Welcome to the 995th Edition of my series. I hope everyone is doing well in these times. Last week, I lost my first game in my fantasy league and I hope to rebound today. I also have my wrestling show in New Castle at 5 pm at the Lightkeepers of Henry County building where I ring announce. I will shut up now and get on with my selections for the week.
DC League of Superpets (2022): Sam J. Levine and Jered Stern directed this animated dc movie which centers around the animals. Krypto the Super-Dog, voiced by Dwayne Johnson, looks to rescue his best friend Superman and the rest of the Justice League. He gets together a group of animals from the pet store who have been affected by the orange kryptonite. Kevin Hart, Kate McKinnon, John Krasinski, Vanessa Bayer, Natasha Lyonne, Diego Luna, Marc Maron, Keanu Reeves, Thomas Middleditch, Ben Schwartz, Olivia Wilde, Maya Erskine, Yvette Nicole Brown, Jameela Jamil, Jermaine Clement, John Early, Dascha Polanco, and many others provide their voice in this animated film. This was a great animated movie and very enjoyable. It also pays some good homage to the 1978 film SUPERMAN. It was also good to see Krypto get his due and hope they have more with these characters. This is available to watch on HBO Max.
Pretty Lethal (2026): Vicky Jewson directed this horror film which was written by Kate Freund. A group of ballerinas are on their way to a prestigious dance competition, but their bus breaks down. Lydia Leonard plays the instructor Miss Thorna who leads five ballerinas in Maddie Ziegler, Landa Candor, Avantika, Iris Apatow, and Millicent Simmonds. They end up a remote in hoping for some help but find themselves in a very violent situation at an inn lead by the bitter former ballerina Davora Kasimer, played by Uma Thurman. Julian Krenn, Miklos Beres, Adam Boncz, Krisztian Csakvari, and many others co-star in this film. This is a very violent film to say the least. I liked how the ballerinas relied on their ballet skills to apply to fighting and the did so in a pretty big way. This was a pretty fun film to watch, especially the fighting in my opinion. This is available to watch on Prime.
Let the Right One In (2008): Tomas Alfredson directed this Swedish vampire film which is based on the novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist who also wrote the screenplay. Kare Hedebrant stars as the bullied 12-year-old Oskar. He becomes friends with his mysterious next door neighbor Eli, played by Lina Leandersson, who harbors a rather dark secret and helps Oskar with the revenge on the bullies, maybe a little too much. Per Ragnar, Ika Nord, Patrik Rydmark, Johan Charles, and many others co-star in this film. This is a very violent and beautiful story. I feel some of this movie is left for our own mind to analyze. This is some great foreign horror and this is available to watch on Prime.
Mr. Magoo's Frankenstein (1965): This is my animated short for the week which is technically an episode of THE FAMOUS ADVENTURES MR. MAGOO. Abe Levitow directed this episode which is based on the novel by Mary Shelley. Our favorite senile man Mr. Magoo takes on the role of Dr. Frankenstein in this episode. Frankenstein is rescued at sea and reflects of his creature. This is a pretty amusing version of Mary Shelley's classic tale.
The Ghost Goes West (1935): Rene Clair directed this film which is based on the play by Robert E. Sherwood. Robert Donat stars in a dual role this comedy. The first as Murdoch Glourie who was part of an 18th century Scottish clan and dies in disgrace leading him to his status in limbo. He is set to remain a ghost in the family castle until he achieves redemption. In the modern day, Donat plays the relative Donald Glourie who has the castle dismantled and taken to Florida which takes the ghost with him in the process. Jean Parker, Eugene Pallette, Elsa Lanchester, Ralph Bunker, Patricia Hillard, Everley Gregg, Morton Selten, Chili Bouchier, Mark Daly, Herbert Lomas, and many others co-star in this film. This is a pretty fun story of two generations of a family. This is Clair's first English speaking film and succeeds very well.
