“The Omega Man” (1971) starring Charlton Heston / Z-View

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The Omega Man (1971)

Director:  Boris Sagal

Screenplay by:  John William Corrington, Joyce H. Corrington based on I AM LEGEND by Richard Matheson

Starring: Charlton Heston, Anthony Zerbe, Rosalind Cash, Paul Koslo, Eric Laneuville, Lincoln Kilpatrick, John Dierkes, Monika Henreid, Linda Redfearn and Stewart East.

Tagline: The last man alive… is not alone!

The Story: 

Two years after a World War where biological weapons were used, U.S. Army Col. Robert Neville, M.D. (Heston) believes himself to be the only living human.  Neville spends his days looking for signs of other humans and killing any mutants that he finds.  The mutants rest during the day and come out at night.

To protect himself, Neville has fortified an apartment building.  He lives on the top floor.  The lower floors are booby trapped.  He has floodlights to brighten the area since bright lights blind the mutants.  Neville also has dozens of automatic weapons and bombs to keep them at bay.  Each night the mutants show up to taunt and attempt to breach Neville’s home.

When Neville learns that their is a small band of humans living somewhere near, he makes it his mission to find and help them.  But the mutants are also looking.  It’s all going to come to a head and sometimes there are no happy endings.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

I saw The Omega Man when it was first released.  I was 12, and the perfect age for sci-fi/horror.  I loved Charlton Heston in Ben-Hur and more importantly The Planet of the Apes.  So I was excited to see his next adventure.  I wasn’t disappointed.  Re-visiting The Omega Man in the years (decades) that followed I found it to be less thrilling.  There are scenes (particularly those with the motorcycle) that the Neville is obviously not Heston.  There’s a 70s vibe that permeates the film.  The clothes, the language, the attitude are all hip.  At least they’re supposed to be.

Heston spends a lot of time shirtless.  He was in great shape for his age, so perhaps he put it in his contract.  ; )

Director Boris Sagal mostly worked as a director of television shows and made-for-tv movies. At times The Omega Man feels like one.

Rosalind Cash plays Heston’s love interest.  In 1971, this was controversial.  I guess it still is with some folks.  Look for a young Eric Laneuville of Room 222 and St. Elsewhere fame as one of the kids.  Laneuville went on to a career both acting and directing!

The Omega Man isn’t great cinema, But it does qualify as a fun “drive-in” movie.

“Magic” (1978) starring Anthony Hopkins, Ann-Margret & Burgess Meredith / Z-View

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Magic (1978)

Director:  Richard Attenborough

Screenplay by:  William Goldman based on his novel MAGIC.

Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Ann-Margret, Burgess Meredith, Ed Lauter, E.J. André, David Ogden Stiers, Jerry Houser, Lillian Randolph, Beverly Sanders and Steve Hart.

Tagline: Abracadabra, I sit on his knee. Presto chango, and now he is me. Hocus Pocus, we take her to bed. Magic is fun; we’re dead.

The Story: 

Charles “Corky” Withers (Hopkins) is a failed magician.  Nerves got the best of him when he was on stage.  So Corky developed a new act.  He performs as a ventriloquist with a dirty-mouth, wisecracking dummy named Fats.  Corky is on the verge of a huge deal for a television special and more.  The only hitch is that the producers are demanding Corky get the usual medical check-ups.

And THAT is a deal breaker.

You see, Corky isn’t in his right mind.  Just ask Fats.  He’ll tell ya.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

I saw Magic when it was first released.  My girlfriend (now my wife) really liked it.  I found Magic to be just okay.  I recently re-watched Magic and my opinion of it improved.

Richard Attenborough perhaps best known as Hammond in Jurassic Park directed Magic. You might think that the director of A Bridge Too Far, Ghandi and A Chorus Line would be an odd choice for a small horror/suspense film, but Attenborough does a fine job,

Anthony Hopkins is marvelous as the tormented talent.  Burgess Meredith goes low-key as Corky’s flashy manager. Their “five minute” scene is a standout.  Ann Margaret downplays the make-up and glamour. She’s still a looker.  Ed Lauter gets to show off his acting chops as Ann Margaret’s about-to-be-jilted husband.  His scene with Hopkins in the rowboat is another movie highlight.

