“Wintertide” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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I like the looks of Wintertide.  Deal me in.

Release Date: 11/14/2023

Directed by: John Barnard

Starring: Niamh Carolan, Solange Sookram, Jeremy Walmsley, Jesse Nobess, Colleen Furlan, Darcy Fehr, John B. Lowe, Onalee Ames, Michael O’Sullivan

Synopsis: Beth, a volunteer watch person of an isolated northern city battles a plague of depression that transforms the few remaining residents into empty, zombie-like automatons. She discovers that by entering an alternative dimension through her own dreams, she’s able to stave off the illness during the long, possibly endless winter. But will her power be enough to sustain her?

RIP: Richard Roundtree

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Richard Rountree died yesterday from pancreatic cancer.  Mr. Roundtree was 81.

Richard Roundtree began his professional career as a fashion and ad model.  He appeared in off-Broadway plays.  His big break came in 1971, when he starred in Shaft.  The film made Mr. Roundtree famous.  He would go to appear in feature films and television roles for the rest of his career.

Some of Richard Roundtree’s television appearances include: Shaft (7 episodes); Roots; The Love Boat (2 episodes); CHiPs; Magnum P.I.: A.D. (5 episodes); Outlaws (12 episodes); Murder, She Wrote; A Different World (2 episodes); Amen (2 episodes); Beauty and the Beast (3 episodes); 21 Jump Street; MacGyver; Generations (61 episodes); Beverly Hills, 90210; L.A. Law; Roc (4 episodes); Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper (2 episodes); Buddies (6 episodes); The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (2 episodes); Profiler; 413 Hope Street (10 episodes); Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman; Soul Food (6 episodes); Alias (2 episodes); Desperate Housewives (5 episodes); Blade: The Series; Grey’s Anatomy; Heroes (6 episodes); Knight Rider; Lincoln Heights (3 episodes); The Mentalist; Diary of a Single Mom (18 episodes); Chicago Fire (4 episodes); Star (5 episodes); Lethal Weapon; Being Mary Jane (33 episodes); Family Reunion (22 episodes) and Cherish the Day (8 episodes).

Some of Richard Roundtree’s film appearances include: Shaft; Embassy; Shaft’s Big Score; Shaft in Africa; Earthquake; Escape to Athena; Inchon; An Eye for an Eye; Q: The Winged Serpent; City Heat; Maniac Cop; Se7en; George of the Jungle; Steel; Shaft (2000) and Shaft (2019).

Like most everyone, when I think of Richard Rountree, I think of Shaft.  Looking over Mr. Rountree’s extensive resume, it is clear that he was much more than the man who’d risk his neck for his brother man.  I’m not just talkin’ ’bout Shaft.  I appreciated any time Richard Rountree’s name appeared in a production.

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

“Fargo” Installment 5 starring Juno Temple, Jon Hamm & Jennifer Jason Leigh – The Trailer is Here!

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I’m a fan of Fargo.  Deal me in.

Starring Juno Temple, Jon Hamm and Jennifer Jason Leigh. FX’s Fargo returns 11.21 on FX. Stream on Hulu. #FargoFX

The latest installment of Fargo is set in Minnesota and North Dakota, 2019. After an unexpected series of events lands “Dorothy ‘Dot’ Lyon” (Juno Temple) in hot water with the authorities, this seemingly typical Midwestern housewife is suddenly plunged back into a life she thought she had left behind.

“The Devil on Trial” (2023) / Z-View

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The Devil on Trial (2023)

Director:  Chris Holt

Written by:  Chris Holt

Tagline: Did the Devil Do It?

The Story: 

In 1981, Arne Johnson stabbed Alan Bono to death.  Bono was Johnson’s landlord and had, in the past, dated Johnson’s girlfriend.  Although there was no doubt that Johnson was the murderer, he claimed he didn’t remember doing it.  When the case went to trial, his defense was that he was possessed by the devil/a demon and therefore wasn’t responsible.

This documentary explores the foundation for that defense and the result of the trial.

