“Normal” starring Bob Odenkirk, Lena Heady and Henry Winkler – The Teaser Trailer is Here!

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Normal starring Bob Odenkirk, Lena Heady and Henry Winkler – The Teaser Trailer is Here!

In theaters April 17.

The latest collaboration between Bob Odenkirk, JOHN WICK creator Derek Kolstad and NOBODY producer Marc Provissiero, director Ben Wheatley’s (FREE FIRE, HIGH RISE) kinetic neo-Western stars Odenkirk as an unassuming substitute sheriff with a troubled past who, after moving to a small, sleepy town, responds to a bank robbery and unknowingly uncovers something far more explosive.

For Sheriff Ulysses (Odenkirk), his provisional posting to the quaint Midwestern American town of Normal was meant to be a welcome respite from both his marital woes and recent moral injuries in the line of duty. But when a botched bank robbery interrupts the municipality’s tranquil pace, a dark secret is inadvertently exposed, and Ulysses soon discovers that the town is anything but its namesake.

Starring Bob Odenkirk, Lena Heady and Henry Winkler

Directed by Ben Wheatley

RIP: Rob Reiner

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Yesterday Rob Reiner and his wife were found murdered in their Los Angeles home.  They had been killed by an assailant using a knife.  Their son, Nick has been charged for both murders.

Rob Reiner was the child of Estelle and Carl Reiner.  Carl Reiner was an award-winning actor, comedian, author, director and screenwriter.  Over his career Mr. Reiner won numerous awards including 11 Prime Time Emmys, a Grammy, the Mark Twain Prize for Amerian Humor and an induction into the Television Hall of Fame.

Rob Reiner decided to follow in his father’s footsteps.  He began getting acting roles while still in high school.  Juggling his new found acting career with school, Rob Reiner enrolled at the UCLA Film School.  Rob Reiner made several television guest appearances on popular shows of the day including Batman, The Andy Griffith Show and Gomer Pyle.  Rob Reiner also started to appear in feature films.  In 1968, Rob Reiner became one of the writers and actors on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.

Rob Reiner’s breakout role came when he played Mike Stivik on All in the Family.  Over the course of the series Mr. Reiner was nominated for five Emmys (winning two) as well as five Golden Globe nominations.  In 1974, Rob Reiner directed the television movie Sonny Boy while still co-starring in All in the Family.  After All in the Family ended, Rob Reiner was co-creator of the television comedy The Super.  It ran for one season.  Mr. Reiner continued to act in guest roles throughout the 1970s.

In 1981, Rob Reiner returned to directing with the segment Tommy Rispoli: A Man and his Music as part of the television movie Likely Stories: Volume 1.  Mr. Reiner followed that up by directing This is Spinal Tap.  This is Spinal Tap became a huge hit.  Rob Reiner then went on a streak.  The next six films Rob Reiner directed were The Sure Thing, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery and A Few Good Men.  What a run!

Over the course of his career Rob Reiner continued to act, direct, write and produce.  Some of the Awards he was nominated for and/or received include:

  • 1972 Golden Globe Nominee for Best Supporting Actor – Television – All in the Family
  • 1972 Primetime Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Comedy –  All in the Family – For playing: “Michael Stivic”.
  • 1973 Golden Globe Nominee for Best Supporting Actor – Television – All in the Family
  • 1973 Primetime Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Comedy –  All in the Family – For playing: “Michael Stivic”.
  • 1974 Primetime Emmy Winner for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Comedy –  All in the Family – For playing: “Michael Stivic”.
  • 1974 Golden Globe Nominee for Best Supporting Actor – Television – All in the Family
  • 1975 Primetime Emmy Nominee for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Comedy –  All in the Family – For playing: “Michael Stivic”.
  • 1976 Golden Globe Nominee for Best Supporting Actor – Television – All in the Family
  • 1977 Golden Globe Nominee for Best Supporting Actor – Television – All in the Family
  • 1978 Primetime Emmy Winner for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Comedy –  All in the Family – For playing: “Michael Stivic”.
  • 1987 DGA Nominee for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures – Stand by Me
  • 1987 Golden Globe Nominee for Best Director – Motion Picture – Stand by Me
  • 1990 DGA Nominee for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures – When Harry Met Sally…
  • 1990 Golden Globe Nominee for Best Director – Motion Picture – When Harry Met Sally…
  • 1993 Academy Award Nominee for Best Picture – A Few Good Men
  • 1993 DGA Nominee for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures – A Few Good Men
  • 1993 Golden Globe Nominee for Best Director – Motion Picture – A Few Good Men
  • 1993 PGA Nominee for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures – A Few Good Men
  • 1996 Golden Globe Nominee for Best Director – Motion Picture – The American President
  • 1996 PGA Nominee for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures – The American President
  • 1999 Star Awarded on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
  • 2024 PGA Nominee for Outstanding Producer of Non-Fiction Television – Albert Brooks: Defending My Life
  • 2024 Primetime Emmy Nominee for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special – Albert Brooks: Defending My Life
  • 2024 Primetime Emmy Nominee for Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program – Albert Brooks: Defending My Life

