“Black and Blue” (2019) starring Naomie Harris, Tyrese Gibson, Frank Grillo & Mike Colter / Z-View

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Black and Blue (2019)

Director: Deon Taylor

Screenplay: Peter A. Dowling

Stars: Naomie Harris, Tyrese Gibson, Frank Grillo, Mike Colter and James Moses Black

Tagline: The truth made her a target.

The Plot…

After a stint in the Army, Alicia West (Harris) has returned to her tough New Orleans neighborhood as a police officer.  Alicia quickly learns that although she grew up there and is black, everyone now sees her as “blue”.  This is driven home from her interactions with people she grew up with — they distrust the police and she’s now one of them.

When Alicia agrees to pick up an extra shift, she paired with a veteran cop.  They take a couple of calls and then he tells her to wait in the car while he enters a building.  When Alicia hears a gunshot, she leaves the car and heads to help her partner.  She’s surprised to see him with some undercover cops as they murder a drug dealer.  When Alicia is seen, one of the cops shoots her.  Wounded and on the run, Alicia becomes the target of cops and the gangbangers when word is put out that she executed the drug dealers!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Naomie Harris is excellent as the rookie cop, wounded and alone with no one to trust and everyone wanting her dead.  Tyrese Gibson and Frank Grillo are always welcome additions to any cast.  The real surprise for me is Mike Colter. Colter plays a huge, scary drug lord determined to avenge the murder of his nephew.  He owns every scene he’s in.

Black and Blue (2019) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Lost Bullet” (2020) starring Alban Lenoir / Z-View

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Lost Bullet (2020)

Director: Guillaume Pierret

Screenplay: Guillaume Pierret, Alban Lenoir, Kamel Guemra

Stars: Alban Lenoir

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Lino (Lenoir) is a top notch mechanic and getaway driver.  When he’s caught on a heist gone wrong, he’s recruited to join a police task force out to capture drug runners using hopped up cars.  When crooked cops frame Lino for a murder of a police officer, he finds himself on the run and marked for death.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I sought out Lost Bullet after seeing Alban Lenoir in AKA. While AKA is a better film, Lost Bullet will satisfy action movie fans looking for a fun ride.

Lost Bullet (2020) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Killers of the Flower Moon” — Official Trailer

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“Killers of the Flower Moon” — The Official Trailer is Here!

Based on a true American Story. Killers of the Flower Moon, in theaters October.

At the turn of the 20th century, oil brought a fortune to the Osage Nation, who became some of the richest people in the world overnight. The wealth of these Native Americans immediately attracted white interlopers, who manipulated, extorted, and stole as much Osage money as they could before resorting to murder. Based on a true story and told through the improbable romance of Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Mollie Kyle (Lily Gladstone), “Killers of the Flower Moon” is an epic western crime saga, where real love crosses paths with unspeakable betrayal. Also starring Robert De Niro, Jesse Plemons, John Lithgow, Brendan Fraser, Tantoo Cardinal, Cara Jade Myers, JaNae Collins, and Jillian Dion, Killers of the Flower Moon is directed by Academy Award winner Martin Scorsese from a screenplay by Eric Roth and Scorsese, based on David Grann’s best-selling book.

Hailing from Apple Studios, Killers of the Flower Moon was produced alongside Imperative Entertainment, Sikelia Productions and Appian Way. Producers are Scorsese, Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas and Daniel Lupi, with DiCaprio, Rick Yorn, Adam Somner, Marianne Bower, Lisa Frechette, John Atwood, Shea Kammer and Niels Juul serving as executive producers.

Song: “Stadium Pow Wow (feat. Black Bear)” by The Halluci Nation https://apple.co/‎StadiumPowWow

“Malone” (1987) starring Burt Reynolds / Z-View

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Malone (1987)

Director: Harley Cokeliss

Screenplay: Christopher Frank, William P. Wingate

Stars: Burt Reynolds, Cliff Robertson, Kenneth McMillan, Cynthia Gibb, Scott Wilson, Lauren Hutton, Tracey Walter and Dennis Burkley.

