Search Results for: book of eli

“Shutter Island” (2010) directed by Martin Scorsese; starring Leonard DiCaprio / Z-View

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Shutter Island (2010)

Director:  Martin Scorsese

Screenplay: Laeta Kalogridis; based on SHUTTER ISLAND by Dennis Lehane

Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Max von Sydow, Michelle Williams, Patricia Clarkson, Ted Levine, John Carroll Lynch, Elias Koteas, Robin Bartlett, Nellie Sciutto, Joseph Sikora, Curtiss Cook, Joseph McKenna and Jackie Earle Haley.

Tagline: Someone is missing.

The Plot…

1954.

US Marshall Edward “Teddy” Daniels (DiCaprio) is sent to the Ashecliffe Hospital for the criminally insane.  Only the most violent and mentally ill patients are housed there.  The Ashecliffe Hospital sits on Shutter Island, located just outside of Boston Harbor.  The island rests high above sea level, with sheer cliffs on all sides. The only way in or out is through a number of secured gates attached to the only pier.

Just before departing for Shutter Island Marshall Daniels meets his new partner Officer Chuck Aule (Ruffalo).  Daniels and Aule arrive on Shutter Island just ahead of a hurricane that is rapidly approaching.  Daniels brings Aule up to speed.  They are there to find a missing patient named Rachel Solando.  Solando was there because she drowned her three children.  How she could have gotten off the island is a mystery.  The fact that she cannot be found on the small island seems impossible.  Daniels and Aule are there to resolve the case.

Daniels tells Aule that he asked for the case.  Daniels goes on to say that another of the insane criminals housed on Shutter Island is arsonist Andrew Laeddis.  One of Laeddis’ victims was Daniels wife who died in one of Laeddis’ fires.

As Daniels and Aule speak with the doctors and police officers on staff, Daniels begins to feel that things are not as they seem.  The patient interviews add to Daniels’ concerns.  When Daniels speaks to patient George Noyce privately, Noce informs him that the doctors are lying to him.  Noyce goes on to say that patients are subjected to horrible experiments.  Some are even lobotomized before they can speak out.

With this new knowledge, Daniels plans to leave the island and come back with support.  The only problem is the hurricane keeping all boats away.  Daniels and Officer Aule had been separated.  When Daniels asks about Aule, he is told that he had no partner.

Daniels realizes he’s trapped on the island and nothing is as it seemed. Daniels is outnumbered and outgunned. He’s got to find a way to survive and escape… from a place where escape is impossible.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Shutter Island is based on Dennis Lehane’s book of the same name.  Both the novel and the movie get my highest recommendation.

Shutter Island is an anagram for Truths and Lies.  As Daniels gets deeper and deeper into the mystery, the weather gets worse and the skies darker.  The storm passes and the skies clear, once the mystery is solved.  Unfortunately sunny skies may not mean a happy ending.

There are subtle clues throughout the movie as to what is actually going on.  I won’t give them away, because discovering them as you watch the film is part of the fun.  There’s even more enjoyment watching the film again and seeing how everything is right before our eyes.

Shutter Island (2010) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“The Mask of Dimitrios” (1944) starring Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet and Zachary Scott / Z-View

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The Mask of Dimitrios (1944)

Director:  Jean Negulesco

Screenplay: Frank Gruber; based on THE MASK OF DIMITRIOS by Eric Ambler

Stars: Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet, Zachary Scott, Steven Geray, Eduardo Ciannelli, Kurt Katch, John Abbott, Monte Blue, David Hoffman and Vince Barnett.

Tagline: Thrilling successor to “The Maltese Falcon”

The Plot…

Cornelius Leyden, a mystery writer, is spending a night in Istanbul.  Leyden meets Colonel Haki, a Turkish police offical.  Haki is a fan of Leyden’s books.  Haki shares the story of Dimitrios Makropoulos, a famous international criminal who was recently found murdered.  Leyden is intrigued.  Colonel Haki allows Leyden to see Makropoulos’ corpse.  Haki also gives Leyden background info on the dead man.

Leyden decides to interview those who knew Dimitrios Makropoulos and perhaps write a book about the criminal mastermind.  As Leyden digs deeper he learns just how cunning and brutal Dimitrios Makropoulos was.