My biggest nit-to-pick is that Ann Margaret’s character should have seen the signs that Corky wasn’t all there. Most folks would counter that she couldn’t see past the bad relationship with her husband, and Corky, her high school sweetheart was a way out.

RIP: Matthew Perry

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Matthew Perry died yesterday, the result of an accidental drowning in his hot tub.  Mr. Perry was 54.

Matthew Perry’s parents divorced before his first birthday.  When Matthew was 15, he moved to L.A. to live with his father, John Perry.  Matthew’s father was an actor and Matthew decided to pursue and acting career.

Matthew Perry began getting guest spots on television. He landed a starring role in the tv series Boys Will Be Boys which ran for one season.  His first feature film appearance was in A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon starring River Phoenix.  In 1994, Matthew Perry appeared in the role that would change his life.  He was cast as Chandler Bing, on the hit series Friends.  This would be Mr. Perry’s signature role and earn him a 2002 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.  Matthew Perry would go on to work in both television and feature films for the remainder of his career.  Mr. Perry would earn two more Emmy nominations for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series (2003 and 2004) for his work on West Wing.

Some of Matthew Perry’s television appearances include: Charles in Charge; Silver Spoons; The Tracey Ullman Show; Boys Will Be Boys (21 episodes); Highway to Heaven; Empty Nest; Growing Pains (3 episodes); Sydney (13 episodes); Who’s the Boss?; Beverly Hills 90210; Dream On; Home Free (13 episodes); Friends (234 episodes); The Simpsons; Ally McBeal (2 episodes); The West Wing (3 episodes); Scrubs; Studio City on Sunset Strip (22 episodes); Mr. Sunshine (13 episodes); The Good Wife (4 episodes); Go On (22 episodes); Web Therapy (2 episodes); The Odd Couple (38 episodes); The Good Fight (3 episodes) and The Kennedys After Camelot (4 episodes).

Some of Matthew Perry’s film appearances include: A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon; She’s Out of Control; Fools Rush In; The Whole Nine Yards; The Whole Ten Yards and 17 Again.

Of course when I think of Matthew Perry, his role of Chandler Bing first comes to mind.  Friends made him a super star.  My favorite Matthew Perry appearances came on West Wing.  He appeared in just three episodes, but earned two Emmy nominations for them.

Matthew Perry didn’t hide the struggles that he faced with substance abuse throughout his life.  In 2011, Mr. Perry served as a celebrity spokesperson for the National Association of Drug Court Professionals in support of funding for drug courts.  Matthew Perry opened The Perry House, a rehab center in his former mansion in Malibu, California.  I was a fan of Matthew Perry’s acting, but an even bigger fan of his efforts to combat drugs both for himself and others.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Matthew Perry’s family, friends and fans.

“Hang ‘Em High” (1968) starring Clint Eastwood / Z-View

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Hang ‘Em High (1968)

Director:  Ted Post

Screenplay by:  Leonard Freeman, Mel Goldberg

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Inger Stevens, Pat Hingle, Ed Begley, Ben Johnson, Charles McGraw, Ruth White, Bruce Dern, Alan Hale Jr., Arlene Golonka, James Westerfield, Dennis Hopper, L.Q. Jones, Joseph Sirola, James MacArthur, Bert Freed, Mark Lenard and Bob Steele.

Tagline: The hanging was the best show in town. But they made two mistakes. They hung the wrong man and they didn’t finish the job.

The Story: 

Jed Cooper (Eastwood), a former lawman, is found with a dead man’s cattle.  Despite a bill of sale, the six vigilantes don’t believe Cooper.  The put a noose around his neck, hang him and ride off.

Marshall Dave Bliss (Johnson) saw what was happening from a distance.  He rides in and cuts Cooper down.  Although he’ll carry a scar on his neck for the rest of his life, Cooper will live.  Marshall Bliss turns Cooper over to Hanging Judge Fenton (Hingle).  Fenton checks out Cooper’s story.  When he finds it to be true, he offers Cooper a job as a Marshall.

Cooper accepts.  His first order of business will be to track down the men that tried to hang him.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

Hang ‘Em High was Clint Eastwood’s first starring role in a Hollywood movie.  It was also the first film Eastwood produced through his Malpaso production company.