Tagline: He didn’t start the fight… but he’ll sure as hell finish it.

The Plot…

Malone (Reynolds) is a retired C.I.A. assassin.  While driving across country, Malone’s car breaks down outside a small town.  He pushes the car to the only gas station for miles and meets the owner, Paul Barlow (Wilson) and his teenage daughter Jo (Gibb).  Barlow allows Malone to stay at his house while they wait for the car part to arrive.  Malone learns that a rich man named Delaney (Robertson) is buying up all the property in the area and is putting a squeeze on Barlow.  When thugs are sent to convince Barlow to sell, Malone steps in.  Soon Malone finds himself going against Delaney and his former allies at the C.I.A..

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Does it get any more mid-80s than Burt Reynolds, Cliff Robertson, Kenneth McMillan, Cynthia Gibb, Scott Wilson and Lauren Hutton?

Burt Reynolds described Malone as a retelling of Shane and he’s not far off… except the young boy is now a teenage girl with the hots for Malone.

If you’re a Burt Reynolds fan you’ll enjoy Malone more than a non-fan so keep that in mind as you consider my rating.  I’m a Reynolds fan.

Malone (1987) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Wheelman” (2017) starring Frank Grillo / Z-View

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Wheelman (2017)

Director: Jeremy Rush

Screenplay: Jeremy Rush

Stars: Frank Grillo, Garret Dillahunt, Shea Whigham, John Cenatiempo, George Carroll and Seth Ayott.

Tagline: Think Fast. Drive Faster.

The Plot…

In the middle of a bank robbery, the getaway driver learns that he’s been set-up and the thieves plan to kill him after they escape.  Once the cash is in the trunk, the driver races off leaving the crooks behind.  Now he must figure out how he can save his daughter and ex-wife from the thugs who betrayed him.  The clock is ticking…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Wheelman is a great example of how to do crime fiction right.  Kudos to Jeremy Rush the writer/director for creating a sleek action film that starts off quick and only slows down enough for viewers to catch their breath.

Rush is supported by a wonderful cast.  Frank Grillo was the perfect choice for the wheelman.  The always great Garret Dillahunt and Shea Whigham have small but important roles.

If like me, you’re a sucker for a good crime film, than you can’t go wrong with Wheelman.

Wheelman (2017) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Heat” (1987) starring Burt Reynolds / Z-View

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Heat (1987)

Director: Dick Richards, Jerry Jameson

Screenplay: William Goldman based on his novel Heat

Stars: Burt Reynolds, Karen Young, Peter MacNicol, Howard Hesseman, Diana Scarwid, Joseph Mascolo, Alfie Wise and Joe Klecko.

Tagline: Nick Escalante isn’t a violent man by nature. He’s just good at it. Protection is his business. Especially when it comes to his friends

The Plot…

Nick Escalante (Reynolds) is a Vegas bodyguard.  When a female escort is brutalized by a mobster’s son named Danny DeMarco, Escalante agrees to help her get revenge.  Things go sideways when the DeMarco calls in hitters to take out Escalante.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

There’s a fun subplot with Peter MacNicol playing a rich, timid man who wants Escalante to teach him to be tough.

Heat was a troubled production.  Burt Reynolds and director, Dick Richards didn’t get along.  At one point Reynolds punched Richards, who then left the production.  Jerry Jamison was brought in to direct until Richards eventually returned.  Richards sued and won $500,000 from Reynold for the assault.

If you’re a Burt Reynolds fan, you’ll like Heat better than nonfans since the movie gets a lot of mileage from Reynolds likeability.

Heat (1987) rates 3 of 5 stars.

Sly Stallone’s Best Movies Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes and Craig Zablo

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Blaine Turner at Movieweb posted Sylvester Stallone’s 18 Best Movies, Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes.  You know me and lists.  So using just the films ranked by Rotten Tomatoes, here’s how I compare.

