Welcome to the 914th edition of my series and the last one of the year. I hope we have all had a good holiday season however celebrated. I wish everyone the best 2024 they can have. I do have some holiday selections and some non-holiday selections. I don't really have much going on so I will get on with my selections for the week.
The Holdovers (2023): I start the week with this this holiday film which was directed by Alexander Payne. Paul Giamatti stars as cranky prep school teacher Paul Hunham who agrees to stay on campus during Christmas break to supervise over the students unable to leave. After a few days, the only student left is the troubled 15 year old Angus, played by Dominic Sessa, whose behavior has him on the verge of being expelled. While there they form an unexpected bond along with the head cook Mary, played by Da'Vine Joy Randolph. Carrie Preston, Brady Hepner, Ian Dolley, Jim Kaplan, Michael Provost, Andrew Garman, Naheem Garcia, Stephen Thorne, Gillian Vigman, Tate Donovan, and many others co-star in this film. Sessa makes a very good film debut and matches up well with Giamatti. This is a pretty touching film that maybe we could say is about coming out of your shell. I feel this is a good example of a character study as it is driven by the characters and the script. I saw this in theaters
The Dead Pool (1988): This is not about that popular antihero that Ryan Reynolds plays though its creator Rob Liefeld was inspired by this title for the name. Buddy Van Horn directed this film which is the fifth and last of the Dirty Harry series. Clint Eastwood reprises his role of vigilante cop Harry Callahan who is investigating murders that are happening on account of a dead pool between a few guys which includes himself. Liam Neeson, Patricia Clarkson, Evan C. Kim, David Hunt, Michael Currie, Michael Goodwin, Jim Carrey, Nicholas Love, and many others co-star in this cop film. Yes, a young Jim Carrey has a small part in the beginning as the drug addicted rock star Johnny Squares. There is even a cameo from rock band Guns 'N Roses. I have always enjoyed this film series and this was a good last film. There is also a pretty unique car chase. A little bit of comedy, a lot of action, a Jim Carrey cameo, and a remote controlled car make this go a long way.
The Karate Kid Part III (1989): John G. Avildson directed this sequel to the franchise. This picks up right where part II ends with Mr. Miyagi, reprised by Par Morita, and Daniel, reprised by Ralph Macchio, coming back to the States from their time in Japan. This story in some ways is more about Kreese, reprised by Martin Kove, whose Cobra Kai was defeated and turns to his Vietnam buddy Terry, played by Thomas Ian Griffith in his film debut, for help in getting revenge on Miyagi and Daniel. Robyn Lively, Sean Kanan, William Christopher Ford, Randee Heller, Frances Bay, and many others co-star in this sequel. This movie has been criticized a lot over the years. I believe that season four of COBRA KAI has made this sequel mean something with Griffith reprising his role as the ruthless Terry Silver and Kanan reprising his role a Mike Barnes. When watching COBRA KAI, maybe watch this movie before starting season four of the series. This is available to watch on AMC +.
A Straightforward Boy (1929): This is my Japanese short film for the week which was directed by Yasujiro Ozu. This story centers around a kidnapper and his kidnapped boy who proves to be far more trouble than he is worth. This is a silent film as Japan did not get sound until sometime in the '30s I believe. This has its moments but I am surprised they did not work any music into this film as I know that ha happened with a lot of other silent films. This is more to highlight the early career of Ozu who would become one of the most significant Japanese directors of all time. This is available to watch on the Criterion Channel as well as much of Ozu's other works.
Dark Star (1974): Now I bring some more early work and this one is for John Carpenter who directed and co-wrote with Dan O'Bannon. O'Bannon also co-stars in this low-budget sci-fi satire of group of scientists is on a mission to destroy unstable planets. They have been on their mission for 20 years they must battle their alien mascot and question their existence. Dre Pahich, Brian Narelle, Cal Kuniholm, and many others co-star in this sci-fi film. The alien in this movie is a very interesting looking alien that just can't be described. For their limited budget, the special effects were pretty well on par with any other sci-fi film. This is available to watch on most of the free streaming networks and with Fandor with a subscription to Prime.
