Category: Z-View

“The Great Wall” (2016) starring Matt Damon & Pedro Pascale / Z-View

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The Great Wall (2016)

Director: Yimou Zhang

Screenplay: Carlo Bernard, Doug Miro, Tony Gilroy story by Max Brooks, Edward Zwick, Marshall Herskovitz

Stars: Matt Damon, Tian Jing, Willem Dafoe, Andy Lau and Pedro Pascal.

Tagline: One of mankind’s greatest wonders. 1700 years to build. 5500 miles long. What were they trying to keep out?

The Plot…

In ancient China, William Garin (Damon) and Pedro Tovar (Pascal) lead a group of mercenaries on a mission to get gunpowder.  One night the group is attacked by a strange beast.  Only William and Tovar survive.  The next day they reach the Great Wall.  There they are taken prisoner as spies by the Nameless Order.  The Nameless Order are a trained army that stand guard at the Wall.

As William and Tovar are being questioned the call to battle is sounded.  The Wall is being attacked by thousands of monsters like the one who wiped out William’s group.  Although the Wall is fortified by soldiers using various weapons, several of the creatures make it to the top.  William and Tovar join the fight.  The monsters are driven back, but at the cost of many lives.

Because of their bravery William and Tovar are no longer prisoners.  They are free to leave.  As the Nameless Ones prepare for the next monster attack, Tovar steals kegs of gunpowder and makes his escape.  Garin is unaware of Tovar’s actions.

As the monsters prepare another attack, the Nameless Ones and Garin ready themselves for a fight to the death.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Great Wall was an epic production.  Over 100 translators were needed to provide instructions to the cast and crew.

Although most of the filming took place in China, they weren’t allowed to film on the Great Wall.

I enjoyed the inventive machinery and methods used to fight the monsters.

I went in with low expectations for The Great Wall.  It’s a fun movie if you’re looking for light adventure.

The Great Wall (2016) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Parish”: Season 1 (2024) starring Giancarlo Esposito / Z-View

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Parish: Season 1 (2024)

Based on: The Driver by Danny Brocklehurst, Jim Poyser
Developed by: Danny Brocklehurst, Sunu Gonera

Director: Sunu Gonera (Eps. 1-2); Laura Belsey (Eps. 3-4); Ernest Dickerson (Ep. 5); Karen Gaviola  (Ep. 6)

Teleplay: Danny Brocklehurst & Sunu Gonera and Theo Travers (Ep. 1); Theo Travers and Eduardo Javier Canto & Ryan Maldonado  (Ep. 2); Ashley Cardiff and Theo Travers (Ep. 3); J. David Shanks & Matt Wheeler (Ep. 4); Eduardo Javier Canto & Ryan Maldonado & Sunu Gonera and Theo Travers (Ep. 5 – story by Eduardo Javier Canto & Ryan Maldonado and Cori Uchida & Adam Lash); Theo Travers & Hanna McIntosh (Ep. 6 – story by Eduardo Javier Canto & Ryan Maldonado)

Stars: Giancarlo Esposito, Zackary Momoh, Paula Malcomson, Skeet Ulrich, Ivan Mbakop, Bonnie Mbuli, Arica Himmel, T.C. Matherne, Currie Graham, Bradley Whitford, Nicholas Logan.

Tagline: The wrong way is the only way out.

The Plot…

Gracián “Gray” Parish (Esposito) wants to be a good man.  This wasn’t always true.  Years ago, Gray was a criminal best known for his skills as a getaway driver.  But when Gray met Ros (Malcomson) he walked away from his gangster friends and never looked back.  They had a son and daughter.  Gray started a taxi/limo service.  Life was good.

Until it wasn’t.

Gray’s 16 year old son was recently gunned down in the street.  The killer never caught.

