Previews and Reviews that are Z's Views
If you’re a fan of Tom Richmond and follow his posts, you may have already seen this wonderful sketch of The Great One, Jackie Gleason. If you don’t follow Mr. Richmond, this my opportunity to point you to his site where he regularly shares stories from his long career as a caricaturist, discusses his gig as a regular MAD magazine artist, answers questions from fans and posts his art.
The new poster and trailer for The Many Saints of Newark is fire. Check out the amazing cast and equally amazing behind the camera talent they’ve lined up for this film. October 1st can’t get her fast enough.
New Line Cinema’s “The Many Saints of Newark” is the much-anticipated feature film prequel to David Chase’s groundbreaking, award-winning HBO drama series “The Sopranos.”
Young Anthony Soprano is growing up in one of the most tumultuous eras in Newark’s history, becoming a man just as rival gangsters begin to rise up and challenge the all-powerful DiMeo crime family’s hold over the increasingly race-torn city. Caught up in the changing times is the uncle he idolizes, Dickie Moltisanti, who struggles to manage both his professional and personal responsibilities—and whose influence over his nephew will help make the impressionable teenager into the all-powerful mob boss we’ll later come to know: Tony Soprano.
“The Many Saints of Newark” stars Alessandro Nivola (“Disobedience,” “American Hustle”), Tony winner Leslie Odom Jr. (Broadway’s “Hamilton,” “Murder on the Orient Express”), Jon Bernthal (“Baby Driver,” “The Wolf of Wall Street”), Corey Stoll (“First Man,” “Ant-Man”), Michael Gandolfini (TV’s “The Deuce”), Billy Magnussen (“Game Night,” “The Big Short”), Michela De Rossi (“Boys Cry,” TV’s “The Rats”), John Magaro (“The Finest Hours,” “Not Fade Away”), with Emmy winner Ray Liotta (TV’s “Shades of Blue,” “Goodfellas”) and Oscar nominee Vera Farmiga (“Up in the Air,” “The Conjuring” films).
Alan Taylor (“Thor: The Dark World”), who won an Emmy for his directing work on “The Sopranos,” is helming the film from a screenplay by series creator David Chase & Lawrence Konner, based on characters created by Chase. Chase, Konner and Nicole Lambert are producing the film, with Michael Disco, Marcus Viscidi, Toby Emmerich and Richard Brener serving as executive producers.
Taylor’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Kramer Morgenthau (“Creed II,” “Thor: The Dark World”), production designer Bob Shaw (“The Wolf of Wall Street,” “The Sopranos”), Oscar-nominated editor Christopher Tellefsen (“Moneyball,” “A Quiet Place”) and costume designer Amy Westcott (“The Wrestler,” “Black Swan”).
“The Many Saints of Newark” was shot on location in New Jersey and New York, and several beloved characters from the original series that inspired the film are featured in the movie. During its six-season run, “The Sopranos”—widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential television drama series of all time—was honored with 21 Primetime Emmy Awards, five Golden Globe Awards, and two Peabody Awards, to name only a portion.
New Line Cinema Presents, In Association with Home Box Office, a Chase Films Production, “The Many Saints of Newark.” The film is slated for release in theaters nationwide on October 1, 2021 and will be available in the U.S. on HBO Max for 31 days from theatrical release. It is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and has been rated R for strong violence, pervasive language, sexual content and some nudity.
South of Heaven got my hopes up with the clever poster. I’ll admit I was surprised to see Jason Sudeikis as the lead of a straight up crime movie. From what I’ve seen he’s going to be fine. It’s great seeing Evangeline Lilly back on-screen. I didn’t recognize her at first! Shea Whigham looks to be perfectly suited to play the crooked parole officer.
In case you didn’t guess by now, I’m sold. I’ll be heading to South of Heaven.
Starring Jason Sudeikis, Evangeline Lilly, Shea Whigham and Mike Colter
Directed by Arahon KeshalesConvicted felon Jimmy (Jason Sudeikis) gets early parole after serving twelve years for armed robbery. Upon his release he vows to give his girlfriend Annie (Evangeline Lilly), who is dying of cancer, the best last year of her life. But things are never that simple, and when he is given a “side job” from his parole officer (Shea Whigham), it sets off a series of events that leaves Jimmy in the crosshairs of a local crime boss (Mike Colter). Now, he must stop at nothing to save Annie and fight for whatever time they have left.
First off, bonus points to Midnight Mass for having a painted movie poster. Check out the trailer and let me know, if like me, you plan to attend Midnight Mass.
This little island, so sleepy it might be dead. The isolated community on Crockett Island experiences miraculous events – and frightening omens – following the arrival of a charismatic, mysterious young priest. An original series from Mike Flanagan come to Netflix on September, 24th.
Watch Midnight Mass, only on Netflix.