In 1980, Arne Johnson was dating Debbie Glatzel.  Some of Debbie’s family believed that her younger brother, David was possessed by the devil.  On more than one occasion David had to be held down by family members (and Arne) while David cursed, screamed and convulsed.  David’s behavior was extreme enough that his mother contacted Ed and Lorraine Warren.  The Warrens were famous for their involvement in The Amityville Murders.  The Warrens assisted David’s mother in getting the church to conduct an exorcism.  During the procedure, as David was struggling, Arne reportedly yelled at the demon, “Leave this little kid alone.  Take on me.  I’m here.”

So when Arne killed David, he asserted that the devil/demon had made him do it.  This documentary uses actual voice recordings. archival footage, home movies and actor recreations to recount the story.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

While Arne wanted to use the “the devil made me do it” defense, he never got to.  The judge ruled that “possession” was not a valid defense.  He didn’t allow it.  Arne ended up being found guilty of manslaughter.

Now to David Glatzel.  Some of David’s family believed that he was possessed.  One of David’s brothers said it was an act.  He said that during one of David’s sessions while cursing, hitting and yelling, David’s father came into the room.  Father grabbed David and slapped him.  Dad told David to shut up and sit in a chair.  The brother said, “The devil did as he was told”.  In other words, it was an act.

David’s mother was a religious woman.  She may have believed that David was possessed at the start.  By the time the Warrens got involved, it seemed to be more about fame and the money. Also near the end of the documentary a sick allegation against the mother is made.  I won’t give it away, but if true indicates mom had serious issues of her own.

As to the Warrens, this film puts them in a very bad light.  They took advantage of David’s family.  The Warrens kept almost all of the money off book and movie deals in regard to David’s story.  Money that had been promised to the Glatzel family.  If you’ve seen The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, that’s the Glatzel family’s story.

The Devil on Trial leaves it to viewers to determine if the possessions were real or not,  There’s evidence that could support whatever you decide.  As to the actions of the Warrens, the evidence points to them not being on the up and up.

“The Unknown” (1927) directed by Tod Browning, starring Lon Chaney & Joan Crawford / Z-View

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The Unknown (1927)

Director:  Tod Browning

Screenplay by:  Waldemar Young; from a story byTod Browning;  Joseph Farnham (titles) 

Starring:  Lon Chaney, .Norman Kerry, Joan Crawford andJohn George

Tagline: Against a background of colorful circus life, and the sinister shadow of the underworld, is played a drama of love and revenge that will grip you! And through it stalks the mysterious figure of a deformed circus performer- The Unknown – a role just made for the brilliant Lon Chaney!

The Plot: 

“Alonzo the Armless” (Chaney) works as a circus stunt performer.  He uses his feet to throw knives and shoot a gun with deadly accuracy.  Alonzo is not the man’s real name. He goes by it because he’s hiding from the law.  The truth is that Alonzo has arms. He keeps them bound tightly to his body. No one (except his trusted partner Cojo) is aware of the deception.  Alonzo hides his arms because he was born with a deformed double thumb that the police know about.

Alonzo is in love with the circus owner’s daughter, Nanon (Crawford). Although Namon likes Alonzo, she is unaware of the depth of his affection for her.  Malabar, the circus strongman, also has feelings for Nanon.  As Alonzo’s obsession with Nanon grows, so does his willingness to cross any line to have her.  Before the tale is done, Alonzo will murder multiple people and do something so unexpected, to say more would ruin the twist.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

Tod Browning and Lon Chaney collaborated on eight films.  The Unknown is considered to be their best work. It has been called a “masterpiece of silent cinema” and I couldn’t agree more.

The step that Alonzo takes to win Nanon is so shocking that the audience is still reeling when Browning hits a twist worthy of O. Henry.  If you haven’t tried or liked silent films, I’d suggest you give The Unknown a shot.

