“Breakheart Pass” (1975) starring Charles Bronson / Z-View

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Breakheart Pass (1975)

Director: Tom Gries

Screenplay:  Alistair MacLean; based on BREAKHEART PASS by Alistair MacLean

Stars: Charles Bronson, Ben Johnson, Richard Crenna, Jill Ireland, Charles Durning, Ed Lauter, Bill McKinney, David Huddleston, Roy Jenson, Rayford Barnes, Scott Newman, Robert Tessier, Joe Kapp, Sally Kirkland, Eddie Little Sky, Paul Frees (voice) and Archie Moore.

Tagline: Death rode the express to Breakheart Pass.

The Plot…

A train is heading to Fort Humbold, a remote frontier outpost.  The soldiers at the fort have reported a diphtheria outbreak.  The train carries medical supplies, replacement soldiers, and civilians including Governor Fairchild (Crenna) and his fiancée Marica (Ireland), the daughter of the fort’s commander.  Also on board are U.S. Marshal Pearce (Johnson) and his prisoner, John Deakin (Bronson).

As the train gets further from civilization, people started turning up murdered.  There is a killer or killers on board.  To complicate matters, outlaw Levi Calhoun (Tessier) has joined with Chief White Hand (Little Sky) to rob the train of the weapons being taken to the fort.

No one knows who can be trusted.  As the bodies pile up, secrets are revealed and a conspiracy unfolds.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Breakheart Pass is a real location in Nevada’s Rocky Mountains.  And yes, trains pass through it.

The railroad cars that go off track and are destroyed weren’t miniatures.  They were actual full-sized train cars.

Archie Moore, the longest fighter to hold the light heavyweight title, has a featured role.  Moore fought in three weight divisions over his career.  He held the light heavyweight title for ten years!  His boxing record was 186 – 23.

Breakheart Pass is an under-rated Charles Bronson film.

Breakheart Pass (1975) rates 4 of 5 stars.

MIDNIGHT LULLABIES: UNQUIET STORIES AND POEMS by Jonathan Maberry!

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Jonathan Maberry has a new one coming out in just a few days.  It’s titled MIDNIGHT LULLABIES: UNQUIET STORIES AND POEMS.  Here’s the lowdown…

It’s dark out there…and it lasts a long time…

MIDNIGHT LULLABIES: UNQUIET STORIES AND POEMS is a collection of the horror short stories and poems-both old and new-by New York Times bestselling author and 5-time Bram Stoker Award-winner, Jonathan Maberry.

In the darkest hours of the night the natural world yields to the creatures who dwell in the dark. A serial killer who adopts orphaned children during the apocalypse; a heartbreaking reconciliation of two estranged brothers; a paralyzed MMA fighter receiving an offer he can’t refuse; strange voices crying out from the heart of a collapsed mountain; a little girl who enlists the aid of the monsters in her closet to battle cosmic horror; a delicious revenge by a refugee from the death camps; rednecks battling zombies; a terrified child whose family has become monsters; Earth-borne horrors taking hold on an alien world; and more! Plus, new horror tales and eerie poems.

With a foreword by New York Times bestselling author, Joe R. Lansdale.

BROOKLYN BLOOD by Paul Levitz and Tim Hamilton / Z-View

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BROOKLYN BLOOD by Paul Levitz (writer) and Tim Hamilton (artist)

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Detective Billy O’Connor suffers from PTSD.  His time in Afghanistan took a heavy toil.  O’Connor has occasional hallucinations and blackouts.  He’s been able to keep it together, but things that trigger episodes are becoming more frequent.

Detective Nadira Hasan is O’Connor’s partner.  She’s aware of O’Connor’s issues, but has his back.  They’re a good team.  That’s why they get the assignment when a serial killer begins leaving gruesomely mutilated bodies in public places.

As O’Connor and Hasan work the case, O’Connor’s visions begin to change from Afghanistan to terrible images from Brooklyn’s past.  He’s seeing things that make no sense, but are somehow connected.  O’Connor thinks a psychic may have some answers.  When O’Connor tells Hasan, she’s skeptical.  But as bodies pile, up, anything is worth a shot.

As O’Connor and Hasan get closer to the killer, he turns his sights on them.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I knew Paul Levitz from his days as a writer and editor for DC Comics.  I liked his one sentence summary for BROOKLYN BLOOD: In Brooklyn, a serial killer is on the loose–and when strange clues lead down a paranormal path, a detective confronts his inner demons to solve the case.

I wasn’t familiar with Tim Hamilton’s art, but that’s what got me to pull the trigger on the purchase.  His storytelling is straightforward with interesting camera angles.  I especially love Hamilton’s inking.  He has an open art style, then comes in with bold inks.  He’s great at spotting blacks and creating a page that pops.  I definitely will keep my eyes open for more from Hamilton.  I’d love to see him take on additional crime/noir stories.

BROOKLYN BLOOD definitely leans into the paranormal aspect of the case with Lovecraftian monsters showing up at the end of the tale.  If that’s you’re thing, you’re going to like the story even more than me.  I was entertained and enjoyed the ride.