Some of the television projects that feature Rob Reiner acting include: Manhunt; Batman; Hey, Landlord (3 episodes); The Andy Griffith Show; That Girl (3 episodes); The Mothers-In-Law; Gomer Pyle (3 episodes); The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (5 episodes); The Beverly Hillbillies (2 episodes); Room 222; The Partridge Family; Getting Together; The Odd Couple; The Rockford Files; Free Country (5 episodes); More Than Friends; All in the Family (184 episodes); Archie Bunker’s Place (2 episodes); Tall Tales & Legends; It’s Gary Shandling’s Show (4 episodes); Morton & Hayes (6 episodes); A Spinal Tap Reunion; The Larry Sanders Show; Frasier; Curb Your Enthusiasm; The Simpsons; Wizards of Waverly Place; 30 Rock; About a Boy; Happyish (2 episodes); The Comedians; When We Rise; New Girl (11 episodes); Hollywood (3 episodes); The Good Fight (2 episodes); Home Movie: The Princess Bride (3 episodes); The Bear (4 episodes) and Conan o’Brien Needs a Friend.

Some feature films that Rob Reiner acted in include: Enter Laughing; The Jerk; This is Spinal Tap; Throw Mama From the Train; Postcards from the Edge; Misery; Sleepless in Seattle; Bullets Over Broadway; The First Wives Club; Primary Colors; The Story of Us; The Wolf of Wall Street and Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.

Some of the television projects that feature Rob Reiner directing include: Sonny Boy; I am Your Child and 8.

Some of the feature films that Rob Reiner directed include: This is Spinal Tap; The Sure Thing; Stand by Me; The Princess Bride; When Harry Met Sally; Misery; A Few Good Men; The American President; Ghosts of Mississippi; The Story of Us; The Bucket List; Flipped; The Magic of Belle Island; LBJ; Albert Brooks: Defending My Life; and Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.

I probably first saw Rob Reiner acting in Batman.  I never missed that show when I was a kid.  Of course, I’m sure I saw Mr. Reiner’s guest appearances on The Andy Griffith Show; That Girl; Gomer Pyle; The Beverly Hillbillies; The Partridge Family and The Rockford Files before I ever saw Rob Reiner in his breakout role on All in the Family.  He was so good as Archie Bunker’s foil.  If the character of Mike Stivik was the only acting role Rob Reiner was known for, it would still make for a great career.

Who could have guessed what a talented director Rob Reiner would become.  I would match his first first seven films (This is Spinal Tap; The Sure Thing; Stand by Me; The Princess Bride; When Harry Met Sally; Misery and A Few Good Men) against any other director’s first seven.

By all accounts Rob Reiner was a gentle, kind, humble man loved by anyone who knew him.  We need more folks with those qualities.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Rob Reiner’s family, friends and fans.

“The Unholy Trinity” (2024) starring Pierce Brosnan and Samuel L. Jackson / Z-View

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The Unholy Trinity (2024)

Director: Richard Gray

Screenplay: Lee Zachariah

Stars: Pierce Brosnan, Samuel L. Jackson, Q’orianka Kilcher, Ethan Peck, Katrina Bowden,
Tim Daly, Beau Knapp, Cyrus Leisy, Anthony J. Sharpe and David Arquette.

Tagline:  None.

The Plot…

1870.  Isaac Broadway’s last words before being hanged were that he was innocent and framed by Saul Butler.  Only Isaac’s son, Henry believed him.

But it was enough.

Henry heads for the frontier town of Trinity to kill Saul Butler.

Henry and a mysterious man who calls himself Saint Christopher arrive in Trinity.  Henry is there to kill Saul Butler.  St. Christopher is after a treasure chest of gold that was stolen from him.  Their paths will cross with Sheriff Gabriel Dove who just wants to keep the peace.

“Giddy up!”

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)… 

Pierce Brosnan and Samuel L. Jackson elevate this film.

The Unholy Trinity (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Mob War: Philadelphia vs the Mafia” (2025) / Z-View

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Mob War: Philadelphia vs the Mafia (2025)

Director:  Raissa Botterman

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, became a war zone in the 1990s.  Two rival, mafia families fought for control.  John Stanfa and Joey Merlino were the crime bosses of each.  As the body count rose, the FBI and local cops fought to bring down the crime bosses and their gangs.

