“The Big Knife” (1955) directed by Robert Aldrich, starring Jack Palance, Ida Lupino, Wendell Corey, Jean Hagen, Rod Steiger & Shelley Winters / Z-View

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The Big Knife (1955)

Director: Robert Aldrich

Screenplay: James Poe based on The Big Knife by Clifford Odets

Stars: Jack Palance, Ida Lupino, Wendell Corey, Jean Hagen, Rod Steiger, Everett Sloane, Wesley Addy, Paul Langton, Nick Dennis, Bill Walker, Shelley Winters, Robert Emhardt, Michael Fox, Strother Martin and Richard Boone (narrator)

Tagline: A journey to the dark heart of Hollywood.

The Plot…

Charlie Castle (Palance) is a famous movie star.  Charlie has all of the benefits of being on top.  He’s rich, has a upscale home, a lovely wife and young son.  From all appearances Charlie is on top of the world.

Appearances can be deceiving.

Charlie’s contract is up and he’s being pressured by studio owner, Stanley Hoff (Steiger) to sign a long-term deal.  Hoff has the power to make or break stars, and he uses it without discretion.  Charlie wants out.  Tired of Charlie’s career coming before his family, his wife Marion (Lupino) says she will leave him if he re-signs.

But Charlie has a dark secret that would cost him everything if it came out… and Stanley Hoff will tell the world if Charlie doesn’t sign the contract today.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Because of the unflattering look at Hollywood several studios turned down the film.  Director Robert Aldrich’s company made the movie.  After the film’s release Aldrich had trouble getting more directing jobs.  He made a couple of films in Europe before returning to the US.

Many thought that Steiger’s character was a take-off of Harry Cohen (Columbia’s studio head).  Cohen reportedly thought so as well and was offended.  According to director Aldrich, Steiger’s character had characteristics from Cohen as well as other studio heads.  Examples include: crying to get a star to sign (Louis B. Mayer) and wearing a hearing aide (Howard Hughes).

Clifford Odets play The Big Knife ran for over 100 performances, was directed by Lee Strasberg, and starred John Garfield as Charles Castle.  Garfield was scheduled to star, but died before the film was made.  Shelley Winters dedicated her performance to John Garfield.

The Big Knife (1955) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Training Day” (2001) directed by Antoine Fuqua, screenplay by David Ayer, starring Denzel Washington & Ethan Hawke / Z-View

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Training Day (2001)

Director: Antoine Fuqua

Screenplay: David Ayer

Stars: Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Scott Glenn, Tom Berenger, Harris Yulin, Raymond J. Barry, Cliff Curtis, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Macy Gray, Eva Mendes, Nick Chinlund, Jaime Gomez, Raymond Cruz, Noel Gugliemi, Samantha Esteban, David Ayer, Peter Greene and Terry Crews.

Tagline: The only thing more dangerous than the line being crossed, is the cop who will cross it.

The Plot…

It’s L.A. police officer Jake Hoyt’s (Hawke) training day.  Hoyt has been teamed with the highly decorated narcotics Detective Alonzo Harris (Washington).  Hoyt badly wants the promotion.  He’s about to discover that Detective Harris is a cop who will cross any lines to make a bust.  Very quickly Harris makes it clear that is the expectation for Hoyt if he is to get promoted to the team.

Hoyt is hesitant at first, but is slowly seduced by Detective Harris’ reputation, charisma and results. As the shift continues, Hoyt learns something that puts his life at risk.  What do you do when your partner/mentor is worse than the gangbangers you’re after?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Both of Training Days leads were nominated for Academy Awards with one winning…

  • Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role – Denzel Washington (winner)
  • Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role nominee – Ethan Hawke

Ethan Hawke had more screen time than Denzel Washington, yet was nominated for an Academy Award in the Supporting Role category.

Training Day was originally set up to be directed by Davis Guggenheim, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Matt Damon.

Actors reportedly considered for Jake Hoyt included Tobey Maguire, Eminem, Paul Walker, Freddy Prinze Jr., Ryan Phillippe, Christian Bale, Mark Wahlberg and Scott Speedman.

Antoine Fuqua filmed in real gang locations. Real gang members from Rollin’ 60 Crips, PJ Watts Crips, and B. P. Stones (a Bloods set) appear on-screen.

The coffee shop where Washington and Hawke first meet has been used in several movies including Se7en, Gone in 60 Seconds, Ghost World, and Catch Me If You Can.