Othello (1951): This is part one of a five-part Orson Welles who also directed this Shakespeare tragedy. Welles also stars as the Moorish general Othello who at one time might have been happily married to Desdemona, played by Suzanne Cloutier. That is until he is manipulated into believing that she is having an affair with Lieutenant Cassio, played by Michael Laurence, by his Ensign Iago, played by Micheal MacLiammoir, who Othello believes is his comrade. Robert Cooke, Hilton Edwards, Fay Compton, Nicholas Bruce, Boris Dowling, and many others co-star in this Shakespeare adaptation. Earlier in the summer, I got to play the role of Othello in a 15 minute version performed at a Renaissance Festival as part of the Marvelously Terrible Shakespeare Company. So anyone who started wondering why would Shaun play Othello, there is your explanation. Welles struggled to get this movie made but was able to use the money made from THE THIRD MAN and PRINCE OF FOXES to finish this movie after three years of starts and stops. This is available to watch on the Criterion Channel.
Cold Turkey (1971): I pay homage to Norman Lear who recently left us. Lear directed and co-wrote this comedy that was a satire on the cigarette industry. A tobacco company is looking for positive publicity and offers a town 25 million that quits smoking for 30 days. The small town of Eagle Rock, Iowa accepts the challenge lead by Reverend Brooks, played by Dick Van Dyke. Brooks must persuade the town to go along which leads to a lot of frustration from wanting a cigarette. Pippa Scott, Tom Poston, Edward Everett Horton, Vincent Gardenia, Bernard Hughes, Graham Jarvis, Jean Stapleton, Barbara Cason, Judith Lowry, Paul Benedict, Simon Scott, and many others co-star in this comedy. This is a pretty clever comedy that has gone overlooked through the years. Van Dyke is great in his role as the reverend. This is Lear's only feature film that he directed as he is more known for his work in the world of television. This is available to watch on Tubi and is worth a look.
Repeat Performance (1947): This is a New Year's selection which was directed by Alfred L. Werker and based on the novel by William O'Farrell. Joan Leslie stars as Sheila Page who on New Year's Eve kills her cheating husband Barney, played by Louis Heyward. She comes to wish that she could start the year over again and gets her wish granted to her. When trying to relive the year, it gets complicated and difficult to change fate. Virginia Field, Tom Conway, Richard Basehart, Natalie Schafer, Benay Venuta, Ilka Gruning, and many others co-star in this film. I thought this was kind of TWILIGHT ZONE before the series even came out. It has also been called a Noir IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. It is a pretty interesting film of trying to change the past. This has been a pretty underrated film that I hope to get back on the radar. This is available to watch on the Criterion Channel.
Project X (1987): Jonathan Kaplan directed this sci-fi comedy-drama. Matthew Broderick stars as Air Force pilot Jimmy Garrett who given the task of looking after some chimpanzee on what is called Project X. He finds there is something more sinister going on at the base. He calls upon a trainer of one of the apes in Teri, played by Helen Hunt, and they try to save the chimps. William Sadler, Stephen Lang, Robin Gammell, Jean Smart, Daniel Roebuck, Dick Miller, and many others co-star in this film. I suppose this could be a variation of PLANET OF THE APES. This was a pretty touching film at times and delivered some laughs. Underrated '80s gem that features chimpanzees so what more could you ask for?
Runaway Train (1985): This is part one of a possible Eric Roberts trilogy. This starts out in a prison where there is a boxing scene so maybe this could qualify as a holiday movie on account of Boxing Day on December 26th. Andrey Konchalovskiy directed this action film that is based on a story by Akira Kurosawa. Jon Voight and Eric Roberts star as escaped convicts Manny and Buck who end up on an empty train whose conductor has died. They also meet a railway worker in Sara, played by Rebecca De Mornay, who teams with them to try to stop the train. Kyle Heffner, John P Ryan, T.K. Carter, Kenneth McMillan, Eddie Bunker, Danny Trejo, Tom Lister Jr., and many other co-star in this film. Trejo and Lister make their film debuts in this one. This is some fun edge-of-your-seat action with some good performances. It is also part of the iconic Cannon films. This is available to watch on Prime, MGM +, Tubi, and Pluto TV.
Well, that is it for this week but read on as I got a bit carried away on this one. Tell me what you like and dislike and stay tuned for the next two weeks for the first installment of 2024.
SQUARED CIRCLE TIME
This was just going to be part of the "Tube Time" segment but then I realized I have a lot of wrestling at my disposal so I decided to make a new segment. The photo above is promoting the wrestling convention Squared Circle Expo coming up in late March so visit https://www.squaredcirclex.com/ for more information. I went in April and it was great so I'm looking forward to this one.
