“Vertigo” Alt Poster by Mike Camarda!
Mike Camarda created this sweet alt poster for Vertigo. Hopefully you like it as much as me.
“You shouldn’t keep souvenirs of a killing. You shouldn’t have been that sentimental.” – Scottie
“Little Brother” (2026) starring John Cena and Eric Andre / Z-View
Little Brother (2026)
Director: Matt Spicer
Screenplay: Jarrad Paul, Andrew Mogel
Stars: John Cena, Eric André, Michelle Monaghan, Ego Nwodim, Sherry Cola and Christopher Meloni.
Tagline: An uncomfortably touching comedy.
The Plot…
Rudd Landy has a beautiful wife, two healthy boys and a successful real estate career. Sadly, Rudd has always lived in Josh, his older brother’s shadow. That may change if Rudd makes good on his shot to star in a reality series.
Rudd rushes to the hospital when he gets a call that his brother was in a bad wreck. Rudd arrives to discover it wasn’t Josh in an accident. A man named Marcus was… and Marcus claims to be Rudd’s brother.
It turns out that in high school, Rudd on a whim, signed up for the Big Brother program. Rudd became Marcus’ “big brother.” They hung out for a while and then as time passed drifted apart. They hadn’t seen each other in decades.
But Marcus wants to rekindle their friendship.
Rudd thinks Marcus is working a scam. Rudd’s wife thinks Marcus is sincere and invites him to stay with them while he recovers.
If Rudd thought his issues with his older brother were a problem, wait until he gets a load of what his little “brother” brings.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Little Brother‘s tagline, An uncomfortably touching comedy, is spot on. Some of the humor is gross and uncomfortable. If that’s your jam, you’ll like this better than me.
Little Brother (2026) rates 2 of 5 stars.
“Play Misty for Me” (1971) directed and starring Clint Eastwood, also starring Jessica Walter, Donna Mills and John Larch / Z-View
Play Misty for Me (1971)
Director: Clint Eastwood
Screenplay: Jo Heims, Dean Riesner; story by Jo Heims
Stars: Clint Eastwood, Jessica Walter, Donna Mills, John Larch, Clarice Taylor and Don Siegel.
Tagline: The scream you hear may be your own!
The Plot…
Dave Garner is a late night DJ. Dave is also a player. He’s good looking and knows it. His womanizing ways cost him his relationship with Tobie, the woman would might have been “the one”.
Dave often stops in for a drink at his favorite bar after work. Sometimes he uses his charm and good looks to pick up a woman. Dave always makes sure that his new friend knows that he’s only looking for a casual relationship. Which is what happens the night he meets Evelyn Draper. She’s attractive, friendly and like Dave, isn’t looking for anything more than a good time.
It turns out Evelyn wasn’t being honest. Worse still, she isn’t the friendly rationale person she seemed.
When Tobie comes back into Dave’s life, things spiral out of control.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Don Siegel, who directed five Clint Eastwood films, appears as Murph, the bartender.
Play Misty for Me marks Clint Eastwood’s debut as a film director… and Don Siegel’s as an actor.
The film was originally to be set in LA. Clint Eastwood changed the location to the small town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Eastwood was then able to film at actual locations (the radio station, bars, houses, etc.). Years later Clint Eastwood would become mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
The concert scenes were shot at the 1970 Monterey Jazz Festival.
Jessica Walter is amazing in her role as Evelyn. She was nominated for a well-deserved Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.
I saw this film when it was first released. I made the tagline, “the scream you hear may be your own” come true. (Keep in mind I was just 13.) I’ve watched Play Misty for Me many times over the years and it still holds up.
Play Misty for Me (1971) rates 5 of 5 stars.
“The Way of the Dragon” starring Bruce Lee – Alt Poster by Sahin Düzgün!
The Way of the Dragon (along with Enter the Dragon) are showcases for Bruce Lee’s amazing martial arts skills. I love Sahin Düzgün’s alt poster. If you’re a Bruce Lee fan, I’ll bet you do too.
“Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” Alt Poster by Barret Chapman!
Barret Chapman calls his Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom alt poster “Fortune and glory, kid. Fortune and glory.”
“That’s why they call it the jungle, sweetheart.” – Indiana Jones
“Contagion” directed by Steven Soderbergh, starring Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Winslet / Z-View
Contagion (2011)
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Screenplay: Scott Z. Burns
Strs: Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Bryan Cranston, Jennifer Ehle, Sanaa Lathan, John Hawkes and Elliott Gould.
Tagline: Nothing Spreads Like Fear
The Plot…
Beth Emhoff returns home from a Hong Kong business trip feeling a bit under the weather. Two days later, Beth is dead. Her young son who became ill shortly after her return soon dies as well.
When others around the country show the same symptoms as Beth and quickly die, the Center for Disease Control and Homeland Security go on high alert. The CDC has never seen a virus like this. Scientists must develop a plan to minimize deaths caused by the virus as they search for a cure. Masks, distancing and other steps are accepted by some but not others. Meanwhile Homeland Security works to discover if this outbreak was a planned attack. If so, they must work out the appropriate response.
As the virus rapidly spreads, and the deaths mount, conspiracy theories abound. They only create more confusion, doubt and distrust.
If a cure isn’t found, millions more will die. The clock is ticking.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
I saw Contagion when it was first released. I thought it was a good film. I recently watched it again and thought it was even better. Although made nearly a decade before COVID, so much of the events covered in the film actually took place during the COVID pandemic.
In December 2019, Contagion was listed in 270th place in Warner Bros.’ catalogue. Since the COVID pandemic the film has become much more popular rising as high as #2. After COVID Contagion also reappeared at the top of ITunes rentals.
The head used in Gwyneth Paltrow’s autopsy was actually created for the movie Se7en and reused here.
Contagion (2011) rates 4 of 5 stars.
NIGHTFALL (aka THE DARK CHASE) by David Goodis / Z-View
NIGHTFALL (aka THE DARK CHASE) by David Goodis
First sentence…
“It was one of those hot sticky nights that makes Manhattan show its age.”
The Overview: Beware of Spoilers…
Jim Vanning is a wanted man. The cops want him in regard to the theft of $300,000.00. The crooks involved in the theft want Vanning as well. Problem is, Vanning can’t remember exactly what happened.
Vanning knows a man was killed during the robbery. Did he kill the guy? Was he part of the robbery crew? Was he an innocent that got caught up in the theft? He knows he had the $300,000.00 in a satchel at one point. Now he doesn’t know what happened to the loot.
Vanning is tired of running. It’s just a question of who or what is going to get to him first… the crooks… the cops… or his memory.
+++
NIGHTFALL was also released under the titles CONVICTED and THE DARK CHASE. It was also adapted into a feature film under the Nightfall title in 1957. It was directed by Jacques (Cat People; Out of the Past; Night of the Demon) Tourneur and starred Aldo Ray, Brian Keith and Anne Bancroft.
Rating:
“Fluttering Hearts”(1927) starring Charley Chase and Oliver Hardy / Z-View
Fluttering Hearts (1927)
Director: James Parrott
Screenplay: H.M. Walker
Stars: Charley Chase, Oliver Hardy, Martha Sleeper.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
A young woman cannot wait to get to a big department store sale. Her reckless driving attracts the attention of a motorcycle cop. The woman arrives at the sale with the cop in hot pursuit. Charley, attracted to the woman decides to help her.
Later, in an effort to get in good with the lady’s dad, Charley goes up against Big Bill, a mobster who is blackmailing her father.
Let the antics begin!
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Charley Chase was an writer, director and actor. Although he died at a relatively young age (46), his resume includes 282 acting roles, 174 films as a director and 37 as writer.
Fluttering Hearts was directed by Charley Chase’s brother.
Oliver Hardy (of Laurel & Hardy fame) plays Big Bill.