Lights Out (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Gangnam Zombie” (2023) / Z-View

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Gangnam Zombie (2023)

Director: Lee Soo-seong

Screenplay: Choe Seung

Stars: Ji Il-joo, Park Ji-yeon.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Young podcasters and shoppers in an upscale mall in Gangnam fight for their lives during a zombie uprising!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

If I make it through the entire movie, I usually am able to justify a two star rating.  Not this one.

Gangnam Zombie (2023) rates 1 of 5 stars.

“Lights Out” (2024) starring Frank Grillo, Mekhi Phifer, Jaime King & Dermot Mulroney / Z-View

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Lights Out (2024)

Director: Christian Sesma

Screenplay: Chad Law, Garry Charles, story by Brandon Burrows

Stars: Frank Grillo, Mekhi Phifer, Jaime King, Dermot Mulroney, Scott Adkins, Amaury Nolasco, Kevin Gage, Jessica Medina and Donald Cerrone .

Tagline: They started the wrong fight.

The Plot…

Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield (Grillo) is a drifter.  He’s also ex-military who suffers from PTSD.  After observing Duffy take apart several guys in a bar fight, Max Bomer (Phifer) sees easy money in his future.  Bomer tells Duffy about an underground fight circuit where big money is wagered.  Hesitant at first, Duffy agrees.

Soon Duffy and Bomer on the wrong side of gangster, Sage Parker (Mulroney) and the leader of the criminal gang, Detective Ellen Ridway (King).  With criminals and crooked cops after them, what chance do Duffy and Bomer have?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Lights Out is fairly by-the-numbers action, but the cast of Frank Grillo, Mekhi Phifer, Jaime King and Dermot Mulroney add to it’s watchability.

Lights Out (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Sanford and Son”: Season 2 (1973) starring Redd Foxx & Demond Wilson / Z-View

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Sanford and Son: Season 2 (1973)

Based on: Steptoe and Son by Ray Galton, Alan Simpson
Developed by: Bud Yorkin, Norman Lear (uncredited)

Director: Peter Baldwin (Eps. 15, 19-20, 22-24, 28, 35-36, 38); Rick Edelstein (Eps. 16, 21, 25, 27, 34); Jack Shea (Eps. 17-18, 26, 29-32, 37); Sid McCoy (Ep. 33)

Teleplay: Terry Ryan (Ep. 15); Allan Katz & Don Reo (Eps. 16, 22-24, 30, 34); Richard Pryor & Paul Mooney (Eps. 17, 25); Everett Greenbaum & Jim Fritzell (Ep. 18, 37); Ilunga Adell (credited as Adell Stevenson) (Eps. 19, 21, 26, 31, 38); Lloyd Garver & Ken Hecht (Ep. 27, 32); Lee Kalcheim and Aaron Ruben (story by Lee Kalcheim) (Ep. 28); Odie Hawkins and Aaron Ruben (story by Odie Hawkins) (Ep. 29); Aaron Ruben (story by : Ray Galton & Alan Simpson) (Ep. 33, 35-36)

Stars: Redd Foxx, Demond Wilson, LaWanda Page, Don Bexley, Beah Richards, Hal Williams, Nathaniel Taylor, Noam Pitlik, Dick O’Neill, Gregory Sierra, Slappy White, Davis Roberts, Marguerite Ray, Roscoe Lee Browne, Lynn Hamilton, Thalmus Rasulala, Ron Glass, William Hansen, Larry J. Blake, Howard Platt, Roger E. Mosley, Vernon Weddle, Ja’net DuBois, Liam Dunn, Kim Hamilton, Mary Wickes, Gabriel Dell, Lena Horne, John Amos, Joan Prather, Paula Kelly, Alma Beltran, James Wheaton, Maida Severn, Burt Mustin, Jonathan Harris, Herb Voland, Lincoln Kilpatrick Jr., Jack DeLeon and Kelly Thordsen.

Tagline: Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson play two guys who know the score – and how to beat the game. America, you’re in for a yock…Archie, you’re in for a shock

The Plot…

Fred Sanford (Foxx) and his son, Lamont (Wilson) are junk dealers.  Fred’s wife died years ago and Lamont stays on to assist his dad with the business.  Together they get into various misadventures as they attempt to get ahead.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

In its second season Sanford and Son became the 2nd highest rated show on television.  Also in its second season, Sanford and Son earned two Primetime Emmy nominations:

  • Outstanding Comedy Series
  • Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series – Redd Foxx

Season two saw the first appearance of semi-regulars Bubba (Don Bexley), Rollo (Nathaniel Taylor), Julio (Gregory Sierra), and Aunt Esther (LaWanda Page).