From The Haunting of Hill House creator Mike Flanagan, MIDNIGHT MASS tells the tale of a small, isolated island community whose existing divisions are amplified by the return of a disgraced young man (Zach Gilford) and the arrival of a charismatic priest (Hamish Linklater). When Father Paul’s appearance on Crockett Island coincides with unexplained and seemingly miraculous events, a renewed religious fervor takes hold of the community – but do these miracles come at a price?
A large big-name cast which includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep and others makes Don’t Look Up even more interesting. The trailer hints at a fun time, but I’m not sold… yet. The great news is Don’t Look Up premieres on Netflix on December 24th so I’ll be able to, uh, look it up.
DON’T LOOK UP tells the story of two low-level astronomers who must go on a giant media tour to warn mankind of an approaching comet that will destroy planet Earth. Written and Directed by Adam McKay. Watch DON’T LOOK UP on December 24 only on Netflix.
The Guilty poster isn’t bad but the trailer has ,me hooked. Directed by Antoine Fuqua who helmed Training Day, and The Equalizer with a screenplay by Nic Pizzolatto the writer behind True Detective — these guys are made for this genre. Jake Gyllenhaal and Ethan Hawke co-star.
Deal me in. October 1st on Netflix!
The Guilty takes place over the course of a single morning in a 911 dispatch call center. Call operator Joe Bayler (Gyllenhaal) tries to save a caller in grave danger—but he soon discovers that nothing is as it seems, and facing the truth is the only way out.
Michael K. Williams died today. He was 54. No cause of death was given.
Michael K. Williams is probably best known for his breakout role as Omar on the HBO series The Wire or perhaps it is as Leonard Pine on Hap & Leonard. Then again you may know him best as Chalky White from Boardwalk Empire. Of course others may have just discovered Mr. Williams with his role as Montrose Freeman on HBO’s Lovecraft Country (for which he received a 2021 Emmy nomination; his 5th).
Michael K. Williams has over 100 acting credits on his resume. He appeared in The Sopranos, Boston Legal, Law & Order, with recurring Alias, :Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Community, and When They See Us to name just a few tv series. Some of Mr. Williams work in feature films included Bullet, Bringing Out the Dead, Gone Baby Gone, Twelve Years a Slave, Triple 9, Ghostbusters, Arkansas, and Motherless Brooklyn.
My favorite Michael K. Williams role was a Leonard Pine on Hap & Leonard, but he was excellent every time he appeared onscreen. In addition to acting ability Michael K. Williams had charisma. It’s sad that he left us at such a young age. We can only imagine the roles he’d yet to entertain us with.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Michael K. Williams’ family, friends and fans.
The Scorpion was Howard Chaykin’s short-lived series for Atlas Comics. What we’re seeing today is a recreation of an unpublished cover by Chaykin that would have appeared on issue two. The Scorpion was a cool character and concept… but then again, it was by Chaykin so what else would you expect?
Liam Gaughan at /Film turned his attention to war movies and came up with his list for The 20 Greatest War Films of All Time. Here are my top 5 (in alphabetical order) selected from Gaughan’s list plus two I thought should have made his list, but didn’t.
Black Hawk Down: Ridley Scott shows us the brutality of war and the heroic young men sent into battle.
Braveheart: I initially thought this was an odd choice to include on a list of the greatest war movies of all time, but… It did make the list. Braveheart does deal with war and is a great film.
Full Metal Jacket: I love how this movie follows raw recruits through basic training and then into war. The opening scenes with R. Lee Ermy and Vincent D’Onofrio are classic as is their final scene together.
Platoon: I thought Platoon was just “ok” on my initial viewing. Maybe I was in a bad mood because each time I give Platoon a rewatch I like it better and better.
Saving Private Ryan: Steven Spielberg created probably the best war movie on the list. I love this film.
Now two movies that came to mind that I would have included on my list that weren’t on Gaughan’s…
Last of the Mohicans: Michael Mann’s film is more a love story than war film, but if Braveheart can make the list than Last of the Mohicans should as well.
The Patriot: Mel Gibson’s most under-rated film.
Matthew Monagle at /Film picked out what he considered The 14 Best Vin Diesel Movies (That Aren’t The Fast And The Furious). I decided to play along. Here are my top 5 selected from Monagle’s list plus reasons I didn’t pick a couple of “obvious” choices…
Pitch Black: Diesel’s signature character in his first outing. I love this film and character.
The Chronicles of Riddick: While I’m not a fan of the movie’s title, the film has improved with every viewing. It went from a cool low-budget monster movie to a world (universe) expanding epic. Kudos for the effort and as I said, it gets better with every viewing.
Knockaround Guys: This underrated film should be required viewing for an Vin Diesel fan… and he’ll throw a beatin’ on anyone who disagrees.
The Iron Giant: An animated film with something for kids and adults (or the kid in every adult).
A Man Apart: Diesel as a DEA agent seeking revenge against the drug cartel that killed his wife.