BROOKLYN BLOOD by Paul Levitz (writer) and Tim Hamilton (artist) rates 3 of 5 stars.

Rating:

“The Taking of Pelham One Two Three” (1974) starring Walter Matthau & Robert Shaw / Z-View

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The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1973)

Director: Joseph Sargent

Screenplay: Peter Stone;  based on THE TAKING OF PELHAM ONE TWO THREE by John Godey

Stars: Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, Martin Balsam, Hector Elizondo, Earl Hindman, James Broderick, Dick O’Neill, Lee Wallace, Tom Pedi, Nathan George, Rudy Bond, Kenneth McMillan, Doris Roberts, Julius Harris and Jerry Stiller.

Tagline: We are going to kill one passenger a minute until New York City pays us 1 million dollars.

The Plot…

Four armed men, code named Mr. Blue, Mr. Grey, Mr. Brown and Mr. Green hijack subway train Pelham One Two Three.  The cut loose the first car and hold its 17 passengers and conductor hostage.

Their demand: One Million Dollars.  If the money isn’t delivered in one hour, they will kill one passenger for each minute that passes.

The clock is ticking.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three is an effective thriller.  Part of the fun is trying to figure out how the hijackers expect to get away since they are also trapped in the subway.

Peter Stone did an excellent job of adapting John Godey’s best selling novel.  It is my favorite film directed by Joseph Sargent.

Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw were the big name stars, but the supporting cast more than pull their weight. Kudos to  Doris (“Everybody Loves Raymond”) Roberts and Jerry (“Seinfeld” and “King of Queens”) Stiller best known for their comedy roles, who appear in serious roles here.

The fade out shot is a classic.

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1973) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“No Questions Asked” (1951) starring Barry Sullivan, Arlene Dahl, George Murphy & Jean Hagen / Z-View

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No Questions Asked (1951)

Director: Harold F. Kress

Screenplay: Sidney Sheldon; story by Berne Giler

Stars: Barry Sullivan, Arlene Dahl, Jean Hagen, Richard Anderson, Moroni Olsen, Danny Dayton, William Phipps, Howland Chamberlain and Robert Osterloh.

Tagline: M-G-M presents the inside story of the men and their women in the “stolen goods” racket.

The Plot…

Steve Keiver (Sullivan) wants to marry Ellen Sayburn (Dahl).  Trouble is he can’t afford her lifestyle.  Not on his insurance investigator’s salary.  When some valuable furs are stolen, Keiver gets a brainstorm.  It’s risky, but Ellen is worth it.

Keiver meets with some locally known mobsters.  Keiver puts out word he will accept the furs, no questions asked.  In turn he will pay them $7,500 of the $10,000 insurance reward.  Keiver will keep $2,500 for his trouble.

Surprisingly, Keiver’s deal is accepted.  Keiver takes the money to buy a ring for Ellen. Then he learns that she’s with someone else.  So when mobsters come to Keiver with more stolen goods, he’s more than eager to act as the go-between with the insurance companies.  The insurance companies like getting the goods back, but aren’t too happy with Keiver.  The cops even less so.  But he’s not doing anything illegal.  Immoral maybe, but not illegal.

As Keiver gets in deeper with the crooks, it’s only a matter of time before things go sideways.  And when things go bad, people get killed.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

No Questions Asked  has an interesting idea that quickly loses steam.

No Questions Asked (1951) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“London After Midnight” directed by Tod Browning, starring Lon Chaney – The Lost Film

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London After Midnight is a lost film from 1927.  It was directed by Tod “Dracula” Browning and starred Lon “The Man of One Thousand Faces” Chaney.

London After Midnight was one of eight films Browning and Chaney made together,  The last known copy of the film was destroyed in the MGM vault fire of 1965.  I continue to hope another copy of the film will turn up one day.

“Alien Romulus” (2024) directed by Fede Álvarez / Z-View

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Alien Romulus (2024)

Director: Fede Álvarez

Screenplay: Fede Álvarez, Rodo Sayagues; based on characters by Dan O’Bannon, Ronald Shusett

Stars: Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, Aileen Wu, Rosie Ede, Daniel Betts and Ian Holm (facial and vocal reference).

Tagline: They went looking for a new life. It found them.

The Plot…

In the year 2142, on the distant mining planet LV-410, workers live on a planet barely hospitable.  When the mining company, Weyland-Yutani, unilaterally extends all miners contracts, six friends come up with a plan to escape.

The team consists of…

  • Rain (Spaeny) – an orphan whose only “family” is…
  • Andy (Jonsson) – an android programmed by Rain’s late father to protect her at all costs
  • Tyler (Renaux) – Rain’s ex-boyfriend and brother to…
  • Kay (Merced) – Tyler’s pregnant sister
  • Bjorn (Fearn) – Kay’s lover
  • Navarro (Wu) – Bjorn’s adopted sister

The plan is to board a derelict spacecraft recently discovered in low orbit.  Andy will interface with the ship’s operating system.  Then they will access the crio-chambers that will allow them to escape to civilization.