Maybe cunning enough to fake his own death.  Maybe cunning enough to kill anyone looking into his life.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Peter Lorre had the most screen time of anyone in the film.  Yet, he was given fourth billing.  Lorre was listed behind Sydney Greenstreet, Zachary Scott (in his first feature film) and Faye Emmerson (who had a small role).  Lorre felt that his lowered status was because Jack L. Warner (one of the studio heads) was not a fan.

Orson Welles played Colonel Haki in Journey into Fear.

The Mask of Dimitrios (1944) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Three Days of the Condor” (1975) directed by Sydney Pollack, starring Robert Redford, Faye Dunaway, Cliff Robertson & Max von Sydow / Z-View

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Three Days of the Condor (1975)

Director: Sydney Pollack

Screenplay: Lorenzo Semple Jr., David Rayfiel based on SIX DAYS OF THE CONDOR by James Grady

Stars: Robert Redford, Faye Dunaway, Cliff Robertson, Max von Sydow, Addison Powell, Walter McGinn, Tina Chen, Michael Kane, Jess Osuna,  Patrick Gorman, Hansford Rowe, Hank Garrett, Ed Crowley, James Keane and John Houseman.

Tagline:  The CIA knows him as Condor. What he knows about them has just made him an Endangered Species.

The Plot…

Joe Turner (Redford) works for the CIA… as a research analyst.  He’s part of a small team.  Their cover is the American Literary Historical Society in New York City.  They read and analyze books and magazines from around the world.  They’re looking for hidden messages, ideas for operations… anything useful. Typed reports are sent to CIA headquarters.

The job is very mundane.  Usually the biggest excitement is “what’s for lunch” and whose turn is it to get it?  As it happens, today Joe is up.  He heads out the backdoor since it’s raining and runs over to the deli.

Joe returns with the sandwiches to find everyone in the office murdered.  Joe is shocked.  No one in the office was a field agent.  Who would want them dead?  And why?

Joe quickly leaves.  He finds a phone booth and reports the hit to CIA headquarters.  Joe is given instructions that will bring him in.  When he shows up at the arranged location, Joe is almost gunned down.

On the run, unsure of who he can trust, Joe must figure out why he’s marked for murder.  Even if he does, what chance does a research analyst have against trained killers?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Three Days of the Condor was nominated for one Academy Award

  • 1976 Nominee Oscar for Best Film Editing:  Fredric Steinkamp, Don Guidice

Kudos for using Hank Garrett as an assassin.  He doesn’t look like a stereotypical movie hitman. But he sure fought like one.

Three Days of the Condor (1975) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“One-Eyed Jacks” (1961) directed by and starring Marlon Brando / Z-View

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One-Eyed Jacks (1961) 

Director: Marlon Brando

Screenplay:  Guy Trosper, Calder Willingham, Rod Serling (uncredited),Sam Peckinpah (uncredited); based on THE AUTHENTIC DEATH OF HENDRY JONES by Charles Neider

Stars: Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, Pina Pellicer, Katy Jurado, Ben Johnson, Slim Pickens, Larry Duran, Sam Gilman, Miriam Colon, Elisha Cook Jr., Rodolfo Acosta, Ray Teal, John Dierkes, Hank Worden, ‘Snub’ Pollard and Timothy Carey.

Tagline: The motion picture that starts its own tradition of greatness.

The Plot…

After robbing a bank, Rio (Brando) and his partner, Dad (Malden) are pinned down by Mexican Federales.  Rio talks Dad into taking their only horse to ride to a ranch a few miles away.  Dad is to get fresh mounts and return for Rio.  Dad takes the bank loot and rides off.

Dad makes it to the ranch.  Instead of getting two fresh horses, he gets one.  Dad then rides off leaving Rio to be captured.

After five years in a tough Mexican prison, Rio escapes.  Determined to get revenge, Rio tracks down Dad. Rio discovers that Dad has turned his life around.  Dad is now married with an adopted daughter.  He’s also sheriff of a frontier town.

Rio rides in to town unaware of the surprises that await.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

THE AUTHENTIC DEATH OF HENDRY JONES by Charles Neider was a fictional tale based on real-life outlaw, Billy the Kid.  The script went through so many revisions that the final film has little resemblance to the book.