Ted Post was handpicked to direct Hang ‘Em High by Clint Eastwood. Post had directed 24 episodes of Rawhide and the two had a good relationship.  Post and Eastwood would reteam for Magnum Force.

The supporting cast is made up of well known character actors (Pat Hingle, Ed Begley, Charles McGraw, Ruth White, Bruce Dern, Alan Hale Jr., Arlene Golonka, James Westerfield, Dennis Hopper, Joseph Sirola, James MacArthur, Bert Freed and Mark Lenard) and former cowboy stars (Ben Johnson, Alan Hale, Jr., L.Q. Jones and Bob Steele).

Although it was sometimes advertised with the tagline: A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, The Good the Bad and the Ugly…NOW The Man With No Name is back!, Eastwood’s character in Hang ‘Em High is NOT The Man With No Name.

“The Night Stalker” (1972) starring Darren McGavin / Z-View

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The Night Stalker (1972)

Director:  John Llewellyn Moxey

Screenplay by:  Richard Matheson based on THE KOLCHAK PAPERS by Jeff Rice 

Starring: Darren McGavin, Carol Lynley, Simon Oakland, Ralph Meeker, Claude Akins, Charles McGraw, Kent Smith, Stanley Adams, Larry Linville, Jordan Rhodes, Barry Atwater, Edward Faulkner, Buddy Joe Hooker and Elisha Cook Jr..

Tagline: A vampire killer loose in Las Vegas? It’s hard to believe, isn’t it?

The Story: 

A serial killer in Las Vegas continues to leave victims drained of blood.  Reporter Carl Kolchak (McGavin) believes that the murderer believes he’s a vampire.  When Kolchak turns in an article saying that, he is called into a meeting with his editor and the police.  Kolchak’s story is rejected.  His editor thinks it would tarnish the paper’s reputation.  The police think it would panic the public.

What everyone doesn’t know, but will learn – the killer is a vampire!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

The Night Stalker was released as an ABC Movie of the Week in 1972.  I was 11 years old and couldn’t wait to see it. I wasn’t the only one.  The Night Stalker became the highest rated tv movie up to that point.  The following year, Kolchak returned when The Night Strangler was released.  Kolchak: The Night Stalker was then adapted into a television series.  It lasted one season, but became a cult classic.

The Night Stalker was produced by Dan “Dark Shadows” Curtis.  It features an outstanding cast considering it was a made-for-tv movie.  Darren McGavin is Carl Kolchak.  It was cool to see him play the character in two movies and the television series.  Carol Lynley doesn’t have much to do as Kolchak’s girlfriend.  Ralph Meeker has a nice role as Kolchak’s buddy on the force.  The Night Stalker is filled with great character actors including Simon Oakland, Claude Akins, Charles McGraw, Kent Smith and Stanley Adams. Even Elisha Cook Jr. gets a cameo!

I loved The Night Stalker when I was a kid.  A recent rewatch was fun.  The Night Stalker rates 3 of 5 stars.

RIP: Richard Moll

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Richard Moll, born Charles Richard Moll died yesterday. No cause of death was given.  Mr. Moll was 81.

Richard Moll was best known for playing the hulking bailiff Aristotle Nostradamus “Bull” Shannon on the NBC sitcom Night Court.  Mr. Moll had been working professionally for seven years in both television and film roles before getting his breakout role. Once Night Court ended, Richard Moll continued to act on television, in feature films and provide voice work for the rest of his career.

Some of Richard Moll’s television appearances include: Welcome Back Kotter; The Rockford Files; How the West Was Won; Happy Days (2 episodes); The Jericho Mile; B.J. and the Bear; The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo (3 episodes); Buck Rogers in the 25th Century; The Bad News Bears; Laverne & Shirley (2 episodes); Code Red (2 episodes); Bret Maverick (2 episodes); Mork & Mindy; The Fall Guy; T.J. Hooker; Remington Steele; Fantasy Island; Alice; The Dukes of Hazard (2 episodes); The A-Team (2 episodes); Santa Barbara (2 episodes); The Facts of Life (2 episodes); Sledge Hammer; My Two Dads; 227; The Munsters Today; Night Court (193 episodes); Highlander; Martin; Batman: The Animated Series (14 episodes); Mighty Max (40 episodes); Babylon 5; Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman (3 episodes); Baywatch; Weird Science; Married…with Children (2 episodes); Superman: The Animated Series; The Legend of Calamity Jane (13 episodes); The Incredible Hulk (2 episodes); Spider-Man: The Animated Series (6 episodes); The New Batman Adventures (2 episodes); 100 Deeds for Eddie McDowd (25 episodes); Justice League (2 episodes); Smallville; Cold Case; Batman: The Brave and the Bold and Scooby Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster.