Wrestlers (2023): Greg Whiteley directed this documentary series about the Louisville based promotion Ohio Valley Wrestling. This was at one time a developmental center for the WWE which brought us John Cena, Batista, Randy Orton, and many others. Now it is still being run after being bought by former WWE superstar Al Snow and this series takes a look at the financial struggle. Matt Jones and Craig Greenberg became co-owners to help the promotion make more money. This also takes a deeper look at various wrestlers like Hollyhood Haley J, Marie Evans, Ryan Howe, Cash Flo, Amanpreet Randhawa, Jessie Godders, and a few others. There are also some featured that come from the local Indiana Powerhouse Wrestling that is in my town.
The Iron Claw (2023): Sean Durkin wrote and directed this biopic of the Von Erich wrestling family in Texas and were very prominent in the '80s but met with a lot of tragedy. This one centers mostly around Kevin Von Erich, played by Zac Efron, who is the only surviving brother. The beginning briefly touches upon the early career of the patriarch Fritz Von Erich, played by Hold McCallany, and then goes into his time as a promoter of World Class Championship Wrestling which mostly centered around his sons. SHAMELESS alum Jeremy Alan White co-stars as Kerry Von Erich who was the most successful. Harris Dickinson co-stars as David Von Erich who many thought was the of the brothers work wise. Stanley Simons co-stars as Mike Von Erich who had trouble fitting in with the family and was probably not meant for wrestling. Maura Tierney, Scott Innes, Grady Wilson, Chavo Guerrero Jr., Michael Harney, Cazzey Louis Cereghino, Ryan Nemeth, Lily James, Kevin Anton, Brady Pierce, Silas Mason, Maxwell Jacob Freeman, Aaron Dean Eisenberg, Leo Franich, Sam Franich, Chelsea Edmundson, and many others co-star in this biopic. Of course, like any biopic liberties will be taken. Anyone who knows of the Von Erichs will notice that the youngest Chris was not mentioned. Also, I hoped they would go just a little more into their "cousin" Lance Von Erich, played by Friedman, but only has a little wrestling footage and did not really acknowledge him as Lance. Besides those things, this was a very compelling film about the famous wrestling family. This is a movie I believe deserves some theater support. I would also recommend watching the documentary THE TRIUMPH AND TRAGEDY OF WORLD CLASS CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING and as well as the DARK SIDE OF THE RING episode THE LAST OF THE VON ERICHS. I had a fairly good knowledge of the family going into the movie but was still a great dramatization of the family.
The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019): Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz wrote and directed this coming of age adventure film. Zack Gottsagen stars a young man with Down Syndrome named Zak who is in a nursing home but has dreams of becoming a professional wrestler on account of his idol the Salt Water Redneck, played by Thomas Haden Church. The nursing home wasn't going to help him much so he escapes and meets the troubled Tyler, played by Shia LaBeouf, who becomes an unexpected friend and mentor to Zak. Dakota Johnson co-stars as nursing home employee who reluctantly helps them in the journey to get Zak to go meet the Salt Water Redneck. Bruce Dern, Jon Bernthal, John Hawkes, Yelawolf, Wayne Dehart, Jake Roberts, Mick Foley, and many others co-star in this film. This movie has some wrestling and wrestling references but it is not really a wrestling. It is more of a Mark Twain inspired adventure and is a great character study. I had the pleasure of seeing this at the movie theater when it first came out and am so grateful I made that decision. This is available to watch on Prime and MGM +
THE BOOKWORM CORNER
Indianapolis Graverobbing: A Syndicate of Death by Chris Flook (2023): This was a locally written book by Chris Flook who I went to high school with and is a public historian and documentary filmmaker. This book centers mostly around Indianapolis in 1902 where corpses were being taken for medical colleges who were lacking cadavers at this time. The main person involved was Rufus Cantrell who was a preacher and became a "ghoul" which is what they called the grave robbers. This book takes a look at other ghouls and some of the trials that happened. It also takes a look at race issues like the legal treatment of the black race versus the white race. This is a very fascinating book on something that we don't talk about much. This can be bought on Amazon. I bought the book when Chris spoke at my local library and even got it autographed so let's help this local man out.
HOLIDAY CORNER
I am not a hardcore holiday movie guy but I do like to get a few in there so I decided to have this segment again for those still in the Christmas spirit.
