Wycherly, Richard Whorf and Granville Bates.
Tagline: One woman was to die at midnight!…another woman was to kill at the same hour…why?
The Plot…
On the night of a woman’s scheduled execution, the jury foreman is having trouble dealing with the verdict. Then something happens that brings the decision home.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Midnight was originally released in 1934. Humphrey Bogart was listed 8th in the credits. Then in 1947, after Bogart became a big star, the film was re-released with the title Call It Murder. Bogart was given a more prominent role in ads despite his small role.
Richard Whorf who plays Arthur Weldon, would continue acting, but also branch out into directing television and feature films.
Midnight aka Call It Murder (1934) rates 2 of 5 stars.
“Doomed to Die” (1940) starring Boris Karloff / Z-View
Doomed to Die (1940)
Director: William Nigh
Screenplay: Hugh Wiley, Ralph Gilbert Bettison, Michael Jacoby
Stars: Boris Karloff, Marjorie Reynolds, Grant Withers, Henry Brandon, Richard Loo, Melvin Lang and Dick Fleming.
Tagline: The master of crime cleans up the dirty game of murder!
The Plot…
Cyrus Wentworth (Lang) was dealing with the aftermath from the fire and sinking of one of his ships. Four hundred lives were lost. It’s not a good day. When William Stelling (Fleming) shows up, they can be heard arguing in Wentworth’s office. Stelling is the son of one of Wentworth’s competitors and his daughter’s fiancé.
Suddenly a gunshot rings out. Stelling is seen standing over Wentworth’s dead body. A gun lies near the body. Police arrive and arrest Stelling. It appears to be an open-and-shut case.
Then, the famous James Lee Wong (Karloff) is hired to determine the real killer.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The scenes of the burning ship were taken from newsreel footage of a real ocean liner that burned and sunk with tremendous loss of life.
This is Boris Karloff’s fifth (and last) outing as detective James Lee Wong.
Doomed to Die (1940) rates 2 of 5 stars.
“The Sphinx” (1933) starring Lionel Atwell / Z-View
The Sphinx (1933)
Director: Phil Rosen
Screenplay: Albert DeMond
Stars: Lionel Atwill, Paul Hurst, Lucien Prival, Ernie Adams, George ‘Gabby’ Hayes, Wilfred Lucas and Paul Fix.
Tagline: What was the sinister secret of the man who could speak only with his eyes……………?
The Plot…
The main suspect in a murder case is a mute. The only problem is that the witness at the scene of the crime heard him talking. Is he a killer or being framed?
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
For Lionel Atwell completists only.
The Sphinx (1933) rates 2 of 5 stars.
“Assault on Precinct 13” (1976) written & directed by John Carpenter, starring Austin Stoker & Darwin Joston / Z-View
Assault on Precinct 13 (1976)
Director: John Carpenter
Screenplay: John Carpenter
Stars: Austin Stoker, Darwin Joston, Laurie Zimmer, Martin West, Tony Burton, Charles Cyphers, Nancy Kyes, Henry Brandon, Frank Doubleday, John Carpenter and Kim Richards.
Tagline: A cop with a war on his hands. His enemy… an army of street killers. His only ally… a convicted murderer.
The Plot…
After members of Street Thunder, a gang who had stolen assault rifles, is ambushed by LA police officers, the gang is out for retribution.
Lieutenant Ethan Bishop’s (Stoker) first assignment is to take command of a Precinct house that is being closed down. There are only a couple of police officers and secretaries there. Then a prison transport bus pulls in. One of the prisoners is sick. They want to hold a few of the prisoners, one guilty of killing several men, in the jail cells. What should be a quiet night is turned upside down when a man comes running in. He witnessed gang members murder his little daughter and an ice cream salesman.
Now the Precinct house is under attack by the street gang. They’ve killed the two cops on duty. The phone lines have been cut and no one will be coming to the rescue. What chance do Lieutenant Bishop, two secretaries and two convicts have for survival?
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
John Carpenter originally titled the screenplay The Anderson Alamo. He later changed it to The Siege. No studio was interested in distributing the film until Turtle Releasing Organization. They changed the title to Assault on Precinct 13. The is a mistake since the police station attacked is Precinct 9, Division 13.
Assault on Precinct 13 was made on an ultra low budget. Carpenter wrote and directed from a script that he wrote in eight days. Carpenter also wrote the film’s score (in just three days). Using the pseudonym, John T. Chance (John Wayne’s character’s name in Rio Bravo), John Carpenter also served as the movie’s editor. The film was shot in less than a month. (Oh, and by the way, John Carpenter also plays one of the gang members killed trying to climb through a police station window.)