Stanley Kubrick was set to direct with Brando and Spencer Tracy starring.  Brando used his power to instead hire Karl Malden.  Just a few weeks before filming was to begin, Kubrick bowed out.  Brando stepped in.

Budgeted at two million dollars, the film ended up costing six million.  Originally scheduled for a three month shooting schedule, principal filming lasted six months.  Brando shot over a million feet of film.  There were reportedly five additional hours of film that didn’t make the cut.

One-Eyed Jacks (1961)  rates 3 of 5 stars.

“American Fiction” (2023) written & directed by Cord Jefferson, starring Jeffrey Wright / Z-View

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American Fiction (2023) 

Director: Cord Jefferson

Screenplay: Cord Jefferson based on ERASURE by Percival Everett

Stars: Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, John Ortiz, Erika Alexander, Leslie Uggams, Adam Brody, Sterling K. Brown, Myra Lucretia Taylor, Raymond Anthony Thomas, Okieriete Onaodowan, Miriam Shor, J.C. MacKenzie and Keith David.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Thelonious “Monk” Ellison (Wright) is a writer and college professor.  Monk has had a couple of books published.  Although the books were critically praised, they were far from best sellers.  Monk’s latest book was turned down with publishers saying it wasn’t “black enough”.

To compound things, Monk’s mom’s mental health is rapidly deteriorating.  It’s clear she’s going to need the support of her family.  Monk’s brother just went through a divorce.  He won’t be much help.  His sister is willing, but there are issues.  Monk is feeling the pressure of life bearing down.

Monk’s exasperation grows when the novel WE’S LIVES IN DA GHETTO makes the best seller list.  The novel panders to the lowest common denominator and features typical black stereotypes.  Out of frustration, Monk begins writing.  His story features everything one would expect in a blaxploitation story – drugs, gangs, a deadbeat dad and a son who couldn’t rise above his surroundings.  When Monk is finished he has a book length story.  As a joke he submits it under the name Stagg R. Leigh, an ex-con who is one the run from the cops.

When Monk gets several offers as high as $750,000, he realizes that nobody gets the joke.  He tells his editor to decline the deal, but his mother’s bills are adding up.  So…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

American Fiction was nominated for five Academy Awards and won one…

  • nominee Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Score) – Laura Karpman
  • nominee Best Motion Picture of the Year – Ben LeClair, Nikos Karamigios, Cord Jefferson, Jermaine Johnson
  • nominee Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role – Jeffrey Wright
  • nominee Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role – Sterling K. Brown
  • winner Best Adapted Screenplay – Cord Jefferson

I thought American Fiction would be funny.  It is.  I didn’t realize how much heart it would have.  American Fiction is one of the best movie surprises I’ve had in recent years.

American Fiction is Cord Jefferson’s directorial debut.

American Fiction (2023) rates 5 of 5 stars.

RIP: James B. Sikking

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James B. Sikking died Saturday due to complications from dementia.  Mr. Sikking was 90.

James B. Sikking was best known for his role as Howard Hunter, the leader of the S.W.A.T. squad on Hill Street Blues.  For this portrayal he was nominated for one Primetime Emmy Award:

  • 1984 nominee Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series – Hill Street Blues

After graduating high school Mr. Sikking served in Korea in the U.S. Army.  He graduated from the University of California.  With 159 credits on his acting resume, James B. Sikking worked in both television and feature films throughout his career.