Easy-peasy.

But the best laid plans often go sideways.  The friends quickly realize they’re in a fight for their lives when they discover xenomorphs on the ship.

And the xenomorphs discover them.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Alien Romulus takes place between Alien and Aliens.  There are many easter eggs / callbacks to both of those films (and others in the franchise including video games).

Fede Álvarez’s direction is top notch.  He was the right choice to revitalize the franchise.

David Jonsson is amazing as Andy.  I’d never seen Jonsson act before, but he is someone I will watch for.

Alien Romulus (2024) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Killer Heat” starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley and Richard Madden – The Poster & Trailer are Here!

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Here we have the poster and trailer for Killer Heat starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley and Richard Madden.  Looks pretty good so…

Deal me in.

Jealousy can drive you to the edge. KILLER HEAT, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley and Richard Madden, is streaming on Prime Video September 26.

“‘Salem’s Lot” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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I’m a Stephen King fan and ‘SALEM’S LOT is one of my favorite novels by him.  Loved the 1979 mini-series adaptation, and am looking forward to the new film.

Check out the poster and trailer.

Deal me in.

They used to tell stories about this place.

Based on Stephen King’s terrifying novel, the new Max Original film #SalemsLot, from the creator of The Conjuring Universe and a producer of It, premieres October 3 exclusively on Max.

WHERE THE BONES LIE by Nick Kolakowski!

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Nick Kolakowski has a new novel coming out on March 25, 2025.  WHERE THE BONES LIE sounds like a winner…

Centered around the small California town of San Douglas, Where the Bones Lie is an electrifying new mystery noir novel, perfect for fans of Jordan Harper.

For Dash Fuller, Hollywood’s underbelly is home sweet home. He’s spent years helping to disappear the film industry’s worst secrets, and it’s left him a cynical burnout who loves bourbon a little too much. But when a young woman named Madeline Ironwood comes to him with a peculiar quest, Dash sees it as a chance for redemption.

Madeline is the daughter of Ken Ironwood, a notorious smuggler and murderer who disappeared 20 years ago. Ken’s skeleton was recently discovered in a barrel at the bottom of a dried-up lake, and Madeline wants to know who killed him.

Dash agrees to help, and as this desperate daughter and jaded cynic claw their way through a world of sun-bleached secrets, crooked cops, and Hollywood thugs, they soon uncover a massive conspiracy involving some of LA’s most powerful people.

Get ready for a fast-paced, darkly funny thriller with a twist you won’t see coming

Preorders are available now.

“Revenge of the Creature” (1955) starring John Agar, Lori Nelson & John Bromfield / Z-View

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Revenge of the Creature (1955)

Director: Jack Arnold

Screenplay: Martin Berkeley,  story by William Alland

Stars: John Agar, Lori Nelson, John Bromfield, Nestor Paiva, Grandon Rhodes, Dave Willock, Robert B. Williams, Charles Cane, Bill Baldwin, Clint Eastwood, Brett Halsey and Ricou Browning.

Tagline: ALL-NEW 3-D THILLS!

The Plot…

An expedition returns to the Amazon’s Black Lagoon.  They capture the Creature and bring it to the Ocean Harbor Oceanarium in Florida.  Professor Clete Ferguson (Agar) and Helen Dobson (Nelson) are the two main scientists studying the beast.

The Creature becomes enamored with Helen.  When the Creature escapes, it goes after Helen.  As one of the movie’s taglines says, “Monster Escapes! Terror Seizes City! …a woman’s beauty the lure for his dangerous desires!“

Oh my!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Revenge of the Creature was originally released in 3D, but theaters could request a regular version. The studio released both since the 3ED craze was dying.

Marineland in Saint Augustine, Florida doubled for the Ocean Harbor Oceanarium.  I was in heaven as a kid when I went to Marineland and was able to walk the same paths as The Creature from the Black Lagoon!

Revenge of the Creature falls short of the original.

Ricou Browning appears again (uncredited) playing the Creature. He did appear on-screen as one of the lab technicians.  Interestingly enough, Clint Eastwood also appears uncredited as a lab worker.

Revenge of the Creature (1955) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Unit 234: The Lock Up” starring Isabelle Fuhrman, Don Johnson & Jack Huston – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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The poster and trailer for Unit 234: The Lock Up are here.  It stars Isabelle Fuhrman, Don Johnson and Jack Huston.

Deal me in.

After the discovery of an unconscious man in a locked unit, the lone employee of a remote storage facility must fight to survive the night.

Overtime is hell for Isabelle Fuhrman in this tense white-knuckle thriller. After a shocking discovery of an unconscious man in a locked unit, the lone employee of a remote storage facility must fight to survive the night against a ruthless gang, dead set on retrieving their precious cargo – at any cost.

Starring Isabelle Fuhrman (Orphan: First Kill), Don Johnson (Knives Out) and Jack Huston (Kill Your Darlings), Unit 234: The Lock Up is written by Derek Steiner and directed by Andy Tennant (Fool’s Gold).