Darwin Joston, who is excellent as the killer Napoleon Wilson, was John Carpenter’s next door neighbor.
Charles Cyphers and Nancy Loomis would work with John Carpenter on his next film, Halloween.
Frank Doubleday, the actor who kills the ice cream man and little Kim Richards, would go on to appear as Romero in John Carpenter’s Escape from New York.
Assault on Precinct 13 hit me at a perfect time. It was one of the first films I discovered after getting a VCR back in 1980. I loved the movie then and still do. Your mileage may vary.
Assault on Precinct 13 (1976) rates 5 of 5 stars.
Apollo Creed is Coming from McFarlane Toys!
Apollo Creed is coming from McFarlane Toys! Here’s the lowdown…
- Incredibly detailed, highly decorated 6” scale figure based on the movie ROCKY (1976)
Accessories include an extra head, printed backdrop, environmental base, collectible art card and a secret bonus item
Also includes “VS” display piece to re-create your favorite ROCKY boxing contest or create your own ultimate dream match! It also can be used as an art card holder
APOLLO CREED as featured in the theatrical film ROCKY (1976) - Release date: May 8, 2024
Click here for more details or to pre-order!
Apollo Creed is also available the same day as Rocky!
Rocky Balboa is Coming from McFarlane Toys!
Rocky Balboa is coming from McFarlane Toys! Here’s the lowdown…
- Incredibly detailed, highly decorated 6” scale figure based on the movie ROCKY (1976)
- Accessories include an extra head, printed backdrop, environmental base, collectible art card and a secret bonus item
- Also includes “VS” display piece to re-create your favorite ROCKY boxing contest or create your own ultimate dream match! It also can be used as an art card holder
- ROCKY BALBOA as featured in the theatrical film ROCKY (1976)
- Release date: May 8, 2024
Click here for more details or to pre-order!
Apollo Creed is also available the same day as Rocky!
“The Monster Walks” (1932) / Z-View
The Monster Walks (1932)
Director: Frank R. Strayer
Screenplay: Robert Ellis
Stars: Mischa Auer, Rex Lease, Vera Reynolds and Willie Best.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Ruth Earlton (Reynolds) is called back to her childhood home. Her father has died and the will is going to read. Ruth and her fiancé, Ted (Lease) arrive on a dark, stormy night. Ted is introduced to Ruth’s wheelchair-bound Uncle, Mrs. Krug, the strange housekeeper, and her even stranger adult son Hanns. Oh, and let’s not forget the large ape caged in the basement.
Everyone learns that the estate has been left to Ruth… as long as she is alive. If she dies it goes to her uncle. Will Ruth make it through the night?
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Although posters for The Monster Walks features a huge ape, the movie uses a chimpanzee.
The Monster Walks has the right ingredients (creepy house with secret passageways, dark and stormy night, strange characters, a will leaving the money to one family member as long as they live, an ape) but the end result isn’t as good as could be expected.
The Monster Walks (1932) rates 2 of 5 stars.
Marv by Frank Cho!
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 Frank Cho. If you’re interested you can see a video of Frank Cho drawing Marv.
“30 Days of Night” (2007) starring Josh Harnett, Melissa George & Danny Huston / Z-View
30 Days of Night (2007)
Director: David Slade
Screenplay: Steve Niles, Stuart Beattie, Brian Nelson based on 30 Days of Night by Steve Niles & Ben Templesmith
Stars: Josh Hartnett, Melissa George, Danny Huston, Ben Foster, Mark Boone Junior, Elizabeth Hawthorne and Nathaniel Lees.
Tagline: They’re Coming!
The Plot…
The remote city of Barrow, Alaska, because of it’s location has a month of darkness once a year. Most of the city’s inhabitants leave. Those that stay have to live with “30 days of night”. This year they will also have to deal with a coven of vampires who have come to Barrow to feast!
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Steve Niles conceived 30 Days of Night as a graphic novel. Although he pitched the idea, there was no interest. Niles then reworked the idea and pitched 30 Days of Night as a movie. Again there was no interest. Niles put the idea on the back-burner until a discussion at IDW Publishing brought 30 Days of Night back from the, uh, dead. Niles and artist Ben Templesmith’s 30 Days of Night comic was a hit. This led to several movie studios showing interest in adapting 30 Days of Night.