Some of Richard Moll’s film appearances include: Brigham; American Pop; Caveman; Hard Country; House; Loaded Weapon 1; The Flintstones; Jingle All the Way and Scary Movie 2.

When I think of Richard Moll, I first think of Bull Shannon.  What I love about Richard Moll is that he was able to do comedy, or drama with equal ease.  You might think that because of his size he would always play the heavy but looking at his resume, it is clear that isn’t the case.  I also love that Mr. Moll was able to transition to voice work as he got older.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Richard Moll’s family, friends and fans.

“Old Dads” (2023) directed by Bill Burr, starring Bill Burr, Bobby Cannavale & Bokeem Woodbine / Z-View

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Old Dads (2023)

Director: Bill Burr

Screenplay by: Bill Burr, Ben Tishler

Starring: Bill Burr, Bobby Cannavale, Bokeem Woodbine, Miles Robbins, Rachael Harris, C. Thomas Howell and Bruce Dern.

Tagline: Times have changed. They didn’t get the fax.

The Story: 

Jack (Burr), Connor (Cannavale) and Mike (Woodbine) are long time friends and business partners.  They are each also dealing with the joys of being an “old dad”.  They’re out of step and struggling with new ways of thinking.  Growing old ain’t for sissies.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

I liked Old Dads better than I thought I would.  Hats off to Bill Burr who co-wrote, directed and starred.  Bobby Cannavale and Bokeem Woodbine are excellent as Burr’s friends.  C. Thomas Howell and Bruce Dern appear in small but important roles.

I enjoyed Old Dads and think it could easily be adapted into a tv series.  There’s a lot of potential about three old dads who are out of touch with modern society.

“The Getaway” (1994) starring Alec Baldwin & Kim Basinger / Z-View

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The Getaway (1994)

Director:  Roger Donaldson

Screenplay by:  Walter Hill,  Amy Holden Jones based on THE GETAWAY by Jim Thompson

Starring:  Alec Baldwin, Kim Basinger, Michael Madsen, James Woods, David Morse, Jennifer Tilly, James Stephens, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Burton Gilliam, Royce D. Applegate, Daniel Villarreal, Alex Colon  and Richard Farnsworth.

Tagline: Choosing between love and money is one thing. Getting away with both is something else

The Story: 

Carter “Doc” McCoy (Baldwin) was serving time in a Mexican prison after being double crossed on his last job. Thanks to Jack Benyon’s (Woods) influence and cash payoffs, Doc is now a free man.  Well, almost.  Doc owes Benyon a debt that will be paid off after Doc’s next job.

All goes well until it doesn’t.  Before Doc and his accomplices meet to divide the cash, the double crosses begin.  Doc doesn’t know who he can trust.  After he finds out what his wife, Carol (Basinger), did to get his release from prison, Doc’s not even sure about her,

The cops and Benyon’s men are after them.  Doc and Carol need a clean getaway.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

The two biggest differences in The Getaway directed by Sam Peckinpah, starring Steve McQueen and Ali McGraw and this one are 1) Doc and his wife are more of a team in the remake, and 2) there’s more nudity.

McQueen and McGraw fell in love while filming The Getaway.  They later married.  Baldwin and Basinger were already married when they starred in the remake.  They later divorced.

I’m a fan of both versions of the film.  THE GETAWAY is my favorite novel by Jim Thompson.

Baldwin and Basinger are aided by a great supporting cast.  Standouts include Michael Madsen, James Woods, David Morse, Jennifer Tilly, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Burton Gilliam and Richard Farnsworth.

There was talk of a sequel, but it never happened.  It’s not too late.