“The Fall of the House of Usher” (2023) created by Mike Flanagan, starring Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood & Mary McDonnell / Z-View

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The Fall of the House of Usher (2023)

Director:  Mike Flanagan (Eps.1 – 2, 5 – 6); Michael Fimognari (Eps. 3 – 4, 7 -8)

Teleplay by:  Mike Flanagan (Ep. 1); Emmy Grinwis and Mike Flanagann (Ep. 2); Justina Ireland and Mike Flanagan (Ep. 3); Mat Johnson and Mike Flanagan (Ep. 4); Dani Parker (Ep. 5); Rebecca Leigh Klingel and Mike Flanagan (Ep. 6);Jamie Flanagan and Mike Flanagan (Ep. 7); Mike Flanagan and Kiele Sanchez (Ep. 8)

Starring:  Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood, Mary McDonnell, Henry Thomas, Rahul Kohli, Samantha Sloyan, T’Nia Miller, Zach Gilford, Willa Fitzgerald, Michael Trucco, Katie Parker, Matt Biedel, Crystal Balint, Ruth Codd, Kyliegh Curran, Carl Lumbly, Kate Siegel, Sauriyan Sapkota, Malcolm Goodwin   and Mark Hamill.

Tagline: Nevermore

The Plot: 

Roderick Usher (Greenwood) and his sister Madeline (McDonnell) teamed to take over Fortunato Pharmaceuticals.  Along the way they fudged test results, broke laws, lied under oath, ruined lives and committed at least one murder.  Now, decades later Roderick is CEO of Fortunato and one of the richest men on the planet.  His sister remains his trusted partner.  Over the years Roderick fathered several children from different mothers.  Now the kids are grown and using daddy’s money to try to build their own dynasties. But when Roderick’s offspring begin dying under unusual circumstances, one after the other, we learn what happened all those years ago that leads to The Fall of the House of Usher.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

Mike Flanagan has created another winner.  Rather than a literal adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher, Flannigan has given us modern interpretations of many of Poe’s short stories, poems and characters integrated into a single, unified story. This is genius.

The Fall of the House of Usher features an amazing cast.  I would not be surprised to several Emmy nominations from this production. Standouts include:

  • Carla Gugino: who owns every scene she is in.  I will be disappointed if she isn’t recognized for a Best Actress nod.
  • Bruce Greenwood: He’s perfect as Roderick Usher.  The role was originally cast with Frank Langella.  Problems on the set led to Greenwood getting the role and I would be hard pressed to say anyone could have done it better.
  • Henry Thomas gives the performance of his life.
  • Samantha Sloyan: I first became aware of her in Mike Flannigan’s Midnight Mass.  She was amazing there.  She’s also amazing here.
  • Carl Lumbly: was a great choice to go head to head in many scenes with Greenwood.  Lumbly, like the audience, slowly learns what has and is happening.
  • Mark Hamill: totally nails the role of the Usher Family’s attorney and “fixer”.  I’ll admit I was surprised at just how good Hamill is as the older, tough guy who has seen and done things we can’t imagine.

While I’ve turned the spotlight on the actors/actresses above, every member of the cast was excellent.  Mike Flannigan writes a great story, gets the right people for each part and then assists them in creating amazing performances.  The Fall of the House of Usher is an perfect example.  I look forward to what Flannigan does next.

“They Cloned Tyrone” (2023) starring John Boyega, Jamie Foxx & Teyonah Parris / Z-View

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They Cloned Tyrone (2023)

Director: Juel Taylor

Screenwriter: Tony Rettenmaier, Juel Taylor

Cast: John Boyega, Jamie Foxx, Teyonah Parris, Kiefer Sutherland and David Alan Grier.

Tagline: Damn…

The Plot…

Fontaine (Boyega) is a small time drug dealer.  When he goes to collect money from a pimp known as Slick Charles (Foxx), Fontaine is ambushed.  He’s shot several times and left for dead. Slick Charles and one of his girls, Yo-Yo are shocked to witness the murder.

They are even more amazed the next day.  Fontaine comes back to collect the debt.  He has no recollection of being shot.  He has no wounds.  As Slick Charles and Yo-Yo discuss what they saw, some memories come back to Fontaine.  The three end up following clues that lead them to discover a widespread government conspiracy.

Fontaine, Slick Charles and Yo-Yo have to figure out a way to quickly expose the powerful cabal behind the conspiracy, If they can’t, well… we all know what happens to people who discover the truth behind big time deceptions.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

This is the second film I’ve seen with John Boyega. He was excellent in The Woman King and is even better here.  Jamie Foxx is always good.  I loved seeing Keifer Sutherland and David Allan Grier pop up in supporting roles.