A picture of Steve Niles can be seen in the attic hideout.
30 Days of Night does a great job of building suspense and ratcheting the tension as the vampires destroy Barlow’s ability to communicate with the outside world. Then we see vampire attacks to those on the outskirts of the city. The full-on attack of the city with the overhead shots of the mayhem is still a favorite scene.
Danny Huston is amazing as Marlow the leader of the vampire coven. Kudos also to Ben Foster.
30 Days of Night (2007) rates 4 of 5 stars.
“Mars Attacks” (1996) directed by Tim Burton / Z-View
Mars Attacks (1996)
Director: Tim Burton
Screenplay: Jonathan Gems, Tim Burton (uncredited) based on Topps Mars Attacks! trading cards
Stars: Jack Nicholson, Pierce Brosnan, Sarah Jessica Parker, Annette Bening, Glenn Close, Danny DeVito, Martin Short, Michael J. Fox, Rod Steiger, Lukas Haas, Natalie Portman, Jim Brown, Lisa Marie, Sylvia Sidney, Paul Winfield, Pam Grier, Jack Black, Joe Don Baker, Christina Applegate and Tom Jones.
Tagline: Nice planet. We’ll take it!
The Plot…
An armada of Martian ships have come to Earth. At the first meeting between the Martian and US Ambassador and accident makes the Martians think that they are under attack. The aliens then decide to take over the Earth.
Let the fun begin!
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Tim Burton directs an all-star cast.
Tim Burton pitched the idea by showing Warner Bros. the Mars Attacks! trading cards released in 1962. The cards featured art by Wally Wood and Norman Saunders. The card set told of a Martian invasion of Earth. Because the cards were aimed at the kiddie market, many parents felt that the violence was too graphic. This led to a limited distribution. The Mars Attacks! cards have become collector’s items. In the 1980s, Topps revisited the Mars Attacks! by re-releasing the card set, new Mars Attacks! cards and comic books.
Mars Attacks! marks Sylvia Sidney’s final film appearance.
Although Tim Burton co-wrote the film with Jonathan Gems, but gave Gems full credit. Jonathan Gems wrote the Mars Attacks! novelization and dedicated the book to Tim Burton.
Mars Attacks (1996) rates 3 of 5 stars.
“Tango & Cash” (1989) starring Sylvester Stallone & Kurt Russell / Z-View
Tango & Cash (1989)
Director: Andrei Konchalovsky, Albert Magnoli (uncredited)
Screenplay: Randy Feldman
Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Kurt Russell, Teri Hatcher, Jack Palance, Brion James, James Hong, Marc Alaimo, Philip Tan, Michael J. Pollard, Robert Z’Dar, Lewis Arquette, Edward Bunker, Roy Brocksmith, Susan Krebs, David Byrd, Richard Fancy, Michael Jeter, Patti Davis, Billy Blanks, Geoffrey Lewis, Benny Urquidez and Clint Howard.
Tagline: Two of L.A.’s top rival cops are going to have to work together… Even if it kills them.
The Plot…
Detectives Ray Tango (Stallone) and Gabriel Cash (Russell) are two of LA’s top narcotic cops. They have a friendly rivalry and different styles. They don’t work together but their busts have put a dent in drug kingpin, Yves Perret’s (Palance) operation.
Perret has Tango and Cash framed, convicted and sent to prison. Now he plans to have them murdered.
If they are to survive Tango and Cash will have to work together, escape prison and find evidence to clear their names. Let the fun begin!
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Tango & Cash had two directors. Andrei (Runaway Train) Konchalovsky helmed most of the film. Producers wanted a lighter, funnier film. Konchalovsky and Stallone felt a serious film with some humor would work better. Disagreements were constant, but Konchalovsky refused to give in. This and the movie going over-budget led to him being fired. Albert (Purple Rain) Magnoli was brought in to finish the film.
Jeffrey (Lethal Weapon 2 & 3) did uncredited re-writes on the film.
Patrick Swayze was originally cast as Cash. He dropped out to do Road House.
Sly’s character is asked if he stopped for “coffee and a Danish”. He replies, “I hate Danish.” This is an in-joke as Sly had recently divorced Danish actress Brigitte Nielsen.
Both Brion James and Robert Z’Dar originally had smaller parts, but they impressed enough folks that their roles were expanded.
Geoffrey Lewis has an uncredited cameo.
Tango & Cash (1989) rates 4 of 5 stars.