Television projects that feature James B. Sikking include: Assignment: Underwater; Perry Mason; General Hospital; Combat! (2 episodes); Rawhide; The Outer Limits (2 episodes); The Loner; O.K. Crackerby!; The Long, Hot Summer; The Virginian; Honey West; My Favorite Martian; My Mother, the Car; The Fugitive (3 episodes); 12 O’Clock High; Run for Your Life; Sail to Glory; The Invaders; Gomer Pyle; Bonanza (2 episodes); Adam-12; The Survivors; Here Come the Brides (2 episodes); The Young Lawyers; Love American Style; Hogan’s Heroes (3 episodes); The Bold Ones: The New Doctors; The Immortal; The Name of the Game; Night Gallery (2 episodes); Cade’s County; Ironside; Longstreet; Mission Impossible (2 episodes); Man on a String; The Bob Newhart Show; Banyon; The Doris Day Show (3 episodes); M*A*S*H*; The Streets of San Francisco; Mod Squad (3 episodes); Search; The Rookies (2 episodes); Mannix (2 episodes); Room 222 (2 episodes); The Six Million Dollar Man: The Solid Gold Kidnapping; Columbo; The F.B.I. (11 episodes); Cannon (2 episodes); Ellery Queen; Rich Man – Poor Man – Book II (2 episodes); Police Story; Little House on the Prairie; Delvecchio (3 episodes); Eight is Enough; The Feather and Father Gang (2 episodes); Man from Atlantis; Rafferty; Young Joe, the Forgotten Kennedy; Kill Me if You Can; The Last Hurrah; Starsky and Hutch; The Bionic Woman; The Incredible Hulk; The Rockford Files (2 episodes); Lucan; A Woman Called Moses (2 episodes); Hawaii 5-0 (2 episodes); Charlie’s Angels (2 episodes); The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo; The Jesse Owens Story; L.A. Law; Hill Street Blues (144 episodes); Who’s the Boss; Brotherhood of the Rose; Hunter (3 episodes); Around the World in 80 Days (3 episodes); Doogie Houser, M.D. (97 episodes); In Pursuit of Honor; The Ring; Brooklyn South (20 episodes); Invasion America (13 episodes); Batman Beyond (2 episodes); Rocket Power (2 episodes); The Guardian (2 episodes); Curb Your Enthusiasm (2 episodes) and The Closer.

Feature films that feature James B. Sikking include: Five Guns West; The Strangler; Von Ryan’s Express; In Like Flint; Point Blank; Charro; Daddy’s Gone A-Hunting; Escape from the Planet of the Apes; The Magnificent Seven Ride; The New Centurions; The Terminal Man; Capricorn One; The Electric Horseman; Ordinary People; Outland; The Star Chamber; Star Trek III: The Search for Spock; Narrow Margin and The Pelican Brief; 

It’s hard to pin down the first time I saw James B. Sikking acting.  That’s because he was in so many television shows I watched as a kid.  Looking at his resume he was in so many great shows and movies (and I didn’t list them all).  My favorite performance was his role on Hill Street Blues.  He also had a small but impactful role in Point Blank that quickly comes to mind when Mr. Sikking’s name is mentioned.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to James B. Sikking’s family, friends and fans.

John Wayne’s Ten Best Westerns!

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John Wayne has 184 credits on his resume.  Although he made movies in many genres, he was best known for his westerns.  So I decided to come up with my list of his ten best…

01.  The Searchers (1956): John Wayne plays Ethan Edwards, a Civil War veteran with a hatred of Indians.  John Ford directs.  Co-starring Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Ward Bond and Natalie Wood.

When his niece is kidnapped by Comanches, Ethan Edwards vows to find her no matter how many years it takes.

_____

02.  Stagecoach (1939): John Wayne plays The Ringo Kid.  John Ford directs.  Co-starring Claire Trevor, Andy Devine, John Carradine and Thomas Mitchell.

When strangers on a stagecoach traveling across the frontier are attacked by Indians secrets are revealed.  It’s not often there’s a specific scene where an actor becomes a star.  Stagecoach has one and John Wayne is in it.

Stagecoach was nominated for seven Academy Awards and won two…

  • nominee Best Picture,
  • nominee Best Director – John Ford
  • nominee Best Cinematography, Black-and-White – Bert Glennon
  • nominee Best Art Direction – Alexander Toluboff
  • nominee Best Film Editing – Otho Lovering, Dorothy Spencer
  • winner Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Thomas Mitchell
  • winner Best Music, Scoring – Richard Hageman, W. Franke Harling, John Leipold, Leo Shuken

_____

03.  Hondo (1953): John Wayne plays Hondo Lane.  John Farrow directs. (Final scenes directed by John Ford who was not credited.)  Co-starring Geraldine Page, Ward Bond, Michael Pate and James Arness.

Hondo Lane, a US Army Scout, comes across a woman and her six year old son living on a homestead in the middle of Indian Territory.  Due to a broken treaty, hostilities between Indians and settlers are high. A war is brewing. Hondo encourages the woman to take her son and travel to a safer location.  The woman refuses thinking they’re safe.  They’re not.

Hondo was nominated for two Academy Awards...

  • Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Geraldine Page
  • Best Writing, Motion Picture Story – Louis L’Amour

_____

04.  True Grit (1969).  John Wayne plays Rooster Cogburn.  Henry Hathaway directs.  Co-starring Kim Darby, Glen Campbell, Robert Duvall and Dennis Hopper.

Wayne plays hard-drinking U.S. Marshall Rooster Cogburn who is hired by teenager Mattie Ross to capture the man who killed her father.  Cogburn, along with Mattie and Texas Ranger  ‘La Boeuf’ head into the badlands in search of Lucky Ned Pepper and his gang of outlaws.

True Grit was nominated for two Academy Awards and one won…

  • nominee for Best Music, Original Song – Elmer Bernstein (music), Don Black (lyrics)
  • winner for Best Actor in a Leading Role – John Wayne

_____

05.  The Cowboys (1970).  John Wayne plays Wil Anderson.  Mark Rydell directs.  Co-starring Roscoe Lee Browne and Bruce Dern.

Wil Anderson is left without cattle hands, when they all leave to join a gold rush.  With no other options, Anderson hires teenagers and a few children to make the cattle drive.  Along the way, they will deal with hostile territory, bad weather and cattle rustlers.  Not everyone will make it.

_____

06.  Red River (1948).  John Wayne plays Thomas Dunson.  Howard Hawks and Arthur Rosson direct.  Co-starring Montgomery Clift, Joanne Dru and Walter Brennan.

Thomas Dunson spent fourteen years building his cattle ranch.  He will lose it all if his cattle drive to market fails.  The drive will be long and arduous.  As things continue to go wrong, Dunson becomes more tyrannical and his men lean towards a mutiny.

Red River was nominated for two Academy Awards…

  • nominee for Best Writing, Motion Picture Story – Borden Chase
  • nominee for  Best Film Editing – Christian Nyby

_____

07.  Three Godfathers (1948).  John Wayne plays Robert Marmaduke Sangster Hightower.  Directed by John Ford.  Co-starring Pedro Armendáriz, Harry Carrey, Jr. and Ward Bond.

Three outlaws on the run come across a dying woman and her baby.  The woman asks the men to save her child.  Risking their freedom and lives, the men vow to get the baby to safety.

_____

08.  The Shootist (1976). John Wayne plays aging gunfighter J.B. Books.  Directed by Don Siegel.  Co-starring Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard, James Stewart, Richard Boone and Hugh O’Brien.

J.B. Brooks is dying from terminal cancer.  With only a couple of months to live, J.B. takes a room at a quiet boarding house owned  by widow Bond Rogers.  Word spreads that a gunfighter is in town.  Soon folks looking to profit off J.B.’s reputation show up.

The Shootist was nominated for one Academy Award…

  • nominee Best Art Direction-Set Decoration – Robert F. Boyle Arthur, Jeph Parker

_____

09.  The War Wagon (1967).  John Wayne plays Taw Jackson.  Directed by Burt Kennedy.  Co-starring Kirk Douglas, Bruce Cabot and Howard Keel.

Three years ago Taw Jackson was set up, imprisoned and his ranch stolen by Frank Pierce.  Now a free man, Jackson plans to get back what was his.  He’ll start by taking down Pierce’s war wagon – an armored stagecoach that travels with gunfighters on horseback.  The war wagon is used to transport gold found on Jackson’s land.

_____

10.  El Dorado (1966).  John Wayne plays Cole Thorton.  Directed by Howard Hawks.  Co-starring Robert Mitchum, James Caan, Ed Asner and Christopher George.

Bart Jason is a corrupt landowner forcing honest folks off their land around the town of El Dorado.  When gunfighter, Cole Thorton refuses to work for him, Bart searches for another gunslinger.  Cole knows that his old buddy, J.P. Harrah, the sheriff of El Dorado is over-matched. Harrah drinks too much and isn’t as young as he used to be.  Cole decides to take a stand with Harrah and a young hotshot called Mississippi.

THE BIG EMPTY: AN ELVIS COLE AND JOE PIKE NOVEL by Robert Crais is Coming!

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Any new Robert Crais release is cause for celebration.  If the book is an Elvis Cole and Joe Pike novel, then lock the doors, cause the party is going to be off the chain.  Get ready to bar the doors.