Then Gray’s best friend, fresh out of prison shows up needing a favor.  Despite his best intentions Gray is pulled in.  When things go sideways, Gray finds himself in the middle of a power struggle between the Tongais, a powerful gang into everything from drugs to human trafficking.  With cops closing in, and unable to trust anyone, Gray discovers his son’s killer may be close.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Well written, well directed and well acted.  Well, I hope we get a season two.

Parish: Season 1 (2024) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“The Specialist” (1994) starring Sylvester Stallone & Sharon Stone / Z-View

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The Specialist (1994)

Director: Luis Llosa

Screenplay: Alexandra Seros based on THE SPECIALIST novels by John Shirley

Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Sharon Stone, James Woods, Rod Steiger, Eric Roberts, Mario Ernesto Sánchez, Emilio Estefan Jr. and Tony Munafo.

Tagline: The government taught him to kill. Now he’s using his skills to help a woman seek revenge against the Miami underworld.

The Plot…

May Munro (Stone) wants revenge.  When May was a young girl, hidden in a closet, she witnessed Thomas Leon (Roberts) brutally murder her mother and father.  Leon is the son of Joe Leon (Steiger), a notorious organized crime boss.  To get close enough to kill him will be impossible.  So may seduces Ray Quick (Stallone) to do it.  Quick is an ex-CIA demolition expert.  Although reluctant at first, Quick can’t resist May’s charms.  What Quick doesn’t know is that May is playing him… or is she?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Reportedly at one point David Fincher was set direct.  Stallone was on board with Fincher at the helm, but the studio balked due to the box office of Alien 3.

In 1993, The L.A. Times reported that The Specialist was the best unproduced thriller script in Hollywood according to a poll of agents, producers and studio executives.

Sharon Stone plays a character much younger than she was at the time of filming.  Stone was supposed to have witnessed Eric Roberts kill her parents when she was a child.  Roberts is just two years older than Stone.

Sly Stallone wrote the scene where Eric Roberts threatens him with a knife.  He wrote the scene since otherwise they had no scenes together.

The cat that Stallone adopts in the film also would go on to appear in Assassins, another Stallone movie.

It’s no secret that I’m a Stallone fan, so keep in mind your mileage may vary.

The Specialist (1994) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Plan 9 From Outer Space” (1957) written & directed by Ed Wood Jr., featuring Bela Lugosi / Z-View

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Plan 9 From Outer Space (1957)

Director: Edward D. Wood Jr.

Screenplay:  Edward D. Wood Jr.

Stars: Gregory Walcott, Tom Keene, Tor Johnson, Lyle Talbot, Conrad Brooks, Maila Nurmi, Bela Lugosi, Edward D. Wood Jr. and Criswell.

Tagline: Unspeakable Horrors From Outer Space Paralyze The Living And Resurrect The Dead!

The Plot…

Aliens are worried that humans will produce a doomsday bomb that could destroy the universe.  To stop them, the aliens put into motion Plan 9.  They resurrect the recent dead.  Humans will be so horrified that they will follow the aliens’ directives.  If not, the aliens will use the zombies to destroy them!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Plan 9 From Outer Space is Bela Lugosi’s last film.  Ed Wood and Lugosi were friends.  They had filmed snippets of scenes for an Ed Wood movie in development.  Bela Lugosi died and Ed Wood decided to incorporate these clips into Plan 9.  Wood also used the fact that Plan 9 would be Lugosi’s last film to induce some of the actors to join the project.

It’s funny to note that scenes featuring Lugosi’s character not played by Lugosi were completed by Wood’s wife’s chiropractor.  He was much taller and looked nothing like Bela Lugosi.  So Ed Wood told him to hunch over and always keep the cape in front of his face.  Problem solved.

The film was made on a miniscule budget.  Tor Johnson’s home was used as a location.  Johnson’s son was a San Fernando Police officer.  They got use of the police car and uniforms through him.  The alien’s flying saucer was adapted from a popular UFO model kit.  Bela Lugosi supplied his own cape (from playing Dracula on stage). The gravestones were made of cardboard or styrofoam and can be seen wiggling when actors brushed against them.