This is that story, told by the cops and gangsters that were there.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

If you like gangster movies/shows and true life crime you should enjoy Mob War: Philadelphia vs the Mafia.

The series is worth watching just to hear John Veasey.  Veasey may not be the brightest guy you’d ever meet, but he’s no doubt one of the toughest.  A thief, a tough guy and a killer.  Veasey was shot in the head, stabbed and still overpowered his attempted killer.  Then he got his revenge.

Mob War: Philadelphia vs the Mafia (2025) rates 4 of 5 stars.

RIP: Peter Greene

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It was announced that Peter Greene died yesterday. Mr. Greene was 60.  No cause of death was given.

Peter Greene ran away from home when he was 15.  Mr. Greene didn’t decide on an acting career until he was in his mid-20s.  Peter Greene worked in both television and feature films throughout his career.  His first television appearance was on the series Hardball.  Mr. Greene made his feature film debute in Laws of Gravity.  Peter Greene became best known as a character actor, often playing villains.

Some of the television projects that feature Peter Greene include: Hardball; As the World Turns (2 episodes); Black Cat Run; Law & Order; Dead & Deader; The Black Donnelly’s (13 episodes); Life on Mars (2 episodes); Justified; Hawaii 5-0; Chicago P.D. (2 episodes); Still the King (2 episodes); For Life (9 episodes); The Jersey Connection; The Continental and Dope Thief.

Some of Peter Greene’s feature film appearances include: Laws of Gravity; Clean Shaven; Judgment Night; Pulp Fiction; The Mask; The Usual Suspects; Bang; Under Siege 2: Dark Territory; The Rich Man’s Wife; Blue Streak; Training Day; Scenes of the Crime; Dead Dogs Lie; Under the Influence; The Grasslands; Shanghai Hotel;  Turnabout; City of Lies; Body Brokers and Beggarman.

I first became aware of Peter Greene in Pulp Fiction.  Mr. Greene was such a great villain.  Even in a role with small screen-time, Peter Greene made an impact.  My favorite Peter Greene appearance might be in Justified.  He appeared with Timothy Olyphant in the very first scene which set the tone of the series.  Of course any time Peter Greene appeared on-screen, it brought a smile to my face.  I just knew that his character was up to something.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Peter Greene’s family, friends and fans.

“Tulsa King”: Season 3 (2025) starring Sylvester Stallone / Z-View

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Tulsa King: Season 3 (2025)

Created by: Taylor Sheridan

Directors:

  • Jim McKay (Eps. 1-2; 9-10)
  • Kevin Dowling (Eps. 3-4)
  • Joe Chappelle  (Eps. 5-6)
  • Guy Ferland (Eps. 7-8)

Teleplay:

  • (Ep. 1) Dave Erickson and Sylvester Stallone
  • (Ep. 2) Sheri Elwood
  • (Ep. 3) Jameel Saleem
  • (Ep. 4) Taylor Streitz
  • (Ep. 5) Ildy Modrovich and Sylvester Stallone
  • (Ep. 6) Joseph Riccobene
  • (Ep. 7) Daniel C. Connolly
  • (Ep. 8) Nick Jones Jr. & Sylvester Stallone
  • (Ep. 9) Daniel C. Connolly & Ildy Modrovich; story by Dave Erickson & Daniel C. Connolly & Ildy Modrovich 
  • (Ep. 10) Dave Erickson & Sylvester Stallone

Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Martin Starr, Jay Will, Garrett Hedlund, Dana Delany, Chris Caldovino, McKenna Quigley Harrington, Vincent Piazza, Annabella Sciorra, Dashiell Connery, Justin Garcia-Pruneda, Mike “Cash Flo” Walden, Tatiana Zappardino,  Neal McDonough, Robert Patrick, Beau Knapp,  Bella Heathcote, Frank Grillo, Kevin Pollak,  James Russo, Michael Beach, Juliette Jeffers, Barry Corbin, Samuel L. Jackson  and Scarlet Rose Stallone.

Tagline: More Power. More Problems.

The Plot…

In season three…

  • Agent Musso of the FBI has a personal vendetta and plans to use Dwight Manfredi to resolve it.  If Dwight doesn’t play along, his entire crew will be arrested for the crimes they’ve committed.

 

  • Quiet Ray Renzetti, a senior New York crime boss is pressuring Dwight for a piece of everything that Dwight has going.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Tulsa King was nominated for one 2025 PrimeTime Emmy Award – Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Comedy Series or a Variety Program: Freddie Poole

Robert Patrick is great as Dunmire, a villain you love to hate.  Patrick co-starred with Sly Stallone in Cop Land.

