Search Results for: book of eli

“Die Hard” (1988) directed by John McTiernan; starring Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman / Z-View

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Die Hard (1988)

Director:  John McTiernan

Screenplay: Jeb Stuart, Steven E. de Souza; based on NOTHING LASTS FOREVER by Roderick Thorp

Stars: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald VelJohnson, Paul Gleason, De’voreaux White, William Atherton, Hart Bochner, James Shigeta, Alexander Godunov, Andreas Wisniewski, Clarence Gilyard Jr., Lorenzo Caccialanza  and Al Leong.

Tagline: High above the city of L.A. a team of terrorists has seized a building, taken hostages and declared war. One man has managed to escape. An off-duty cop hiding somewhere inside. He’s alone, tired… and the only chance anyone has got.

The Plot…

New York City detective John McClane has flown to LA on Christmas Eve.  McClane is hoping to get back with with his estranged wife, Holly.  But first they have to attend Holly’s work Christmas party at the Nakatomi Towers.  Holly’s moving up in the Nakatomi corporation and that’s one of the problems in the McClane marriage.

The party is just getting underway when John arrives.  He excuses himself to clean up in one of the company restrooms.  Everyone else is gathered together for the party’s kick-off.  That’s when a group of heavily armed terrorists led by Hans Gruber busts in.  They take everyone at the party hostage.  Except for John McClane.

McClane realizes what is happening. He’s alone and unarmed.  The terrorists have cut off all communications to/from the tower.  When they realize McClane is there, one of the armed terrorists is sent to retrieve him.  McClane manages to kill the terrorist.  He takes the assassins machine gun and radio.

As the terrorists move forward with their plan (and it ain’t getting a ransom for the Nakatomi party-goers), they begin to hunt for John McClane.  Killing him with be a bonus.  What chance does one tired off-duty cop have against a band of armed mercenaries?

Yippi-Ki-Yay, mother*******.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Die Hard was nominated for four 1989 Academy Awards…

  • Nominee for Best Visual Effects – Richard Edlund, Al Di Sarro, Brent Boates, Thaine Morris
  • Nominee for Best Sound Effects Editing – Stephen Hunter Flick, Richard Shorr
  • Nominee for Best Film Editing – Frank J. Urioste, John F. Link
  • Nominee for Best Sound – Don J. Bassman, Kevin F. Cleary, Richard Overton, Al Overton Jr.

Die Hard is loosely based on the Roderick Thorp novel NOTHING LASTS FOREVER.  A lot was changed for the film.  Don’t read the book expecting Die Hard the movie.

Sly Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Robert De Niro, Clint Eastwood, Charles Bronson and many other big name movie stars were offered the role of John McClane.  Even Frank Sinatra was courted to play the lead.  Everyone asked turned it down.  Bruce Willis, a television lead at a time when tv was seen as way below feature films, was paid $5 million to star.  In many of the first posters and ads for Die Hard, Willis’ name was not played up.  The movie went on to be a hit with audiences and shot Bruce Willis into the top tier of movie actors.

Die Hard features Alan Rickman’s first feature film role.  He is perfect as Hans Gruber.

Die Hard was added to the National film registry by the Library of Congress in 2017 for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

Hart Bochner is on point as the smarmy executive that overplays his hand with Hans Gruber.

Die Hard is one of the best action movies ever made.  Scratch the word action and the sentence is still true.

Die Hard (1988) rates 5 of 5 stars

“Strange New Worlds”: Season 3 – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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Strange New Worlds: Season 3 – The poster and trailer are here.  Loved the first two seasons, bring on the third!

One series. Infinite Adventures.

The new season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds premieres July 17 with two episodes. New episodes will be available to stream every week, exclusively on Paramount+.

In Season 3, when we reconnect with the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise, still under the command of Captain Pike, they face the conclusion of Season 2’s harrowing encounter with the Gorn. But new life and civilizations await, including a villain that will test our characters’ grit and resolve. An exciting twist on classic Star Trek, Season 3 takes characters both new and beloved to new heights, and dives into thrilling adventures of faith, duty, romance, comedy, and mystery, with varying genres never before seen on any other Star Trek.