THE BIG EMPTY: AN ELVIS COLE AND JOE PIKE NOVEL drops on January 14, 2025.  Here’s the lowdown…

Private investigator Elvis Cole and his enigmatic partner, Joe Pike, face a cryptic case and a terrifying, unpredictable killer in this twisty, satisfying thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Robert Crais.

Traci Beller was thirteen when her father disappeared in the sleepy town of Rancha, not far from Los Angeles. The evidence says Tommy Beller abandoned his family, but Traci never believed it. The police couldn’t find her dad and neither could the detectives her mother hired, but now, ten years later, Traci is a super-popular influencer with millions of followers and the money to hire a new detective: Elvis Cole.

Taking on a ten-years-cold missing person case is almost always a loser, but Elvis heads to Rancha where he learns an ex-con named Sadie Givens and her daughter, Anya, might have a line on the missing man. But when Elvis finds himself shadowed by a deadly gang of vicious criminals, the simple missing persons case becomes far more sinister and dangerous. Elvis calls in his ex-Marine friend, Joe Pike, to help, but even Pike might not be able to help.

As Elvis Cole and Joe Pike follow Tommy Beller’s trail into the twisted, nightmare depths of a monstrous evil, the case flips on its head. Victims become predators, predators become pray, and when everyone is a victim, can Elvis Cole save them all?

In a case that tests Elvis Cole’s loyalty to his clients and himself, the truth must come out no matter the cost. Elvis must face The Big Empty and see justice done.

“Frank Miller: American Genius” – The Poster & Trailer are Here!

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This is a must-see for me.  I am a HUGE Frank Miller fan.

FRANK MILLER: AMERICAN GENIUS documents the unique journey of an unparalleled American artist. The film explores the half-century career of the legendary comic book artist and writer. Made for his fans following a near death experience, the documentary delves into Miller’s radical and defining influence on art, storytelling and culture. Following his small town beginnings in Vermont, to New York City, Hollywood, and beyond; this intimate documentary delves into his failures, successes, self-destruction and re-discovery.

June 6th – Sneak preview at New York’s, the Angelika. With guest moderator Neil Gaiman. @neilhimself

https://angelikafilmcenter.com/nyc/mo…

June 10th – Premiere at Cinemark Theaters. Moderated by Rosario Dawson. @rosariodawson

https://www.cinemark.com/movies/frank…

www.frankmillermovie.com

BITTER ROOT (Hardcover Omnibus) by David F. Walker, Chuck Brown, Sanford Greene / Z-View

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BITTER ROOT (Hardcover Omnibus) by David F. Walker, Chuck Brown (writers), Sanford Greene (artist)

Publisher: Image Comics

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

The roaring ’20s!  What a time to be alive.  The depression had yet to hit and the Harlem Renaissance was in full swing.  W.E.B. Du Bois, Langston Hughes, Louis Armstrong, Cab Callaway, Josephine Baker, Paul Robeson and Marcus Garvey all became well known for their gifts to American culture.  Most folks, even today, know their names.

But have you ever heard of the Sangerye family? Going back as far as can be told the Sangeryes have been monster hunters.  They fought the evil creatures that came forth into our world.  Some monsters could be cured.  Others had to be killed.  But the cost to the Sangerye family was heavy.  Now, the Sangerye matriarch, old Etta Sangerye, knows her time is coming to an end.  She must pick a successor to lead the family.

But who?

Etta has relied on the old ways with potions and medicine. To cure when possible, not kill. But the new generation wants action and to battle head-on.

As the Sangeryes discover a greater evil has made its way to earth and threatens humanity, they must find a family member to lead them.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I was late coming to BITTER ROOT.  When I skimmed some of the early issues, I misjudged it.  I thought the monsters didn’t look like traditional monsters.  Maybe it was more of a kids book.  I was so wrong.  BITTER ROOT is well written and well drawn, but it’s much more than an action/monster comic.  It has heart.  And no pun intended, soul.  You will care about the characters.  The story has universal appeal.

I’m glad I got the omnibus because it’s full of variant covers, sketches, insightful articles and more.

BITTER ROOT has won several awards including 2020 Ring Award for Best Series and the Eisner Award for Best Continuing Series in 2020 and 2022.

BITTER ROOT gets my highest recommendation.

