Batman by John Beatty!
I’ve always been a fan of John Beatty’s art. Of course we’ve been buddies since junior high. I’d have still been a fan even if that wasn’t the case. Check out his Batman sketch and you’ll know why.
“Docks of New Orleans” (1948) starring Roland Winters, Virginia Dale & Mantan Moreland / Z-View
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!
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
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!
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!
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
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
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!
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
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.
Marv by Walt Simonson!
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 the legendary Walt Simonson!
“Bram Stoker’s Dracula” (1992) directed by Francis Ford Coppola, starring Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins & Keanu Reeves / Z-View
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.
Matt Wagner’s Iconic Batman!
Matt Wagner‘s Batman is iconic and one of my favorite versions of the Dark Knight.
“The Driver” (1978) written & directed by Walter Hill, starring Ryan O’Neal and Bruce Dern / Z-View
The Driver (1978)
Director: Walter Hill
Screenplay: Walter Hill
Stars: Ryan O’Neal, Bruce Dern, Isabelle Adjani, Ronee Blakley, Matt Clark, Felice Orlandi, Joseph Walsh, Rudy Ramos, Sandy Brown Wyeth, Bob Minor and Nick Dimitri.
Tagline: To break the driver, the cop was willing to break the law.
The Plot…
A getaway driver (O’Neal) has a reputation as THE one to use if you’re planning any kind of heist. Although the driver’s identity isn’t known, a detective (Dern) has become obsessed with catching this wheelman. The detective is willing to break the law to make the arrest. The driver is willing to risk his life to prove he’s the best.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The Driver is the second film written and directed by Walter Hill. Hill’s intent was to create a “pure genre” film. The main characters aren’t given names other than their archetype.
Steve McQueen turned down the lead. He didn’t want to do another “car picture” after Bullitt and The Getaway.
Charles Bronson, who had starred in Hill’s last film, Hard Times, was then offered the lead. Bronson didn’t want to work with Hill again. He felt that Hill’s editing of Hard Times put Jill Ireland (Bronson’s wife) in a bad light.
While Sylvester Stallone was filming F.I.S.T., he was approached about starring. Stallone ultimately turned down the role.
Ryan O’Neal reached out to Walter Hill. He wanted to play the Driver. Hill and O’Neal were on the same page with how the role should be played. The rest is history.
Walter Hill approached Robert Mitchum about playing the Detective. Mitchum turned down the offer.
When The Driver was released it didn’t do well at the U.S. box office. Isabelle Adjani said she felt the film hurt her career. Walter Hill said the studio gave him a six inch stack containing reviews of The Driver. Only one was positive. Hill later said in an interview, ” “Had I not been shooting The Warriors at the time, I don’t think my career would have survived.
Over the years, The Driver‘s reputation has improved. Quentin Tarantino is a fan. The Driver also served as an influence of other films including Driver and Baby Driver.
Although I’m a Walter Hill fan, The Driver isn’t one of my favorites of his films. I get what he was going for. It just doesn’t work as well for me as many of his other films.
The Driver (1978) rates 2 of 5 stars.
“Paradox Effect” starring Harvey Keitel, Olga Kurylenko & Oliver Trevena – Anyone See This One?
The Paradox Effect poster and trailer are here. It doesn’t look bad (or great). Anyone seen this one?
Estranged from her daughter because of a past life of drug-abuse, Karina is taking all the steps she can towards being the mother she needs to be. One night Karina hears the discharge of a muted weapon and a body breaking through heavy glass.
Looking up, she locks eyes with the man who pulled the trigger and she is captured.
The mastermind of it all is crime lord Silvio and his vicious gangsters who forces Karina and Covek, a deadly killer threatened by him, to go on a journey against time.