Explore the Star Trek universe on StarTrek.com and relive all of your favorite moments at StarTrek.com/Where-to-Watch! And be sure to follow @StarTrek on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

“Compulsion” (1959) directed by Richard Fleischer, starring Orson Welles, Dean Stockwell, Diane Varsi and Bradford Dillman / Z-View

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Compulsion (1959)

Director:  Richard Fleischer

Screenplay: Richard Murphy; based on COMPULSION by Meyer Levin

Stars: Orson Welles, Dean Stockwell, Diane Varsi, Bradford Dillman, E.G. Marshall, Martin Milner, Richard Anderson, Robert F. Simon, Edward Binns, Robert Burton, Louise Lorimer, John Alban, Don Anderson, Terry Becker, Russ Bender and Gavin MacLeod .

Tagline: You know why we did it? Because we damn well felt like doing it!

The Plot…

Judd Steiner and Artie Straus are best friends.  It’s only natural.  They have much in common.  Both are from wealthy families.  They travel in the most elite social circles.  Both Judd and Artie have superior intellects.  Although still in their late teens, they’re law students.

Judd and Artie see everyone as less than them.  They feel because they are so intellectually superior laws don’t apply to them.  To that end, they have been committing small crimes just to prove they’re are so smart that they would never be caught.

Then they decide to commit the ultimate crime.

Murder.

They pick a young boy at random and kill him.

They’re confident that they left no clues.  And even more sure that if they did, with their superior intellect, no one could trip them up.

The best laid plans…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Compulsion is based on the real life murder trial of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb. Leopold and Loeb kidnapped and murdered a fourteen year old boy.  They did it to prove to themselves their superior intellect would allow them to commit the perfect crime.  Their families hired Clarence Darrow to defend them.  At the time, the case was considered the trial of the century.

When the film came out, Leopold sued for invasion of privacy.  Because he had written a book about the crime himself, he didn’t prevail. (Loeb wasn’t involved in the lawsuit.  He had been killed by another prison years before.)

Orson Welles received top billing but doesn’t appear on screen until 65 minutes into the 99 minute film.

It’s hard for me to believe that Compulsion wasn’t nominated for a single Academy Award.  I could see nominations for Best Screenplay, Best Direction, Best Actor (Dean Stockwell and Bradford Dillman) and Best Supporting Actor (Orson Welles).

Alfred Hitchcock did his own loose adaption of the Leopold-Loeb murder with his film Rope.

Compulsion (1959) rates 5 of 5 stars

RIP: Robert McGinnis

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It has been announced the Robert McGinnis died on March 10, 2025.  Mr. McGinnis was 99.

As a teenager, Robert McGinnis worked as an apprentice at Walt Disney Studios.  During World War II, Mr. McGinnis served in the Merchant Marines.

Robert McGinnis was an artist whose work appeared on over 1200 book covers, over 40 film posters as well as magazine and record album covers.

Mr. McGinnis is perhaps best known for the posters and art that he created for James Bond movies.  Robert McGinnis created the art for Thunderball; You Only Live Twice; On Her Majesty’s Secret Service; Diamonds Are Forever; Live and Let Die and The Man with the Golden Gun.  Others films Mr. McGinnis created posters for include Breakfast at Tiffany’s; How to Steal a Million; The Odd Couple; Barbarella; Duck You Sucker!; Sleeper and Gator.

In 1958, Robert McGinnis began creating covers for Dell Publishing.  Although probably best known for his work on Gold Medal paperback crime/noir novels, Mr. McGinnis’ art could be found on covers for books in genres such as Detective, Mystery, Gothic, Historical Fiction as well as Romance and Fantasy.  In 2004, Robert McGinnis began doing covers for Hard Case Crime. Mr. McGinnis’ art could also be found in magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post, National Geographic, Reader’s Digest, Good Housekeeping, McCall’s and Guideposts.

Some of the album covers featuring Robert McGinnis art include Casino Royale (Soundtrack); Barbarella (Soundtrack); Tommy Steele – Half A Sixpence (Soundtrack); On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (Soundtrack); Sweet Charity (Soundtrack); Cotton Comes to Harlem (Soundtrack); Diamonds are Forever (Soundtrack); Come Back Charleston Blue (Soundtrack); Ennio Morricone – Giù La Testa; The Optimists Orchestra (Soundtrack); Live and Let Die (Soundtrack); The Man with the Golden Gun (Soundtrack); Bingo Long and Traveling All Stars and Motor Kings (Soundtrack); Gator (Soundtrack); Semi-Tough (Soundtrack); The Jigsaw Seen – Songs Mama Used To Sing; The Day of the Dolphin (Soundtrack) and Scorpio (Soundtrack).