As you might have guessed, Tulsa King continues to be one of my current favorite television shows.  Bring on season four!

Tulsa King: Season 2 (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“His & Hers” starring Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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His & Hers starring Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

I’m a fan of both so deal me in.

Two sides. One truth. HIS & HERS premieres January 8th, only on Netflix!

Two estranged spouses — one a cop, the other a news reporter — compete to solve a murder case in which each believes the other is a prime suspect.

“All the Lost Ones” (2024) / Z-View

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All the Lost Ones (2024)

Director: Mackenzie Donaldson

Screenplay: Anthony Grant, Cheryl Meyer

Stars: Jasmine Mathews, Vinessa Antoine, Devon Sawa, Steven Ogg, Douglas Smith,  Sheila McCarthy, Lochlyn Munro, Kim Roberts and Anthony Grant.

Tagline:  None.

The Plot…

In the near future a civil war has torn our country apart.  A young couple, Nia and Ethan, along with Nia’s sister Penny, have found a home in a remote wilderness area.  Several others also live there.  This group of strangers have formed a bond and hope to live in peace until things get better in the outside world.

All is good until a militia group comes across the home.  The war has found them and there is no escape.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)… 

All the Lost Ones has an interesting premise.  Sadly, the movie is falls short.

All the Lost Ones (2024) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Sudden Fear” (1952) starring Joan Crawford, Jack Palance & Gloria Grahame / Z-View

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Sudden Fear (1952)

Director: David Miller

Screenplay: Lenore J. Coffee, Robert Smith; based on SUDDEN FEAR by Edna Sherry

Stars: Joan Crawford, Jack Palance, Gloria Grahame, Bruce Bennett, Virginia Huston,  Taylor Holmes, Selmer Jackson, Lewis Martin and Mike Connors.

Tagline:  A Thrilling New High In Suspense Melodrama!

The Plot…

Myra Hudson is a successful Broadway playwright and producer.  Her every production is a success.  She’s powerful, rich and single.  On a train ride across country Myra has a chance meeting with Lester Baine.  He’s an actor that Myra fired from one of her productions not too long ago.

Myra is apologetic, yet Lester says, “No apology needed.”  They talk a bit and really hit it off.  Lester is witty and charming.  Before the train ride is over, Myra is falling in love.  A whirlwind courtship and marriage follow.

What Myra doesn’t know is that Lester doesn’t love her.  It’s an act to gain access to Myra’s money and prestige.  In fact, Lester is having an affair with his old flame (and fellow grifter) Irene.

Myra is so in love with Lester, she decides to secretly revise her will.  She will leave him everything should she die.  Lester learns that Myra is planning to change her will.  He doesn’t know that the change would benefit him.  Lester decides to kill Myra before the change is made.  He recruits Irene and they plan the murder.

Myra accidentally learns that Lester is cheating on her and he very soon he will kill her.  Myra’s shock turns to disbelief, then fear and then a plan for revenge.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)… 

Sudden Fear was nominated for four 1953 Academy Awards…

  • Nominee for Best Costume Design, Black-and-White – Sheila O’Brien
  • Nominee for Best Cinematography, Black-and-White – Charles Lang
  • Nominee for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Jack Palance
  • Nominee for Best Actress in a Leading Role – Joan Crawford

Sudden Fear marked Jack Palance’s first Best Supporting Actor Academy Award Nomination.  He would earn his second Best Supporting Actor Oscar Nomination the following year for his performance in Shane.

Joan Crawford not only starred in Sudden Fear, she also served as the film’s Executive Producer.  She was hands-on. Crawford personally selected the film’s screenwriter (Lenore J. Coffee), the director (David Miller), the cinematographer (Charles Lang) and her co-stars (Jack Palance and Gloria Grahame).

Because Joan Crawford optioned the rights to Edna Sherry’s novel, Crawford had more control over the production.  Crawford gambled and took 40% of the film’s profits rather than her normal $200,000.00 salary.  The gamble paid off when the film was a huge success.

Sudden Fear features Mike Connor’s first feature film role.  He is billed as Touch Connor.

Based on the film’s Oscar nominations and reviews, most folks liked Sudden Fear A LOT more than me.  I found Sudden Fear to be overly melodramtic.  I did enjoy the surprise at the end, but felt that much of the danger and suspense could have been easily avoided with better choices from the Joan Crawford character.  As always, your mileage may vary.

Sudden Fear (1952) rates 2 of 5 stars.