My simple description of They Cloned Tyrone is cross Three the Hard Way with Invasion of the Body Snatchers minus the aliens. Add a touch of humor.

I liked They Cloned Tyrone but think it could have gotten to the conspiracy a bit faster.  I also wish that they had leaned into the humor a bit more.

A lot of the film reminded me of a 70s blaxploitation movie.  I thought that maybe the film should have been set in that time period.  Another thought then occurred, perhaps the folks behind the film wanted us to see the situation as though it takes place now because the issues are still relevant.

They Cloned Tyrone (2023) rates 3 of 5 stars.

Kelley Jones Gives Us a Truly Frightening “Bride of Frankenstein”!

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I like Kelley Jones’ take on The Bride of Frankenstein.  Often artists want to make her a sexy monster.  That’s cool by me.  However, if we want to think about a woman made up of different parts of cadavers that is then brought back to life… well, that’s just plain scary.  And that is the Bride of Frankenstein that Kelley Jones gives us.

Source: Comic Crusaders.

“The Outlaws” (2017) starring Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee) & Yoon Kye-sang / Z-View

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The Outlaws (2017)

Director: Yunsung Kang

Screenwriter: Yunsung Kang

Cast: Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee), Yoon Kye-sang

Tagline: Bare-knuckle cop v/s bloodless butcher. Tonight, things get wild.

The Plot…

The Black Dragon, a Chinese gang led by the sadistic and merciless Jang Chen (Kyesang) moves into a South Korean district. Local business owners are harassed and killed.  To make matters worse, it leads to a gang war.  Detective Ma Seok-do (Dong-seok) and his team are ordered to take down the gangs.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

The Outlaws was one of the most popular film in South Korea the year it was released.  It came in the top three at the box office.  The Outlaws also won multiple South Korean film awards including: Top 10 Film, Best New Director and Best Supporting Actor.

The Outlaws was popular enough to lead to the production of two sequels: The Roundup (2022) and The Roundup: No Way Out (2023).

I’m a huge fan of Ma Dong-seok aka Don Lee.  He should be a bigger star in the US.

Kudos to Yoon Kye-sang.  He plays a villain that’s charismatic and evil.

The Outlaws is action-packed and violent.  Thankfully it doesn’t linger on the gore.  I look forward to seeing the two sequels.

The Outlaws (2017) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Immediate Family” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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I’ll be watching for this one.

One-night screenings on December 12th, available everywhere December 15th https://www.immediatefamilyfilm.com/

Immediate Family tracks the rise and collaborations of a group of legendary studio musicians through the 1970s and onward, chronicling their illustrious partnerships and their formidable record of hit-making. Directed by Denny Tedesco, whose documentary The Wrecking Crew followed the first wave of studio musicians in the 60s, the film reveals the machinery behind the booming era of the singer-songwriter, when the talents of these four musicians were in furious demand. The foundations of their enduring friendship, formed on the road and in studios, is recalled with dynamite clarity —reminisced with fondness through intimate interviews with the guys themselves, as well as the memories of some of rock’s most iconic voices. Immediate Family is a backstage tour spanning multiple eras of musical history. #documentary #rock #movie #trailer #comingsoon

Starring Carole King, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Keith Richards, Don Henley, David Crosby, Jackson Browne, Lyle Lovett, Phil Collins

Directed by Denny Tedesco

“War of the Worlds: The Attack” (2023) / Z-View

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War of the Worlds: The Attack (2023)

Director: Junaid Syed

Screenwriter: Junaid Syed, Tom Jolliffe

Cast: Sam Gittins, Vincent Regan, Alhaji Fofana, Lara Lemon.

Tagline: They Are Here

The Plot…

Three teenagers are at ground zero for one of the Martian landings. Once the Martians begin their takeover the kids fight among themselves, with others as well as the alien invaders in their effort to survive.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

Take three teenagers, a Cliff notes version of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds and turn it into a low, low budget movie. Then you’ll have War of the Worlds: The Attack.

War of the Worlds: The Attack (2023) rates 2 of 5 stars.