In 1985, Robert McGinnis was named Romantic Artist of the Year by the Romantic Times magazine.  In 1993, Mr. McGinnis was inducted into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame.

Robert McGinnis was one of my favorite artists.  His pulp covers are classics.  Of course the same could be said for his movie posters, magazine illustrations and well, just about anything he created.  I think it’s time to revisit my Art of Robert McGinnis book and search out Robert McGinnis: Painting the Last Rose of Summer the documentary of his life and art by Paul Jilbert.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and fans of Robert McGinnis.

JOE LEDGER: SECRET MISSIONS VOLUME ONE by Jonathan Maberry / Z-View

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JOE LEDGER: SECRET MISSIONS VOLUME ONE by Jonathan Maberry

First sentence…

For the record, I don’t believe in this stuff.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Joe Ledger is an ex-Army Ranger and ex-Baltimore police detective.  Ledger was recruited and is now an agent for the United States’ several-levels-above-top-secret Department of Military Sciences.  This organization deals with threats not only to the US, but the world.  Most of their missions involve stopping terrorists using advanced technology to create bio-weapons.  Some of Ledger’s assignments have ventured into the realm of the supernatural… and while Ledger might not believe in that “stuff” — his team has to deal with it.

JOE LEDGER: SECRET MISSIONS VOLUME ONE features six tales.  Five by Maberry and one (Mantis) by Maberry and Marie Whittaker.

  • A Footnote in the Black Budget – In a relatively small area in Antarctica the US, Russia and China have research facilities.  Less than 24 hours ago, the Russian and Chinese operations went dark.  Now communication with the US facility is dead.  Ledger, First Sergeant Bradley “Top” “Sgt. Rock” Sims and Master Sergeant Harvey “Bunny” Rabbit are sent in to investigate.  These are three of our best DMS soldiers.  They may not be enough.
  • A Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight – In a small western Pennsylvania town (if you know, you know) Lucifer 113 was unleashed.  Lucifer 113 was a doomsday bioweapon. Near 100% infection rate, near 100% mortality rate. To be used only as a last resort.  If defeat was inevitable, release Lucifer 113.  And some terrorist has released it.
  • Alive Day – Ledger, Top and Bunny are sent on an off-the-books rescue mission for four members of Rattlesnake team.  Taliban warriors will be the least of their worries.  Haunted caves? Visions? What did happen to Rattlesnake team?
  • Wet Works: A V-Wars Story – Ledger and a doctor are barricaded in a room.  Ledger has used all his ammo.  Dead bodies litter the floor.  With only a knife to protect them, Ledger knows it won’t be enough.  The vampires (no, they don’t turn in to bats, or fly, but they ARE vampires) are waiting for reinforcements.  They will then bust through and kill Ledger and the doc.  Ledger will go down fighting, but he knows there are too many…
  • Mantis: A Rouge Team International / Arklight Adventure – An international child trafficking organization, a well-disguised well-trained vigilante, and Violin, one of Arklight’s most dangerous assassins — with Ledger smack dab in the middle.  What could go wrong?
  • Atoll – “Something has crashed on an island south of Hawaii.”  Ledger’s team is tapped to investigate.  When he asks why a closer squad out of Honolulu isn’t being sent, he’s told, “It was… we’ve lost contact with them.”  UFOs, time travel — more stuff Ledger probably doesn’t believe in.  At least at the start of the mission.

If you’ve never read any of the Joe Ledger novels, this is a good jumping on point.  You’ll get a nice taste of the kind of tales that feature Ledger along with some crossovers from other characters/situations in the Maberry universe.  Regular readers will love visits to the worlds of V-WARS, Pine Deep, Sam Hunter Case Files, Dead of Night, and Rot & Ruin.  Look for characters such Mr. Church, Echo Team, Havoc Team, Malcolm Crow, Mike Sweeney, Violin, Toys and others.

Jonathan Maberry has another winner!  I love the Joe Ledger tales.