Season two notable guest stars include: Roscoe Lee Brown (The Cowboys); Ron Glass (Barney Miller); Gregory Sierra (Barney Miller); Roger E. Mosley (Magnum PI); Ja’Net DuBois (Good Times); Lena Horne; John Amos (Good Times) and Jonathan Harris (Lost in Space).

Richard Pryor co-wrote two episodes.

Sandford and Son: Season 2 (1973) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Boneyard” starring Brian Van Holt, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Nora Zehetner, Michael Sirow & Mel Gibson – The Trailer is Here!

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When the skeletal remains of eleven women and girls are discovered in the New Mexico desert, an extensive investigation is launched. Inspired by true crime stories, this chilling crime-thriller follows Detective Ortega (Brian Van Holt), Police Chief Carter (Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson), and Agent Petrovick (Mel Gibson) in a multi-agency effort to identify and apprehend the killer. As each of their agendas and methods clash, a tangled web of intrigue casts suspicion in all directions.

RELEASE DATE: July 2

CAST: Brian Van Holt, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Nora Zehetner, Michael Sirow, and Mel Gibson

“The Continental: From the World of John Wick” (2023) starring Mel Gibson, Colin Woodell & Ayo Adegun / Z-View

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The Continental: From the World of John Wick (2023)

Developed by Greg Coolidge, Kirk Ward, Shawn Simmon based on John Wick by Derek Kolstad

Director: Albert Hughes (Eps.1, 3); Charlotte Brändström (Ep. 2)

Teleplay: Greg Coolidge & Kirk Ward and Shawn Simmons (Ep. 1); Shawn Simmons and Greg Coolidge & Kirk Ward & Ken Kristensen (Ep. 2), story by Greg Coolidge & Kirk Ward & Shawn Simmons (Ep.2); Greg Coolidge & Kirk Ward & Ken Kristensen (Ep. 3)

Stars: Mel Gibson, Colin Woodell, Mishel Prada, Hubert Point-Du Jour, Nhung Kate, Jessica Allain, Ayo Adegun, Jeremy Bobb, Adam Shapiro, Katie McGrath, Marina Mazepa, Mark Musashi, Kirk Ward, Dan Li, Chris Ryman, Fflyn Edwards, Ben Robinson, Peter Bergin and Peter Greene.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Set in the 1970s, The Continental: From the World of John Wick details how young Winston Scott (Woodell) was pulled into the world of assassins and rose to become the director of The Continental.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Continental: From the World of John Wick continues, as the title implies, the world-building of the John Wick movie franchise.  It is stylish, action-packed with outrageous characters and a welcome addition.

I loved the opening titles which reminded me of the opening credits to Casino Royale (2006).

The Continental: From the World of John Wick features a sweet soundtrack from the 1970s.

In the third episode, KD checks into The Continental.  She is given room 818, which is the same room John Wick gets in the first movie.

Kirk Ward plays a creepy huge thug to the hilt.  Short white hair, skintight sleeveless t-shirt, a kilt, heavy workboots and black eye makeup make for a scary appearance.  Add in his caresses and loving pats to the man he’s about to torture and you have one sick, memorable henchman.

Let’s not forget Katie McGrath as The Adjudicator.  She wears a half-mask that covers something so grotesque that it sickens those who get a glance behind the covering.  Oh, and what about the strange assassins known as The Twins aka Hansel (Musashi) and Gretal (Mazepa).

Mel Gibson adds gravitas.

I hope we get more adventures in this world.

