“Godzilla Minus One” (2023) / Z-View

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Godzilla Minus One (2023)

Director: Takashi Yamazaki

Screenplay: Takashi Yamazaki

Stars: Ryunosuke Kamiki, Minami Hamabe.

Tagline: Postwar Japan. From zero to minus.

The Plot…

1945.  World War II is nearing the end.  Kōichi Shikishima, a Japanese kamikazi pilot lands his plane on Odo island for repairs.  There is nothing wrong with his plane.  The truth is that Kōichi was afraid to finish his mission.  That night a giant prehistoric-looking creature comes ashore.  It attacks the Japanese stronghold.  Try as they might, the creature is impervious to anything the soldiers can do.  Kōichi is too afraid to help.  The next morning he is one of the only two to survive Godzilla’s attack.

The war ends.  Kōichi returns home to Tokyo.  He discovers his parents were both killed in a bombing. Kōichi meets a homeless woman with an orphaned child. He brings them to his home. As time goes by they become more of a family, but Kōichi still feels like a coward.

Reports of Godzilla attacking ships becomes more frequent.  The government fears Godzilla will come on land and wipeout entire cities.  Nothing has been able to stop the giant creature.  Then the worst is reported, Godzilla is heading inland.

Will Kōichi get a chance to redeem himself and save his country?  What do you think?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The title, Godzilla Minus One, refers to Japan being taken “down to zero” after World War II.  Godzilla’s attacks on the country take it even lower.  This minus one.

After seeing the trailer and the great reviews for Godzilla Minus One I was excited to see the film.  The scenes of Godzilla’s attacks and the destruction caused by the monster are the best in any Godzilla film ever.  This is where Godzilla Minus One shines.  I wanted more of that.  It almost felt like I was watching a more adult film during Godzilla’s attacks and a movie aimed at kids with the Kōichi subplot.

Godzilla Minus One (2023) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” (2024) / Z-View

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Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)

Director: Wes Ball

Screenplay: Josh Friedman, based on characters by Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver premise from PLANET OF THE APES by Pierre Boulle

Stars: Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, Travis Jeffery, Neil Sandilands, Karin Konoval and William H. Macy.

Tagline: No One Can Stop the Reign

The Plot…

The planet has been ruled by apes for generations.  Most apes live in small peaceful communities. Humans have lost the ability to speak. They survive in nomadic groups… not even organized enough to be called tribes.

One ape, Proximus Caesar has proclaimed himself king.  Proximus sends his warrior apes out to capture both apes and humans to be used as his slaves.  When Noa, a young ape, returns home one afternoon, he finds his village destroyed.  Proximus’ apes have killed or captured everyone.

Noa sets out to find and free his family.  Along the way he is joined by a wise orangutan named Raka and a human they name Nova.  What they don’t know is Nova hides a secret.

Their journey takes them to Proximus Caesar’s kingdom.  They learn that Proximus is close to breaking into an ancient human facility.  If he’s not stopped, Proximus will gain power to make him unbeatable.  But what chance do Noa, Raka and Nova have against a kingdom of apes?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I’ve been a fan of The Planet of the Apes franchise since the original was released in 1968.  There have been highs and lows, but I’m always along for the ride.

Quite a bit of time is used to set up Noa’s community life.  I wish we could have gotten to Proximus Caesar’s kingdom sooner and spent more time there.  I didn’t particularly care for Nova’s secret.  It was kind of obvious and then when the reveal came there wasn’t much time to explore the ramifications.  I guess THAT sets up the next sequel.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.

When Death Came for Frank Miller by Anthony Breznican for Vanity Fair!

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Anthony Breznican at Vanity Fair recently sat down with Frank Miller for an no-holds-barred interview.  Miller, the comics genius behind Sin City, Dark Knight Returns, Batman Year One, 300, Ronin, and so much more openly discussed his addiction, recovery as well as upcoming projects.  This interview, When Death Came for Frank Miller is not to be missed.

Congratulations to Frank Miller for his health comeback.  The Sin City western is music to my ears.

“Assassins” (1995) directed by Richard Donner, starring Sylvester Stallone, Antonio Banderas & Julianne Moore / Z-View

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Assassins (1995)

Director: Richard Donner

Screenplay: Lilly Wachowski (as Andy Wachowski) & Lana Wachowski (as Larry Wachowski) and Brian Helgeland from a story by Lilly & Lana Wachoswski

Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Antonio Banderas, Julianne Moore, Anatoli Davydov, Muse Watson, Steve Kahan, Kelly Rowan, Reed Diamond, Kai Wulff and Stephen Liska.