Harry Thomas did the make-up for Plan 9.  He become upset and asked his name be removed from the credits.  Thomas wanted the aliens to have elongated chins using appliances he would make, cat’s eye lenses (special contacts) and green hair (wigs). Ed Wood said that those ideas would be too expensive.  Ironically, the year before Henry Thomas worked on Cecil B. DeMille’s The Ten Commandments which was the most expensive movie ever made to that time.

Plan 9 From Outer Space gained popularity after being named The Worst Film Ever Made.  It is a bad film, but far from the worst ever made.  The low budget, bad script, Lugosi stand-in, wooden performances, outlandish idea for a movie and more make for a humorous viewing, especially with friends.

Plan 9 From Outer Space (1957) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“The Green Slime” (1968) starring Robert Horton, Luciana Paluzzi & Richard Jaeckel / Z-View

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The Green Slime (1968)

Director: Kinji Fukasaku

Screenplay: William (Bill) Finger, Tom Rowe, Charles Sinclair, story by Ivan Reiner

Stars: Robert Horton, Luciana Paluzzi, Richard Jaeckel.

Tagline: The Green Slime are coming!!

The Plot…

Commander Jack Rankin (Horton) and Commander Vince Elliott (Jaeckel) are sent on a suicide mission to destroy a giant asteroid headed for earth.  Although successful, one of the crew members accidentally carries a green slime substance back to the space station.

Soon the green slime transforms into monstrous beings that multiply and kill members of the crew!  If the green slime monsters get back to earth it could be the end of humanity.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Robert Horton, Luciana Paluzzi and Richard Jaeckel were the stars attached.  The rest of the cast consisted mainly of amateur and semi-professional actors.  Many of the monsters were played by school aged children.

Bill Finger, the co-creator of Batman, is one of the screenwriters of The Green Slime.

The Green Slime was the first film featured on featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000.

The Green Slime (1968) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Violent City” aka “The Family” (1970) starring Charles Bronson, Telly Savalas & Jill Ireland / Z-View

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Violent City (1970)

Director: Sergio Sollima

Screenplay: Sauro Scavolini, Gianfranco Galligarich, Lina Wertmüller, Sergio Sollima, story by Dino Maiuri, Massimo De Rita

Stars: Charles Bronson, Telly Savalas, Jill Ireland and Michel Constantin.

Tagline: CHARLES BRONSON: A murderer whose love for a woman was VIOLENT. TELLY SAVALAS: A man who owns both the woman and the CITY.

The Plot…

Jeff Heston (Bronson) is a hitman who was ambushed and left for dead.  Heston believes he was set up by a former boss.  Now healed and ready for revenge… Heston discovers the person who set him up may have been his lover!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Violent City received a second release in the U.S. but retitled as The Family in an effort to cash in on The Godfather‘s success.

Jon Voight and Sharon Tate were considered for the leads.  At the time Charles Bronson was a bigger star in Europe and just becoming a leading man in the United States.  Bronson agreed to star on the condition that his wife, Jill Ireland would co-star.

Violent City (1970) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Westworld” (1973) written & directed by Michael Crichton, starring Yul Brynner, Richard Benjamin & James Brolin / Z-View

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Westworld (1973)

Director: Michael Crichton

Screenplay: Michael Crichton

Stars: Yul Brynner, Richard Benjamin, James Brolin, Norman Bartold, Alan Oppenheimer, Linda Gaye Scott, Steve Franken, Michael T. Mikler, Terry Wilson, Majel Barrett, Anne Randall, Charles Seel and Dick Van Patten.

Tagline: Boy, have we got a vacation for you…

The Plot…

In the near future those that can afford it go to an adult theme park named Delos.  Delos is divided into three separate sections: West World, Medieval World and Roman World.  Each world is designed to replicate the eras of their name.  Robots almost indistinguishable from humans populate each world.  Guest interact and act out their greatest fantasies.  Want to be a bank robber in the old west?  Overthrow a king?  Partake in Roman orgies?  You can do all these things and more.