The Continental: From the World of John Wick (2023) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Shōgun” (2024) starring Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano & Hiroyuki Sanada / Z-View

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Shōgun (2024)

Created by Rachel Kondo, Justin Marks, based on Shōgun by James Clavel

Director: Jonathan van Tulleken (Eps.1-2); Charlotte Brändström (Ep. 3); Frederick E.O. Toye (Eps. 4-5, 9-10); Hiromi Kamata (Ep. 6); Takeshi Fukunaga (Ep. 7); Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour (Ep. 8)

Teleplay: Rachel Kondo & Justin Marks (Eps. 1-2); Shannon Goss (Eps. 3, 8); Nigel Williams & Emily Yoshida (Ep. 4); Matt Lambert (Eps. 5, 7); Maegan Houang (Ep. 6); Rachel Kondo & Caillin Puente (Ep. 9); Maegan Houang & Emily Yoshida (Ep. 10)

Stars: Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, Yûki Kedôin, Akiko Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Sanada, Takehiro Hira

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

17th century.  John Blackthorne (Jarvis), one of the few surviving sailors shipwrecked in Japan, finds himself a pawn in a power struggle between factions.  Literally a stranger in a strange land, Blackthorne is viewed as a savage.  Yet, using his cunning and skills he will rise to a position of respect, not realizing the depth of deception and long-range plans being formed around him.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

This miniseries is based on James Clavell’s novel of the same name.  Clavell based many of the characters in his book on real historical figures.  James Clavell’s daughter (Michaela Clavell) served as an executive producer of the series.

Shōgun is amazing from top to bottom.  Great writing, acting, directing and production values make this series a joy to watch.

Shōgun currently has an 8.8/10 rating on IMDb.  At Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 99% rating with reviewers and a 90% average audience score.

Shōgun (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Anna” (2019) starring Sasha Luss, Helen Mirren, Luke Evans & Cillian Murphy / Z-View

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Anna (2019)

Director: Luc Besson

Screenplay: Luc Besson

Stars: Sasha Luss, Helen Mirren, Luke Evans, Cillian Murphy.

Tagline: Revenge has a new name.

The Plot…

Anna is a beautiful young woman with immense potential and talents.  For these reasons she is recruited as a KGB agent.  After an intense year of training, Anna begins her career as an assassin.  Under the guise of an international fashion model, Anna travels the world completing assignments.

When the CIA discovers Anna’s secrets, they move to recruit her as a double agent.  What chance does one person have against the two most powerful countries in the world?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Helen Mirren’s character reminded me of Helen Parr (voiced by Holly Hunter) from The Incredibles.

Sasha Luss, Helen Mirren, Luke Evans, Cillian Murphy elevate this film.

Luc Besson doesn’t use linear story-telling for this one.  It worked.

Anna (2019) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“The Bikeriders” – The 3rd Trailer & Another Poster is Here!

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How about a new poster and the third trailer for The Bikeriders?

Check out the latest trailer for The Bikeriders, an upcoming movie starring Jodie Comer, Austin Butler and Tom Hardy, Michael Shannon, Mike Faist with Norman Reedus.

The Bikeriders follows the rise of a midwestern motorcycle club, the Vandals. Seen through the lives of its members, the club evolves over the course of a decade from a gathering place for local outsiders into a more sinister gang, threatening the original group’s unique way of life.

The Bikeriders is produced by Sarah Green, p.g.a., Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, p.g.a, Arnon Milchan. Yariv Milchan, Michael Schaefer, Sam Hanson, David Kern, and Fred Berger serve as executive producers.

The Bikeriders, written and directed by Jeff Nichols, opens in US theaters on June 21, 2024

“Sanford and Son”: Season 1 (1972) starring Redd Foxx & Demond Wilson / Z-View

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Sanford and Son: Season 1 (1972)

Based on: Steptoe and Son by Ray Galton, Alan Simpson
Developed by: Bud Yorkin, Norman Lear (uncredited)

Director: Bud Yorkin (Eps. 1-4); George Tyne (Ep. 5); Coby Ruskin (Ep. 6); Bob LaHendro (Ep. 7); Peter Baldwin (Ep. 8, 11 – 13); Charles S. Dubin (Eps. 9 – 10); Bruce Bilson (Ep. 14)

Teleplay: Aaron Rubin, Ray Galton, Alan Simpson (Eps. 1 – 11, 13 – 14); Everett Greenbaum, James Fritzell, Ray Galton (Ep. 12)

Stars: Redd Foxx, Demond Wilson, Hal Williams, Noam Pitlik, Lynn Hamilton, White, William Lanteau, Paulene Myers, Lillian Randolph, Stanley Bennett Clay, Leonard Stone, Judyann Elder, Dick Van Patten, James Wheaton, Peter Bonerz, Gabriel Dell, Florida Friebus and Rick Hurst.