Fluttering Hearts (1927) rates 3 of 5 stars.
“Famous Last Words: Eric Dane” (2025) / Z-View
Famous Last Words: Eric Dane (2025)
Director: Ivan Dudynsky
Stars: Eric Dane, Brad Falchuk
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Eric Dane knew he was dying. In April 2025, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Since the diagnosis, Dane’s health rapidly declined. Three months before his death, Dane sat with Brad Falchuk for a final interview.
The interview took place in a closed studio room. Camera operators were outside the set and couldn’t hear what was being said. Falchuk guided the conversation which touched on topics such as living in the present; choosing friends wisely, finding your passion/joy and dealing with hardships with grace.
Then Falchuk left the room. Dane was given the time to speak his final last words. Dane’s last message would not be heard by anyone until after his death and the interview aired.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The interview was filmed secretly in November 2025. Dane died on February 19, 2026. The interview premiered the next day.
I was an Eric Dane fan thanks to the series The Last Ship. I became a bigger fan after watching this interview. He approached his end with positivity, dignity and self-reflection. His final message was to his fans and daughters.
Famous Last Words: Eric Dane (2025) rates 5 of 5 stars.
“First Blood” Alt Poster by Doaly!
Doaly created two versions of this First Blood anniversary poster. The one above is my favorite. Perhaps you’d like this version better.
“I could have killed ’em all, I could’ve killed you. In town you’re the law, out here it’s me. Don’t push it! Don’t push it or I’ll give you a war you won’t believe. Let it go. Let it go!” – John Rambo
Sly Stallone is Jack Carter by David Lapham!
David Lapham is an Eisner Award-winning comic book creator best known for his independent crime series Stray Bullets. When Lapham offered a headsketch special, I thought he’d be a great choice to draw Sly Stallone as Jack Carter.
Lapham’s response was immediate and positive. So much so that I asked about a second sketch – Sly as Rocky Balboa. Lampham again quickly responded that he was up for it. I immediately sent a paypal for the amount requested and a few bucks more. He emailed a “thank you” and that was the last I heard from him for four years.
Every so often, for the first couple of years, I sent an e-mail to see if he was okay or going to do the sketches. No response ever came back. Then in February of this year, I was surprised to get an e-mail from Mr. Lapham apologizing for his lack of communication. He said that he wanted to get the art to me. This week (six months later) the sketches arrived.
I don’t know what the hold-up was. I’m just happy to have the sketches and hope Mr. Lapham is doing well.
“Slayground” (1983) starring Peter Coyote / Z-View
Slayground (1983)
Director: Terry Bedford
Screenplay: Trevor Preston; based on SLAYGROUND by Richard Stark
Stars: Peter Coyote, Mel Smith, Billie Whitelaw.
Tagline: Welcome to Your Funeral
The Plot…
Stone is a career criminal. He’s ready to walk away from his next planned armed robbery because his regular getaway driver is unavailable. Stone’s partner has another wheelman for the job and convinces Stone to go through it.
Big mistake.
The new driver is inexperienced. During the getaway, he causes a crash that kills a nine-year-old girl. The girl’s father is a millionaire. He hires a hitman to find and murder the men responsible for his daughter’s death.
The killer is relentless and the girl’s father has money to pay whatever the cost. When Stone learns there is a price on his head, he goes on the run.
But there is no where he can hide. The killer is closing in.
Stone… welcome to your funeral.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Slayground is based on the novel of the same name by Richard Stark (Donald Westlake). Except for the title, little else from Stark’s novel makes it onscreen.
When the film was released I thought it was another killer at a carnival movie. Years later I learned it was based on the Parker novels by Richard Stark. So I gave it a go only to find out it had little to do with the Stark’s novel. Meh.
Slayground (1983) rates 2 of 5 stars.
Rocky Balboa by Carmine Di Giandomenico!
Rocky Balboa by Carmine Di Giandomenico!
“It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!” – Rocky Balboa