Repeat visitor John Blane (Brolin) and his buddy, first timer Peter Martin (Benjamin) are visiting West World. They’re having a blast.  Until things start to go wrong… very wrong.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I saw West World when it was first released in 1973.  I was 15 and loved it.  I’ve re-watched it many times over the years and still love it. I thought that James Brolin would be the last man standing.  I was so shocked when it turned out I was wrong.

Years after West World Michael Crichton created another amusement park that goes sideways with his novel (and later a film) Jurassic Park.

The film is set in the near future… 1983.

Silent film star, Harold Lloyd’s estate was used for Roman World filming and is listed in the credits!

Alan Oppenheimer plays one of the technicians in charge of the robots.  Oppenheimer in the following year will play Dr. Rudy Wells, in a similar role on The Six Million Dollar Man.

As the robots begin to malfunction and the problem spreads from robot to robot we get one of the first instances of computer viruses!

Yul Brynner’s character dresses almost exactly as the character he played in The Magnificent Seven.

Westworld (1973) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“The Big Knife” (1955) directed by Robert Aldrich, starring Jack Palance, Ida Lupino, Wendell Corey, Jean Hagen, Rod Steiger & Shelley Winters / Z-View

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The Big Knife (1955)

Director: Robert Aldrich

Screenplay: James Poe based on The Big Knife by Clifford Odets

Stars: Jack Palance, Ida Lupino, Wendell Corey, Jean Hagen, Rod Steiger, Everett Sloane, Wesley Addy, Paul Langton, Nick Dennis, Bill Walker, Shelley Winters, Robert Emhardt, Michael Fox, Strother Martin and Richard Boone (narrator)

Tagline: A journey to the dark heart of Hollywood.

The Plot…

Charlie Castle (Palance) is a famous movie star.  Charlie has all of the benefits of being on top.  He’s rich, has a upscale home, a lovely wife and young son.  From all appearances Charlie is on top of the world.

Appearances can be deceiving.

Charlie’s contract is up and he’s being pressured by studio owner, Stanley Hoff (Steiger) to sign a long-term deal.  Hoff has the power to make or break stars, and he uses it without discretion.  Charlie wants out.  Tired of Charlie’s career coming before his family, his wife Marion (Lupino) says she will leave him if he re-signs.

But Charlie has a dark secret that would cost him everything if it came out… and Stanley Hoff will tell the world if Charlie doesn’t sign the contract today.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Because of the unflattering look at Hollywood several studios turned down the film.  Director Robert Aldrich’s company made the movie.  After the film’s release Aldrich had trouble getting more directing jobs.  He made a couple of films in Europe before returning to the US.

Many thought that Steiger’s character was a take-off of Harry Cohen (Columbia’s studio head).  Cohen reportedly thought so as well and was offended.  According to director Aldrich, Steiger’s character had characteristics from Cohen as well as other studio heads.  Examples include: crying to get a star to sign (Louis B. Mayer) and wearing a hearing aide (Howard Hughes).

Clifford Odets play The Big Knife ran for over 100 performances, was directed by Lee Strasberg, and starred John Garfield as Charles Castle.  Garfield was scheduled to star, but died before the film was made.  Shelley Winters dedicated her performance to John Garfield.

The Big Knife (1955) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Training Day” (2001) directed by Antoine Fuqua, screenplay by David Ayer, starring Denzel Washington & Ethan Hawke / Z-View

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Training Day (2001)

Director: Antoine Fuqua

Screenplay: David Ayer

Stars: Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Scott Glenn, Tom Berenger, Harris Yulin, Raymond J. Barry, Cliff Curtis, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Macy Gray, Eva Mendes, Nick Chinlund, Jaime Gomez, Raymond Cruz, Noel Gugliemi, Samantha Esteban, David Ayer, Peter Greene and Terry Crews.

Tagline: The only thing more dangerous than the line being crossed, is the cop who will cross it.