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A couple of films that I didn’t pick but seem like obvious choices…
Guardians of the Galaxy: is a great film and Diesel provides the voice for Groot. I didn’t pick this because Vin doesn’t do more than say variations of the word “Groot” and is that really the best representation of a Vin Diesel movie?
Saving Private Ryan: is another great film and the argument could be made to include it in the top five. I didn’t because I don’t really consider it a Vin Diesel film. It was a Steven Spielberg film. Diesel wasn’t the star. In fact his name was nowhere on the poster and came in around 7th on the credits. That’s not to say Diesel was great in his role, but I didn’t (for this list) consider Saving Private Ryan a Vin Diesel film.
Finally, I would have found a spot for Riddick the second sequel to Pitch Black,
Liam Gaughan at /Film compiled his list of The 15 Best Debut Films From Directors. It’s a good list and so I decided to play along. Here are my top 5 (in alphabetical order) selected from Gaughan’s 15 plus three that didn’t make his list that would have made mine…
Cohen Brothers: Blood Simple. What an amazing debut that kickstarted a career that has spanned over three decades in ever changing genres. I drove over 100 miles round trip to see Blood Simple when it first came out since it wasn’t showing anywhere near me. I wasn’t disappointed.
Huston, John: The Maltese Falcon. George Raft turned down the role of Sam Spade because he didn’t want to work with a first time director! What a mistake. We’re better off for it, because Bogart makes the perfect lead.
Mann, Michael: Thief. Mann’s first outing in the director’s chair shows the foundation for his movie trademarks: night scenes, music and noir.
Romero, George: Night of the Living Dead. How many directors have directed a debut film that generated multi-billion dollars across movies, books, toys, comics, posters, t-shirts and more?
Welles, Orson: Citizen Kane. Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane is arguably the best, most revered first time director’s debut of all. Sadly, Welles never rose to those heights again (who could?), but he did go on to direct and star in other great films.
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The three debut directors that didn’t make Gaughan’s list but that would have made mine are…
Hill, Walter: Hard Times. Straight out of the shoot, Hill directed Charles Bronson and James Coburn in a depression era macho film that had heart. He would follow Hard Times with The Driver, The Warriors, The Long Riders, Southern Comfort, 48 hrs, and Streets of Fire!
McQuarrie, Christopher: Way of the Gun. While Way of the Gun isn’t for everyone, those that love it, LOVE IT. McQuarrie wouldn’t direct another film for over a decade until he helmed Jack Reacher starring Tom Cruise. McQuarrie then went on to direct Cruise in three Mission Impossible films (two still to be released).
Stahelski, Chad: John Wick. After Stahelski’s debut, action films took on a new look aka “John Wick” action.
Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot and Ryan Reynolds headline Red Notice and we’ve got the trailer. This looks like it will be fun but nothing great. Since it’s on Netflix, I’ll tune in.
An Interpol-issued Red Notice is a global alert to hunt and capture the world’s most wanted. But when a daring heist brings together the FBI’s top profiler (Johnson) and two rival criminals (Gadot, Reynolds), there’s no telling what will happen.
The trailer for Moonfall is nuts. It reminds me of any number of disaster movies but that’s not a bad thing if you know what to expect when you start watching and that’s a fun thrill ride where you put you mind in check.
In Moonfall, a mysterious force knocks the Moon from its orbit around Earth and sends it hurtling on a collision course with life as we know it. With mere weeks before impact and the world on the brink of annihilation, NASA executive and former astronaut Jo Fowler (Academy Award® winner Halle Berry) is convinced she has the key to saving us all – but only one astronaut from her past, Brian Harper (Patrick Wilson, “Midway”) and a conspiracy theorist K.C. Houseman (John Bradley, “Game of Thrones”) believes her. These unlikely heroes will mount an impossible last-ditch mission into space, leaving behind everyone they love, only to find out that our Moon is not what we think it is.
Directed by Roland Emmerich and written by Roland Emmerich & Harald Kloser & Spenser Cohen, the film also stars Michael Peña, Charlie Plummer, Kelly Yu, Eme Ikwuakor, Carolina Bartczak, and Donald Sutherland.
If you follow Tom Walker on Instagram, you’ve probably seen his awesome alt poster for The Warriors. If you don’t follow Walker, then here’s a taste of what you’re missing.
The poster of Mayor of Kingstown is nothing to crow about, but the trailer is! Taylor Sheridan the writer behind Sicario and Hell or High Water brings us Jeremy Renner, Dianne Wiest and Kyle Chandler in what looks to be a series worthy of our time.
Mayor of Kingstown has earned my vote.
From Academy Award nominee Taylor Sheridan, co-creator of Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown follows the McLusky family – power brokers in Kingstown, Michigan where the business of incarceration is the only thriving industry. Tackling themes of systemic racism, corruption and inequality, the series provides a stark look at their attempt to bring order and justice to a town that has neither.
Stream Mayor of Kingstown, starring Jeremy Renner, November 14!