Rotton Tomatoes

18. Demolition Man (1993) – 62%

17. The Lords of Flatbush (1974) – 64%

16. Rocky III (1982) – 65%

15. Escape to Victory (1981) – 67%

14. Shade (2003) – 67%

13. The Expendables 2 (2012) – 67%

12. Cliffhanger (1993) – 68%

11. Rocky II (1979) – 70%

10. Nighthawks (1981) – 71%

09. F.I.S.T. (1978) – 73%

08. Cop Land (1997) – 75%

07. Rocky Balboa (2006) – 77%

06. Death Race 2000 (1975) – 82%

05. Creed II (2018) – 83%

04. First Blood (1982) – 86%

03. Antz (1998) – 92%

02. Rocky (1976) – 92%

01. Creed (2015) – 95%

Zablo

18. The Lords of Flatbush (1974) – 64%

17. Death Race 2000 (1975) – 82%

16. Antz (1998) – 92%

15. Escape to Victory (1981) – 67%

14. Demolition Man (1993) – 62%

13. Creed II (2018) – 83%

12. Shade (2003) – 67%

11. Rocky II (1979) – 70%

10. Cliffhanger (1993) – 68%

09. F.I.S.T. (1978) – 73%

08. The Expendables 2 (2012) – 67%

07. First Blood (1982) – 86%

06. Creed (2015) – 95%

05. Rocky Balboa (2006) – 77%

04. Cop Land (1997) – 75%

03. Nighthawks (1981) – 71%

02. Rocky III (1982) – 65%

01. Rocky (1976) – 92%

“Gallery of Horror” (1967) starring Lon Chaney Jr. & John Carradine / Z-View

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Gallery of Horror (1967)

Director: David L. Hewitt

Screenplay: Gary R. Heacock, Russ Jones, David Prentiss

Stars: Lon Chaney Jr., John Carradine.

Tagline: So shocking it will sliver your liver!

The Plot…

John Carradine introduces and stars in one of five shorts in this horror/comedy anthology.  The segments, each with a “twist” ending include…

  • The Witches Clock: a couple in Salem Massachusetts buy a spooky old mansion that may have once been owned by a witch.
  • King of the Vampires: Scotland yard detectives are after a serial killer that may be a vampire
  • Monster Raid: a man returns from the dead to take revenge on those who killed him
  • Spark of Life: A doctor tries to follow the experiments of Dr. Frankenstein by bringing a dead man back to life.
  • Count Alucard: (Alucard is Dracula spelled backwards). is in for the surprise of his life…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

John Carradine and Lon Chaney Jr. must have been hurting for cash to appear in this low-low budget movie. Crowd scenes consist of a just a few folks on screen with sounds of a mob.  The sets look like something out of a micro budget production.  The stories are on the same level.  Each features a twist that can be seen coming from a mile away.  I could see Gallery of Horror shown as a double feature with Plan 9 from Outer Space.

Gallery of Horror (1967) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“AKA” (2023) starring Alban Lenoir / Z-View

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AKA (2023)

Director: Morgan S. Dalibert

Screenplay: Morgan S. Dalibert, Alban Lenoir

Stars: Alban Lenoir, Eric Cantona and Kevin Layne.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Adam Franco (Lenoir) is a French government agent assigned to infiltrate the Pastore crime family.  To do so Franco will need to gain the trust of the cartel’s leader, Victor Pastore (Cantona).  Once done, Franco will be able to take down the entire Pastore mob.  When Pastore’s son is kidnapped by a rival gang, Franco puts his mission at risk to save the kid…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Alban Lenoir isn’t a traditionally handsome movie star.  He gives off a Charles Bronson vibe.  Lenoir shows a greater range in AKA than in some of his previous outings and he’s more than effective in his action scenes.  I’d love to see him return for another outing as Adam Franco.

If you’re a fan of action movies with heart you should enjoy AKA.

AKA (2023) rates 5 of 5 stars.

RIP: Alan Arkin

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Alan Arkin, the multi-award-winning actor, director and writer died yesterday of natural causes.  Mr. Arkin was 89.