The Plot…

It’s L.A. police officer Jake Hoyt’s (Hawke) training day.  Hoyt has been teamed with the highly decorated narcotics Detective Alonzo Harris (Washington).  Hoyt badly wants the promotion.  He’s about to discover that Detective Harris is a cop who will cross any lines to make a bust.  Very quickly Harris makes it clear that is the expectation for Hoyt if he is to get promoted to the team.

Hoyt is hesitant at first, but is slowly seduced by Detective Harris’ reputation, charisma and results. As the shift continues, Hoyt learns something that puts his life at risk.  What do you do when your partner/mentor is worse than the gangbangers you’re after?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Both of Training Days leads were nominated for Academy Awards with one winning…

  • Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role – Denzel Washington (winner)
  • Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role nominee – Ethan Hawke

Ethan Hawke had more screen time than Denzel Washington, yet was nominated for an Academy Award in the Supporting Role category.

Training Day was originally set up to be directed by Davis Guggenheim, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Matt Damon.

Actors reportedly considered for Jake Hoyt included Tobey Maguire, Eminem, Paul Walker, Freddy Prinze Jr., Ryan Phillippe, Christian Bale, Mark Wahlberg and Scott Speedman.

Antoine Fuqua filmed in real gang locations. Real gang members from Rollin’ 60 Crips, PJ Watts Crips, and B. P. Stones (a Bloods set) appear on-screen.

The coffee shop where Washington and Hawke first meet has been used in several movies including Se7en, Gone in 60 Seconds, Ghost World, and Catch Me If You Can.

Lights Out (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Gangnam Zombie” (2023) / Z-View

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Gangnam Zombie (2023)

Director: Lee Soo-seong

Screenplay: Choe Seung

Stars: Ji Il-joo, Park Ji-yeon.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Young podcasters and shoppers in an upscale mall in Gangnam fight for their lives during a zombie uprising!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

If I make it through the entire movie, I usually am able to justify a two star rating.  Not this one.

Gangnam Zombie (2023) rates 1 of 5 stars.

“Lights Out” (2024) starring Frank Grillo, Mekhi Phifer, Jaime King & Dermot Mulroney / Z-View

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Lights Out (2024)

Director: Christian Sesma

Screenplay: Chad Law, Garry Charles, story by Brandon Burrows

Stars: Frank Grillo, Mekhi Phifer, Jaime King, Dermot Mulroney, Scott Adkins, Amaury Nolasco, Kevin Gage, Jessica Medina and Donald Cerrone .

Tagline: They started the wrong fight.

The Plot…

Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield (Grillo) is a drifter.  He’s also ex-military who suffers from PTSD.  After observing Duffy take apart several guys in a bar fight, Max Bomer (Phifer) sees easy money in his future.  Bomer tells Duffy about an underground fight circuit where big money is wagered.  Hesitant at first, Duffy agrees.

Soon Duffy and Bomer on the wrong side of gangster, Sage Parker (Mulroney) and the leader of the criminal gang, Detective Ellen Ridway (King).  With criminals and crooked cops after them, what chance do Duffy and Bomer have?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Lights Out is fairly by-the-numbers action, but the cast of Frank Grillo, Mekhi Phifer, Jaime King and Dermot Mulroney add to it’s watchability.

Lights Out (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Sanford and Son”: Season 2 (1973) starring Redd Foxx & Demond Wilson / Z-View

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Sanford and Son: Season 2 (1973)

Based on: Steptoe and Son by Ray Galton, Alan Simpson
Developed by: Bud Yorkin, Norman Lear (uncredited)

Director: Peter Baldwin (Eps. 15, 19-20, 22-24, 28, 35-36, 38); Rick Edelstein (Eps. 16, 21, 25, 27, 34); Jack Shea (Eps. 17-18, 26, 29-32, 37); Sid McCoy (Ep. 33)