Tagline: In the shadows of life, In the business of death, One man found a reason to live…

The Plot…

Robert Rath (Stallone) is a hitman ready to retire.  Working as an assassin has taken a toll even though Rath has a moral code. He refuses to murder women, children and men undeserving to die.

Miguel Bain (Banderas) is an assassin who loves his job… he wants to be the best hitman in the world.  Bain considers Rath number one… for now.

As Rath prepares to take out a mark, he is shocked when Bain assassinates his target.  The two exchange gunfire until the police arrive.  Rath realizes that Bain is determined to kill him.  He also learns that Bain’s other target is a woman known as Electra (Moore).   Rath plans to save Electra and eliminate Bain.

Of course Bain has other plans…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Wachowski’s sold their Assassins screenplay to Joel Silver at the same time he bought their screenplay for The Matrix (for one million dollars each).  Silver wanted Richard Donner to direct and offered him ten million dollars.  Donner refused unless the screenplay’s violence was toned down and Rath was made more sympathetic.  Silver brought in Brian (L.A. Confidential) Helgeland to adjust the script.

The Wachowski’s didn’t like the changes and asked for their names to be removed from the credits.  The request was denied by the Writers Guild Association.

Donner praised Stallone and Banderas for their performances: “I thought Stallone did one of the best jobs he’s ever done. He totally underplayed, he was quiet, he found the character and he went with it. I thought Antonio Banderas was wonderful.”

Electra’s cat is the same feline that appeared with Stallone in The Specialist.

I am a huge fan of the opening scene when Rath is walking an assassin deep into a swamp to execute him. Their dialogue tells us all we need to know about Rath and his business.

Kudos to Banderas for his manic performance as the hitman who wants to be the best.

I’d always hoped that Richard Donner and Sly Stallone would work together.

Assassins (1995) rates 4 of 5 stars.

The Blood Brothers Mother #1 by Brian Azzarello & Eduardo Risso / Z-View

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That’s one of the covers to The Blood Brothers Mother #1 by Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso.  I say one of the covers, because there are variants available.  I selected the Eduardo Risso cover, since I’m a huge Risso fan and he did the art for the series.

Anything Azzarello and Risso team to create is worth more than a glance.  Best known for the award-winning series 100 Bullets, Azzarello and Risso should clear out more space on their mantles.  The Blood Brothers Mother is off to that great of a start.

Carter Cain is an outlaw.  Recently released after a five year stint in a Mexican prison, Carter has one thing on his mind.

Anna.

Carter’s gang is there to meet him when he’s released.  They’re ready to take up their old ways.  Easy money to be had by robbin’ and killin’.  But Carter has other plans.  They’ll get Anna and then return to the life.

The fact that Anna’s married with three young boys means nothing to Carter.  She’s his and he’ll have her.

Issue one of The Blood Brothers Mother starts as Carter Cain’s story.  But it’s not.  If anything it is the prologue to Anna’s boys’ story.

Azzarello and Risso’s first issue perfectly sets up a story of adventure and revenge.  The oversize format is justified by Risso’s stunning watercolors.

The Blood Brothers Mother #1 by Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso rates 5 of 5 stars.

THE LEGEND OF MAD MAX: THE COMPLETE SAGA FROM MAD MAX TO FURIOSA by Ian Nathan

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THE LEGEND OF MAD MAX: THE COMPLETE SAGA FROM MAD MAX TO FURIOSA by Ian Nathan sounds like a winner.  Here’s the lowdown…

The Complete Story from Mad Max to Furiosa.

The Legend of Mad Max is the ultimate guide to the high octane post-apocalyptic film series, directed by visionary filmmaker George Miller.

This comprehensive history delves into the making of each film, exploring the unique vision and groundbreaking live action and special effects that have made Mad Max a cultural touchstone for over five decades. From the unforgettable characters and thrilling action sequences to the complex themes and deep mythology, this stunningly illustrated book provides an in-depth look at the world of the iconic road warrior from Mad Max to Furiosa.

Buckle up and get ready for a wild ride through The Wasteland as you discover the full story behind this classic film franchise.

With detailed production information, behind-the-scenes stories, and stunning photography, The Legend of Mad Max, is a must-read for fans of this celebrated series.

THE LEGEND OF MAD MAX: THE COMPLETE SAGA FROM MAD MAX TO FURIOSA by Ian Nathan will be released on June 18, 2024.

“Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994) directed by Neil Jordan, starring Tom Cruise & Brad Pitt / Z-View

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Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994)

Director: Neil Jordan

Screenplay: Anne Rice based on INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE by Horace McCoy

Stars: Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Antonio Banderas, Kirsten Dunst, Christian Slater, John McConnell, Bellina Logan, Thandiwe Newton, Indra Ové, Helen McCrory, Roger Lloyd Pack and Stephen Rea.