Rating:

“L.A. Confidential” (1997) directed by Curtis Hanson, starring Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger & Danny DeVito / Z-View

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L.A. Confidential (1997)

Director: Curtis Hanson

Screenplay: Brian Helgeland, Curtis Hanson based on L.A. CONFIDENTIAL by James Ellroy

Stars: Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger, James Cromwell, Danny DeVito, David Strathairn, Ron Rifkin, Matt McCoy, Paul Guilfoyle, Paolo Seganti, Elisabeth Granli, Sandra Taylor, Steve Rankin, Graham Beckel, Allan Graf, Symba Smith, Brenda Bakke and Simon Baker.

Tagline: Everything is suspect…everyone is for sale…and nothing is what it seems.

The Plot…

The year is 1953.  Three L.A. detectives find themselves at odds when investigating a series of murders.

  • Straight laced, by-the-book, Ed Exley (Pearce) is the son of a police legend.  Exley’s father was killed in the line of duty.  The murderer never caught.
  • Jack Vincennes (Spacey) is most concerned with his role as technical advisor on a popular cop tv show. Vincennes makes additional cash by providing inside info on celebrity busts to the publisher of a sleazy gossip rag.
  • Bud White (Crowe) isn’t above throwing a beat-down on criminals and is willing to cross certain lines to get justice.

When a police scandal known as Bloody Christmas, puts the reputation of the L.A. police force in jeopardy, Exley devises a solution.  This gets Exley a promotion, but puts him at odds with most of the force.  Then a multiple killing at a coffee house that includes one of the disgraced police officers is assigned to Exley.  Evidence leads to three African-American ex-cons. A shootout ensues and Exley kills them in self-defense.  Exley is cited for bravery and the case closed…

However inconsistences compel Exley to take a closer look.  Were he, as well as the suspects, set up? The evidence points to police and political corruption.  Still an outcast, despite his medal of valor, if Detective Exley refuses to back down, he will be the next targeted for murder.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

L.A. Confidential is based on the novel by James Ellroy.

L.A. Confidential was nominated for 9 Academy Awards and won two:

  • Best Picture (nominee) – Arnon Milchan, Curtis Hanson, Michael G. Nathanson
  • Best Actress in a Supporting Role (winner) – Kim Basinger
  • Best Director – Curtis Hanson (nominee)
  • Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published (winner) – Brian Helgeland, Curtis Hanson
  • Best Cinematography (nominee) – Dante Spinotti 
  • Best Art Direction-Set Decoration (nominee) – Jeannine Oppewall (art director), Jay Hart (set decorator)
  • Best Sound (nominee) – Andy Nelson, Anna Behlmer, Kirk Francis
  • Best Film Editing (nominee) – Peter Honess
  • Best Music, Original Dramatic Score (nominee) – Jerry Goldsmith

Kevin Spacey asked director Curtis Hanson who he would dream cast in the role of Jack Vincennes if the film had been shot in the 1950s.  Hanson surprised him.  Dean Martin, because of his slick, loose style and questionable character was his choice. (Although that choice surprised me as well, I like it! – Craig)

Simon Baker, perhaps best known for his television series The Mentalist, made his feature film debut in L.A. Confidential.

Kevin Spacey got top billing but had less screen time than the other two leads.

L.A. Confidential (1997) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Mars Attacks” (1996) directed by Tim Burton / Z-View

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Mars Attacks (1996)

Director: Tim Burton

Screenplay: Jonathan Gems, Tim Burton (uncredited) based on Topps Mars Attacks! trading cards

Stars: Jack Nicholson, Pierce Brosnan, Sarah Jessica Parker, Annette Bening, Glenn Close, Danny DeVito, Martin Short, Michael J. Fox, Rod Steiger, Lukas Haas, Natalie Portman, Jim Brown, Lisa Marie, Sylvia Sidney, Paul Winfield, Pam Grier, Jack Black, Joe Don Baker, Christina Applegate  and Tom Jones.

Tagline: Nice planet. We’ll take it!

The Plot…

An armada of Martian ships have come to Earth.  At the first meeting between the Martian and US Ambassador and accident makes the Martians think that they are under attack.  The aliens then decide to take over the Earth.

Let the fun begin!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Tim Burton directs an all-star cast.