Teleplay: Terry Ryan (Ep. 15); Allan Katz & Don Reo (Eps. 16, 22-24, 30, 34); Richard Pryor & Paul Mooney (Eps. 17, 25); Everett Greenbaum & Jim Fritzell (Ep. 18, 37); Ilunga Adell (credited as Adell Stevenson) (Eps. 19, 21, 26, 31, 38); Lloyd Garver & Ken Hecht (Ep. 27, 32); Lee Kalcheim and Aaron Ruben (story by Lee Kalcheim) (Ep. 28); Odie Hawkins and Aaron Ruben (story by Odie Hawkins) (Ep. 29); Aaron Ruben (story by : Ray Galton & Alan Simpson) (Ep. 33, 35-36)

Stars: Redd Foxx, Demond Wilson, LaWanda Page, Don Bexley, Beah Richards, Hal Williams, Nathaniel Taylor, Noam Pitlik, Dick O’Neill, Gregory Sierra, Slappy White, Davis Roberts, Marguerite Ray, Roscoe Lee Browne, Lynn Hamilton, Thalmus Rasulala, Ron Glass, William Hansen, Larry J. Blake, Howard Platt, Roger E. Mosley, Vernon Weddle, Ja’net DuBois, Liam Dunn, Kim Hamilton, Mary Wickes, Gabriel Dell, Lena Horne, John Amos, Joan Prather, Paula Kelly, Alma Beltran, James Wheaton, Maida Severn, Burt Mustin, Jonathan Harris, Herb Voland, Lincoln Kilpatrick Jr., Jack DeLeon and Kelly Thordsen.

Tagline: Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson play two guys who know the score – and how to beat the game. America, you’re in for a yock…Archie, you’re in for a shock

The Plot…

Fred Sanford (Foxx) and his son, Lamont (Wilson) are junk dealers.  Fred’s wife died years ago and Lamont stays on to assist his dad with the business.  Together they get into various misadventures as they attempt to get ahead.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

In its second season Sanford and Son became the 2nd highest rated show on television.  Also in its second season, Sanford and Son earned two Primetime Emmy nominations:

  • Outstanding Comedy Series
  • Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series – Redd Foxx

Season two saw the first appearance of semi-regulars Bubba (Don Bexley), Rollo (Nathaniel Taylor), Julio (Gregory Sierra), and Aunt Esther (LaWanda Page).

Season two notable guest stars include: Roscoe Lee Brown (The Cowboys); Ron Glass (Barney Miller); Gregory Sierra (Barney Miller); Roger E. Mosley (Magnum PI); Ja’Net DuBois (Good Times); Lena Horne; John Amos (Good Times) and Jonathan Harris (Lost in Space).

Richard Pryor co-wrote two episodes.

Sandford and Son: Season 2 (1973) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“The Continental: From the World of John Wick” (2023) starring Mel Gibson, Colin Woodell & Ayo Adegun / Z-View

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The Continental: From the World of John Wick (2023)

Developed by Greg Coolidge, Kirk Ward, Shawn Simmon based on John Wick by Derek Kolstad

Director: Albert Hughes (Eps.1, 3); Charlotte Brändström (Ep. 2)

Teleplay: Greg Coolidge & Kirk Ward and Shawn Simmons (Ep. 1); Shawn Simmons and Greg Coolidge & Kirk Ward & Ken Kristensen (Ep. 2), story by Greg Coolidge & Kirk Ward & Shawn Simmons (Ep.2); Greg Coolidge & Kirk Ward & Ken Kristensen (Ep. 3)

Stars: Mel Gibson, Colin Woodell, Mishel Prada, Hubert Point-Du Jour, Nhung Kate, Jessica Allain, Ayo Adegun, Jeremy Bobb, Adam Shapiro, Katie McGrath, Marina Mazepa, Mark Musashi, Kirk Ward, Dan Li, Chris Ryman, Fflyn Edwards, Ben Robinson, Peter Bergin and Peter Greene.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Set in the 1970s, The Continental: From the World of John Wick details how young Winston Scott (Woodell) was pulled into the world of assassins and rose to become the director of The Continental.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Continental: From the World of John Wick continues, as the title implies, the world-building of the John Wick movie franchise.  It is stylish, action-packed with outrageous characters and a welcome addition.