Santa Claus (1959): I usually try to view this holiday classic each year. I talked my friend Carrissa into watching this so I picked her up and we went to our friend Matt's house to watch it there. Rene Cardona directed this B-Movie where each year Satan tries to stop Santa, played by Jose Elias Moreno from having Christmas. The devil sends his dancing minion Pitch to make an effort to stop him and if Pitch fails he will be punished by being forced to eat chocolate ice cream. Santa does not have elves in this North Pole, he has children from around world and the first 15 minutes or so are these kids singing something from their respective country. I don't really know where they found all these kids but that is neither here or there as they say, not that I really know what that means. We also have Merlin working for Santa, I guess Arthur didn't need him any longer. The reindeer are some Styrofoam built reindeer and there are only four of them and they will disappear if Santa does not get back in time. There is also a narrator who breaks they fourth wall a lot. I think Matt and Carrissa were pretty intrigued by this movie. I don't really know what was going on in the minds of those involved when this was being made. This is a B-Movie classic that is available to watch on Tubi, the Roku Channel, Plex, Fandor and the Dove Channel.
Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus (1991): Having been in a play version of this TV movie, I finally got around to watching it. Charles Jarrott directed this TV movie that is based on a true story. Richard Thomas stars as James O'Hanlon whose daughter Virginia, played by Katharine Isobel, writes to a newspaper wanting to know if there is a Santa Claus. Edward Asner co-stars as newspaper editor Edward P. Mitchell who gives a "special" assignment to his troubled writer Francis Church, played by Charles Bronson. Tamsin Kelsey, Colleen Winton, John Novak, Shawn McDonald, Garry Chalk, Lillian Carlson, and many others co-star in this tv movie. This was pretty decent holiday TV movie which was more about James O'Hanlon trying to find himself after losing his job. This is available to watch on Peacock and most free streaming apps.
It's a Wonderful Life (1946): Frank Capra directed this holiday classic. James Stewart stars as George Bailey who has grown up in a small town and has all kinds of plans to see the world. Things change when George's father dies and must take over his small financial business to keep Henry Potter, played by Lionel Barrymore, from taking over the town of Bedford Falls. He builds a good life marrying a childhood friend in Mary Hatch, played by Donna Reed, having children, and keeping his father's business going. He does experience some stress that his loved ones pray for him and they are answered when angel Clarence, played by Henry Travers, comes down granting a wish from George that he was never born to see what that would would have been like. Thomas Mitchell, Beulah Bondi, Frank Faylen, Ward Bond, Gloria Grahame, H.B. Warner, Frank Albertson, Todd Karns, Samuel Hinds, Mary Treen, Virginia Patton, Sarah Edwards, Lillian Randolph, Robert J. Anderson, Sheldon Leonard, Karolyn Grimes, Carl Switzer, and many others co-star in this holiday classic. This has been an annual holiday watch for me for many years. I love that it emphasizes how we make a difference in the life of others even if it might not seem that big at the time. I was in a version of this a few years ago as Mr. Gower and was a great experience. This is one that will live on forever and one everyone should watch around this time of year. This is available to watch on Prime, Plex, and the Roku Channel.
A Christmas Carol: The Musical (2004): I was visiting with my dad and stepmom and dad decided to put on this version when looking for holiday movies to stream. Arthur Allen Seidelman directed this version of the Charles Dickens classic with the music written by Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens. CHEERS and FRASIER alum Kelsey Grammer takes the helm as the old miser Ebenezer Scrooge who just hated Christmas and thought of it as a humbug. We all know the story, he is visited by the ghost of his business partner Jacob Marley, played by SEINFELD alum Jason Alexander, whose misdeeds lead him to a life wearing chains. Marley warns Scrooge he is headed to that fate if he does not change his ways and warns him of three ghosts, played by Jane Krakowski, Jesse L. Martin, and Geraldine Chaplin, to show his past, present and future. Jennifer Love Hewitt, Brian Bedford, Claire Moore, Ruthie Henshall, Steven Miller, Edward Gower, Jacob Collier, Linzi Hateley, Julian Ovenden, Julie Alannagh-Brighten, Sheila Reid, Ian McLarnon, Emily Deamer, and many others co-star in this musical version of the holiday classic. This is a more unknown version of the franchise but one that I hold in my heart. I was in this version years ago at Muncie Civic Theater and was the first show in did in my adult life so this brought back a lot of memories. I do still hope to play the role of Marley one day and Alexander was really good in the role. Grammer brings on his Scrooge really well Menken and Ahrens wrote some really good music numbers. This is available to watch on Freevee, Crackle, Plex, and most other streaming apps.
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