Tim Burton pitched the idea by showing Warner Bros. the Mars Attacks! trading cards released in 1962.  The cards featured art by Wally Wood and Norman Saunders.  The card set told of a Martian invasion of Earth.  Because the cards were aimed at the kiddie market, many parents felt that the violence was too graphic.  This led to a limited distribution.  The Mars Attacks! cards have become collector’s items.  In the 1980s, Topps revisited the Mars Attacks! by re-releasing the card set, new Mars Attacks! cards and comic books.

Mars Attacks! marks Sylvia Sidney’s final film appearance.

Although Tim Burton co-wrote the film with Jonathan Gems, but gave Gems full credit.  Jonathan Gems wrote the Mars Attacks! novelization and dedicated the book to Tim Burton.

Mars Attacks (1996) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Pushover” (1954) starring Fred MacMurray, Kim Novak, Philip Carey, Dorothy Malone & E.G. Marshall / Z-View

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Pushover (1954)

Director:  Richard Quine

Screenplay: Roy Huggins based on THE NIGHT WATCH by Thomas Walsh and RAFFERTY by Bill Ballinger

Stars: Fred MacMurray, Kim Novak, Philip Carey, Dorothy Malone, E.G. Marshall, Allen Nourse, James Anderson, Tony Barrett, Phil Chambers, Alan Dexter, Anne Loos, Marion Ross, Paul Richards and Dick Crockett.

Tagline: HOT-BLOODED BLONDE…COLD-BLOODED GUY…and MURDER!

The Plot…

Detective Paul Sheridan (MacMurray) is sent undercover to befriend Lona McLane (Novak).  Lona is the girlfriend of Harry Wheeler (Richards), the prime suspect in a bank robbery where a security guard was killed and the thieves made off with over $200,000.00.  Paul and Lona hit it off.

The police have placed Lona’s apartment under 24 hour surveillance by Paul, an alcoholic cop named Paddy (Nourse) and Detective Rick McAllister (Carey).  Paul is surprised when Lona shows up at his house when he’s off-shift.  Lona tells Paul that she knows he’s a cop.  That she loves him.  That if Paul will kill Harry, they could run away together with the bank cash.

Paul refuses… at first.  But he’s in love and the temptation is too great.  Paul and Lona come up with a plan, but like the best laid plans…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Although Kim Novak’s credit says, Introducing, this wasn’t her first on-screen appearance.  She was just 21 when Pushover was released.  She definitely comes off as sexier,  older and more world-weary than a 21 year old.

Roy Huggins’s script was based on two books not written by him. Huggins was himself a novelist and screenwriter.  He was also writer, creator and/or producer of television series that include Maverick, 77 Sunset Strip, The Fugitive, Hunter, and The Rockford Files.

Marion Ross of Happy Days fame appears uncredited as Mrs. Crockett.

Fred MacMurray and Kim Novak are excellent.  Kudos also to Philip Carey, Dorothy Malone and E.G. Marshall.

Pushover (1954) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Appaloosa” (2008) starring Ed Harris, Viggo Mortensen, Renée Zellweger & Jeremy Irons / Z-View

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Appaloosa (2008)

Director:  Ed Harris

Screenplay: Robert Knott, Ed Harris based on APPALOOSA  by Robert B. Parker

Stars: Ed Harris, Viggo Mortensen, Renée Zellweger, Jeremy Irons, Timothy V. Murphy, Luce Rains, Boyd Kestner, Cerris Morgan-Moyer and James Gammon.

Tagline: Feelings get you killed.

The Plot…

Randall Bragg (Irons) is a rancher who lives outside the town of Appaloosa.  When Bragg and his men ride into town they do as they wish.  Laws be damned.  After a disturbance, the town’s Marshall and two deputies are brutally gunned down when they try to serve a warrant.

Marshall Virgil Cole (Harris) and his partner, Deputy Everett Hitch (Mortensen) agree to become  Appaloosa’s lawmen.  They have a reputation for no nonsense.  Bragg learns of Cole and Hitch and rides into town with his crew to intimidate them.  Bragg sees that Cole and Hitch won’t back down or tolerate nonsense.  This puts them on a collision course that won’t end well for anyone.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Appaloosa is based on the first novel in Robert B. Parker’s Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch series.  Since Parker’s death Robert Knott (the co-screenwriter on this movie) has continued the book series.  At one point it was thought that there would be more movies based on the books, but they never happened.

Appaloosa (2008) rates 4 of 5 stars.