Rating:

“Sin City” (2005) directed by Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller; starring Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen, Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba & Benico Del Toro / Z-View

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Sin City (2005)

Director: Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller based on Sin City created by Frank Miller

Screenplay: Frank Miller, Robert Rodriguez

Stars: Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen, Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba, Devon Aoki, Alexis Bledel, Powers Boothe, Jude Ciccolella, Jeff Dashnaw, Rosario Dawson, Benicio Del Toro, Elijah Wood, Carla Gugino, Josh Hartnett, Rutger Hauer, Greg Ingram, Nicky Katt, Jaime King, Michael Madsen, Frank Miller, Brittany Murphy, Nick Stahl, Nick Offerman, Jason Douglas, Michael Clarke Duncan, Rick Gomez and Tommy Flanagan.

Tagline: Walk down the right back alley in Sin City and you can find anything.

The Plot…

Four interconnected tales from Sin City…

The Customer is Always Right… A hitman that marks don’t see coming until it is too late. (Bookends the movie.)

That Yellow Bastard… For Detective John Hartigan (Willis) it’s his last day on the job.  He’s thinking about the thick steak his wife has waiting for him at the end of his shift.  But first, Hartigan is going to have a run-in with a serial killer who preys on children. Hartigan learns that the sick bastard is the son of a Senator, and is now prepping his next victim.  Hartigan knows this can only end one way.  He’ll save the child or die trying.

The Hard Goodbye… Marv (Rourke) is a ex-con hardcase.  Last night he had a one night stand with a goddess named Goldie.  She was beautiful beyond belief.  Marv wonders why she picked a big scary mug like him when she could have any man she wanted.  He’ll have to work it out later.  He just woke up.  Goldie is in bed beside him.  Dead.  Someone snuck in and murdered her while they were sleeping.  And now Marv hears cops coming up the stairs.  Someone set him up.  Someone killed Goldie.  Marv knows once he finds the killer the hell he sends the murderer to will seem like heaven after what Marv does to him.  But first the cops outside his door…

The Big Fat Kill… When Shellie’s ex-boyfriend, Jackie Boy (Del Toro) shows up unexpectedly with his crew, he’s surprised to find Shellie’s new boyfriend, Dwight (Owen) there.  The events that follow will lead to a potential turf war… unless Dwight and some of his friends from Old Town can set things right.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Sin City, the movie, is what Robert Rodriguez called a “translation” of three of Frank Miller’s Sin City graphic novels – The Hard Goodbye; The Big Fat Kill, That Yellow Bastard and Miller’s Sin City short, The Customer is Always Right.  They are some of my all time favorite comics and the movie is a beautiful “translation”.

Quentin Tarantino is listed as a guest director.  Tarantino directed the scene between Dwight and Jackie Boy before the cop pulls the car over.

Rodriguez filmed the opening “intro” before Miller agreed to the Sin City “translation”.  Rodriguez wanted to prove that Miller’s Sin City tales could work as a movie that complemented the comics.  The comic panels from each tale were used as storyboards.

Robert Rodriguez working with Frank Miller to bring Sin City to the big screen was a dream project for me.  Magnificent casting was the icing on the cake.  If you like the comics, you should enjoy the movie.

Sin City (2005) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Smuggler’s Cove” (1948) starring Leo Gorcey and the Bowery Boys / Z-View

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Smuggler’s Cove (1948)

Director:  William Beaudine

Screenplay: Tim Ryan, Edmond Seward; based on Smuggler’s Cove 1933 serial in Blue Book Magazine by Talbert Josselyn

Stars: Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall, Gabriel Dell, Martin Kosleck, Paul Harvey, William ‘Billy’ Benedict, David Gorcey, Benny Bartlett, Eddie Gribbon, Gene Roth, Emmett Vogan and John Bleifer.

Tagline: They’re SLY SPIES…In a Harum-Scarem Adventure!!

The Plot…

Slip mistakenly believes he’s inherited a creepy old remote mansion.  He takes the gang to see his new digs.  What none of them know – but will soon find out — is a gang of criminals are using the deserted house as a base of operations!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Smuggler’s Cove is one of the best of all the Bowery Boys movies.  The old house is full of hidden passages, paintings used for spying, false panels — everything you’d expect in a film of this era.

Smuggler’s Cove (1948) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.