Tagline: Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson play two guys who know the score – and how to beat the game. America, you’re in for a yock…Archie, you’re in for a shock

The Plot…

Fred Sanford (Foxx) and his son, Lamont (Wilson) are junk dealers.  Fred’s wife died years ago and Lamont stays on to assist his dad with the business.  Together they get into various misadventures as they attempt to get ahead.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

In its first season Sanford and Son became the 6th highest rated show on television.  Also in its first season, Sanford and Son earned three Primetime Emmy nominations:

  • Outstanding Comedy Series
  • Outstanding New Series
  • Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series – Redd Foxx

One of the running gags of the series is that in each episode Fred Sanford would find a reason to clutch his chest as if having a heart attack and proclaim, “Hear that, Elizabeth? I’m coming to join you!”  Sadly, Redd Foxx died of a heart attack in 1991.

Fred Sanford was supposed to be 65 years old.  Redd Foxx was just 49 during filming of the first season.

Sanford and Son‘s theme music is by Quincy Jones and it is titled The Streetbeater.

Sandford and Son: Season 1 (1972) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver” (2024) directed by Zack Snyder, starring Sofia Boutella, Djimon Hounsou & Ed Skrein / Z-View

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Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver (2024)

Director:  Zack Snyder

Screenplay:  Zack Snyder, Kurt Johnstad, Shay Hatten

Stars: Sofia Boutella, Djimon Hounsou, Ed Skrein, Michiel Huisman, Bae Doona, Ray Fisher, Anthony Hopkins, Staz Nair, Stuart Martin, Alfonso Herrera, Cary Elwes and Rhian Rees.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Kora (Boutella) and the surviving warriors of her team return home.  There they learn that Admiral Noble (Skrein) who they thought had been killed, is alive. The Admiral is returning with a warship and enough soldiers to wipe them out.

As Kora, her warriors and the villagers prepare for a battle to the death, secrets are revealed.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I enjoyed Rebel Moon: Part One – Child of Fire.  I liked Part 2 less.  It may have been a mistake to bring back Admiral Noble.  While he’s a good nemesis, any time you bring a character back from the dead, you diminish the impact of dying.  With Part 2 I often felt like, we’ve been there and done that already.

Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver (2024) earns 3 of 5 stars.

“Southern Comfort” directed by Walter Hill, starring Keith Carradine and Powers Boothe / Z-View

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Southern Comfort (1981)

Director: Walter Hill

Screenplay: Michael Kane, Walter Hill, David Giler

Stars: Keith Carradine, Powers Boothe, Fred Ward, Franklyn Seales, T.K. Carter, Lewis Smith, Les Lannom, Peter Coyote, Alan Autry, Brion James, Allan Graf, Ned Dowd and Sonny Landham.

Tagline: In the Louisiana backwaters, it’s easy to make enemies…and VERY difficult to escape from them.

The Plot…

One weekend when the Louisiana Army National Guard is running maneuvers in a bayou, nine soldiers become lost.  As frustrations with their squad leader grow, the men come upon a campsite.  Although no one is there, the site contains three canoes.  Rather than wait for the owners to return, the soldiers decide to leave a note explaining that they “borrowed” the canoes and will leave them once they find their way to civilization.

As they are paddling across the swamp, they hear yelling.  The Cajun hunters have returned and believe the soldiers are stealing their boats.  One of the National guardsmen, stupidly fires his machine gun filled with blanks towards the Cajuns.  The hunters dive for cover and return fire.  The Guardsmen’s leader is killed.  The guardsmen paddle deeper into the swamp.

Lost, with only a few rounds of live ammunition, the soldiers will have to battle each other, the elements and angry Cajun hunters if they are to survive.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Ned Dowd, who played one of the Cajun hunters, transitioned from acting to producing.  Some of these films include The Last of the Mohicans (supervising producer); The 13th Warrior (producer); Reign of Fire (line producer) and Apocalypto (executive producer).

Many believe that Southern Comfort is an allegory for America’s involvement in Viet Nam.  Walter Hill denies this.

Alan Autry, made his feature film debut playing Corporal ‘Coach’ Bowden.  He was listed in the credits as Carlos Brown.

Walter Hill had one of the best starts as any director.  His first seven films were Hard Times; The Driver; The Warriors; The Long Riders; Southern Comfort; 48 Hrs. and Streets of Fire.

Southern Comfort (1981) rates 4 of 5 stars.