Tagline: Drink From Me And Live Forever

The Plot…

Daniel Molloy (Slater) is a writer looking for a story.  After a chance meeting with Louis de Pointe du Lac (Pitt), he may have found it.  Louis claims to be a vampire.  Although Molloy is skeptical at first, Louis quickly proves he is what he says.

As Molloy records and takes notes, Louis tells his story. In 1791 Louis was a young, wealthy Louisiana plantation owner.  That changed the evening the vampire, Lestat (Cruise) turned him.  No longer human, Louis and Lestat moved through the night.  Undead but living.  Forced to leave Louisiana, when folks began to suspect Louis and his new friend were behind many disappearances, Louis and Lestat head to New Orleans…

Louis’ tale spans 200 years.  New Orleans.  A new vampire joins them.  Betrayal.  A journey to Europe where they discover the Théâtre des Vampires.  True Vampires putting on plays where they pretend to be humans playing vampires! The victims are real.  To tell more of Louis story would be to say too much.

But I will leave you with this… can an interview with a vampire end well?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles was nominated for two Academy Awards

  • Best Art Direction-Set Decoration: Dante Ferretti Francesca, Lo Schiavo
  • Best Music, Original Score: Elliot Goldenthal

Anne Rice was not initially happy when Tom Cruise was cast as Lestat.  When Rice wrote the novel she envisioned Rutgar Hauer in the role.  She thought of Alain Delon when writing the screenplay.  Then when it was time to cast the role she suggested John Malkovich, Peter Weller, Jeremy Irons or Alexander Godunov.  When Cruise and Pitt were selected for the two leads she suggested that Pitt play Lestat.  That wasn’t to be.  When the film was released, Rice had come around to the Tom Cruise casting.  She said he brought something to the role that she had not foreseen.

While I’m a fan of many of Tom Cruise’s movies and I do really like Interview with a Vampire, I think he was miscast as Lestat.

River Phoenix was set to play Daniel Malloy before his untimely death.  Christian Slater then got the part.  Slater donated his salary from the film to two of River Phoenix’s favorite charities.

The initial scene Stephen Rea shares with Brad Pitt is both funny and a bit scary.  It’s a favorite of mine.

Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994) rates 4 of 5 stars.

CLETE: A DAVE ROBICHEAUX NOVEL by James Lee Burke!

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We are less than a week away from the release of CLETE: A DAVE ROBICHEAUX NOVEL by James Lee Burke!  Here’s the synopsis…

In the latest installment in his famous Detective Dave Robicheaux series, New York Times bestselling author James Lee Burke brings Dave’s partner and friend Clete Purcel to the forefront for the first time as Clete and Dave attempt to stop ruthless smugglers of a dangerous new drug

Clete Purcel – private investigator, ex-member of the New Orleans Police Department, and war veteran with a hard shell and just a few soft spots – is Dave Robicheaux’s longtime friend and partner in detective work. But he has a troubled past. When Clete leaves his car at the local car wash, only to return to find it ransacked by a group of thugs tied to the drug trade from Mexican cartels to Louisiana, it feels personal – his grandniece died of a fentanyl overdose, and his fists curl when he thinks of the dealers who sold it.

Just as Clete starts to trail the culprits, Clara Bow, a woman with a dark past hires Clete as a detective to investigate her scheming, slippery ex-husband, and a string of brutal deaths all link back to a heavily tattooed man who seems to lurk around every corner. Clete is experiencing shockingly lifelike hallucinations and questioning Clara’s ulterior motives when he and Dave start to hear rumors of a dangerous substance with potentially catastrophic effects. The thugs who destroyed his car might have been pawns in a scheme far darker than they could’ve imagined.

Gripping, violent, yet interlaced with Clete’s humor and consistent drive to protect those he loves, Clete brings a fresh perspective to a truly iconic series. James Lee Burke proves yet again that he is the “heavyweight champ” and “great American novelist whose work, taken individually or as a whole, is unsurpassed” (Michael Connelly).

Hardcover
Kindle

“Killer’s Game” – The Trailer is Here!

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This morning we got the poster.  This afternoon, the trailer.

US Release Date: September 13, 2024
Starring: Dave Bautista, Ben Kingsley, Sofia Boutella, Terry Crews
Director: J. J. Perry
Synopsis: In the new action-comedy THE KILLER’S GAME, when top hitman Joe Flood (Dave Bautista) is diagnosed with a terminal illness, he decides to take matters into his own hands – by taking a hit out on himself. But when the very hitmen he hired also target his ex-girlfriend (Sofia Boutella) , he must fend off an army of assassin colleagues and win back the love of his life before it’s too late.