I loved the opening titles which reminded me of the opening credits to Casino Royale (2006).

The Continental: From the World of John Wick features a sweet soundtrack from the 1970s.

In the third episode, KD checks into The Continental.  She is given room 818, which is the same room John Wick gets in the first movie.

Kirk Ward plays a creepy huge thug to the hilt.  Short white hair, skintight sleeveless t-shirt, a kilt, heavy workboots and black eye makeup make for a scary appearance.  Add in his caresses and loving pats to the man he’s about to torture and you have one sick, memorable henchman.

Let’s not forget Katie McGrath as The Adjudicator.  She wears a half-mask that covers something so grotesque that it sickens those who get a glance behind the covering.  Oh, and what about the strange assassins known as The Twins aka Hansel (Musashi) and Gretal (Mazepa).

Mel Gibson adds gravitas.

I hope we get more adventures in this world.

The Continental: From the World of John Wick (2023) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Shōgun” (2024) starring Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano & Hiroyuki Sanada / Z-View

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Shōgun (2024)

Created by Rachel Kondo, Justin Marks, based on Shōgun by James Clavel

Director: Jonathan van Tulleken (Eps.1-2); Charlotte Brändström (Ep. 3); Frederick E.O. Toye (Eps. 4-5, 9-10); Hiromi Kamata (Ep. 6); Takeshi Fukunaga (Ep. 7); Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour (Ep. 8)

Teleplay: Rachel Kondo & Justin Marks (Eps. 1-2); Shannon Goss (Eps. 3, 8); Nigel Williams & Emily Yoshida (Ep. 4); Matt Lambert (Eps. 5, 7); Maegan Houang (Ep. 6); Rachel Kondo & Caillin Puente (Ep. 9); Maegan Houang & Emily Yoshida (Ep. 10)

Stars: Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, Yûki Kedôin, Akiko Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Sanada, Takehiro Hira

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

17th century.  John Blackthorne (Jarvis), one of the few surviving sailors shipwrecked in Japan, finds himself a pawn in a power struggle between factions.  Literally a stranger in a strange land, Blackthorne is viewed as a savage.  Yet, using his cunning and skills he will rise to a position of respect, not realizing the depth of deception and long-range plans being formed around him.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

This miniseries is based on James Clavell’s novel of the same name.  Clavell based many of the characters in his book on real historical figures.  James Clavell’s daughter (Michaela Clavell) served as an executive producer of the series.

Shōgun is amazing from top to bottom.  Great writing, acting, directing and production values make this series a joy to watch.

Shōgun currently has an 8.8/10 rating on IMDb.  At Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 99% rating with reviewers and a 90% average audience score.

Shōgun (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Anna” (2019) starring Sasha Luss, Helen Mirren, Luke Evans & Cillian Murphy / Z-View

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Anna (2019)

Director: Luc Besson

Screenplay: Luc Besson

Stars: Sasha Luss, Helen Mirren, Luke Evans, Cillian Murphy.

Tagline: Revenge has a new name.

The Plot…

Anna is a beautiful young woman with immense potential and talents.  For these reasons she is recruited as a KGB agent.  After an intense year of training, Anna begins her career as an assassin.  Under the guise of an international fashion model, Anna travels the world completing assignments.

When the CIA discovers Anna’s secrets, they move to recruit her as a double agent.  What chance does one person have against the two most powerful countries in the world?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Helen Mirren’s character reminded me of Helen Parr (voiced by Holly Hunter) from The Incredibles.

Sasha Luss, Helen Mirren, Luke Evans, Cillian Murphy elevate this film.

Luc Besson doesn’t use linear story-telling for this one.  It worked.

Anna (2019) rates 4 of 5 stars.