Alan Arkin performed as an actor/director on Broadway, an actor/director/writer for television and an actor/director of feature films.  In 1963, Mr. Arkin won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his role in Enter Laughing. In 1967, Alan Arkin won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his role in The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming.  He was nominated twice for an Academy Award for Best Actor; and twice for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, winning in 2007 for his role in Little Miss Sunshine.

Some of Alan Arkin’s television appearances include: East Side/West Side; Sesame Street (5 episodes); Captain Kangaroo; Carol Burnett & Company; St. Elsewhere (3 episodes); Harry (7 episodes); Chicago Hope; 100 Centre Street (12 episodes) and Will & Grace;

Some of Alan Arkin’s feature films include: The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming; Wait Until Dark; Inspector Clouseau; The Heart is a Lonely Hunter; Catch-22; Last of the Red Hot Lovers; Freebie and the Bean; The Seven-Per-Cent Solution; Fire Sale; The In-Laws; Edward Scissorhands; The Rocketeer; Glengarry Glen Ross; So I Married an Axe Murderer; Grosse Pointe Blank; Little Miss Sunshine; Stand Up Guys and Grudge Match.

My first memory of Alan Arkin was his performance as Roat in Wait Until Dark.  He was sinister, scary and deserved an award for his performance.  Another favorite is Mr. Arkin’s co-starring role with Peter Falk in The In-Laws.  I also loved his performance as Louis ‘Lightning’ Conlon the aged fighter/trainer in Grudge Match.  I could list more films (Glengarry Glen Ross, The Rocketeer, etc.), but it’s easier to just say that any production that Alan Arkin appeared in was better for having him on board.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Alan Arkin’s family, friends and fans.

“Justified: City Primeval” – Just Doing My Job Teaser!

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Here’s the latest teaser for Justified: City Primeval.

Timothy Olyphant is back to reprise his role as everyone’s favorite gun-slinging lawman. FX’s Justified: City Primeval premieres July 18 on FX. Stream on Hulu.

Starring Timothy Olyphant, Aunjanue Ellis and Boyd Holbrook. Raylan Givens left the hollers of Kentucky and is balancing life as a U.S. Marshal with being a part-time father. A chance encounter sends him to Detroit and on a collision course with a violent sociopath and a formidable defense attorney.

“The Virtuoso” (2021) starring Anson Mount, Abbie Cornish & Anthony Hopkins / Z-View

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The Virtuoso (2021)

Director: Nick Stagliano

Screenplay: James C. Wolf, Nick Stagliano

Stars: Anson Mount, Abbie Cornish, Anthony Hopkins, David Morse and Richard Brake. 

Tagline: Every betrayal begins with trust.

The Plot…

To repay a debt, an assassin known as The Virtuoso (Mount) is given the time (5pm) and location (a small town diner) where he will find his target (who is also a hitman), but no other information.  When he arrives at the diner, there are several possible targets: a couple eating dinner, a lone man having a meal, the waitress and a Deputy Sheriff.

Not everyone is who they seem to be.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I thought the plot was interesting.  But truth be told, would a “virtuoso” assassin take an assignment knowing only the time and location of his target?  There are other things that his character does that brings into question his talent as a master assassin.

The Virtuoso features a first person narration that just doesn’t work.  A little of that goes a long way and there’s a lot of that.

The Virtuoso (2021) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Blacklight” starring Liam Neeson / Z-View

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Blacklight (2022)

Director: Mark Williams

Screenplay: Nick May, Mark Williams from a story by Nick May, Brandon Reavis

Stars: Liam Neeson, Aidan Quinn

Tagline: They’re gonna need more men

The Plot…

Travis Block (Neeson) is a government agent who has done a lot of shady things in his past.  Now, he wants to retire to spend time with his granddaughter.  When Travis finds out that his boss is authorizing hits on citizens, Travis finds himself in the fight of his life.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I can usually make it through a Liam Neeson action film.  I tapped out of Blacklight after 44 minutes.  I’m not alone.  Blacklight currently has a 4.8 rating on IMDb.  On Rotten Tomatoes Blacklight has an 11% favorable rating.  Your mileage may vary.