The Last Angry Man (1959): Daniel Mann directed this film which is based on the novel by Gerald Green. Paul Muni stars as neighborhood practitioner Dr. Sam Abelman who does what he can to help the sick, the poor, and the unfortunate of his decrepit neighborhood. His journalist nephew Myron has the idea to have his life televised and hires struggling producer Woody Thrasher, played by David Wayne, to get this done. Betsy Palmer, Luther Adler, Claudia McNeil, Joanna Moore, Nancy R. Pollack, Billy Dee Williams, Robert F. Simon, Dan Tobin, and many others co-star in this film. Williams makes his film debut in this movie while this is Muni's last movie. I suppose this is an early look at reality tv long before it became a thing. It is a great look at an everyday doctor just trying to help his fellow man.
Everest (2015): Baltasar Kormakur directed this film which was written by William Nicholson and Simon Beaufoy. This is based on events in 1996 where mountain guides Rob Hall, played by Jason Clarke, and Scott Fischer, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, lead a team for a final ascent to the summit of Mt. Everest. What they did not know about was a big snow storm coming and making things more difficult and dangerous. Thomas M. Wright, Martin Henderson, Tom Goodman-Hill, Simon Harrison, Chris Reilly, John Hawkes, Naoko Mori, Michael Kelly, Tim Dantay, Todd Boyce, Mark Derwin, Emily Watson, Sam Worthington, Keira Knightley, Elizabeth Debicki, Josh Brolin, Justin Salinger, Vanessa Kirby, Robin Wright, Mia Goth, and many others co-star in this true story of survival. This was put together pretty well as a docudrama and covers quite a bit of ground. This does not make me want to climb a mountain which is fine.
Sisters (1972): Brian De Palma directed and co-wrote this horror film along with Louisa Rose. Jennifer Salt stars as the small-time reporter Grace Collier who is convinced that she witnessed a murder in the apartment from across the street. The murder she witnesses involves model Danielle Breton, played by Margot Kidder, who has a secret of her own. When Grace tries to report this, the police do not believe her leading her into her own investigation. Charles During, William Finley, Lisle Wilson, Barnard Hughes, and many others co-star in this film. This is a really good psychological thriller. While De Palma borrows some from Hitchcock, he makes this his own. It is best to witness this for yourself instead of me explaining further.
The Unearthly (1957): Boris Petroff directed this horror b-movie. John Carradine stars as mad scientist Charles Conway. Conway is trying to develop the fountain of youth and tries his experimentation on others which makes them into zombie-like creatures. Myron Healey, Allison Hayes, Marilyn Buferd, Arthur Batanides, Tor Johnson, Roy Gordon, and many others co-star in this B-movie. This is what it is I guess you can say. Carradine is perfect as a mad scientist and has always been rather underrated in the world of horror and with acting in general.
The Thin Red Line (1998): Terrence Malick directed this film which is based on the novel by James Jones. This takes place during WWII during the conflict at Guadalcanal. This does not have a real linear plot, but I feel the main part of the story is the relationship between First Sergeant Welsh, played by Sean Penn, and the more free-spirited Private Witt, played by Jim Caviezel. Nick Nolte, Kirk Acevedo, Simon Billig, Mark Boone Junior, Adrien Brody, Ben Chaplin, George Clooney, John Cusack, Jarrod Dean, Matt Doran, Travis Fine, Paul Gleeson, Woody Harrelson, Thomas Jane, Elias Koteas, Jared Leto, Dash Mihok, Tim Blake Nelson, Miranda Otto, John C. Reilly, John Savage, John Travolta, and many others co-star in this war film. This has quite the all-star cast but like Malick's other films, the cinematography is what becomes the star of the film. This also takes the philosophical side of the war from the characters. There was also a lot of cut footage and actors that did not end up in the final cut including Mickey Rourke, Bill Pullman, Gary Oldman, Lukas Haas, and Jason Patric. This also got released in the same year as the other WWII hit film SAVING PRIVATE RYAN and they both stand on their own.
Well, that is it for this week but read on for My Own Madness. I will be back next week.
MY OWN MADNESS: WEEK 4
This is my own counterpiece to the Madness. I have my own wild cards and rules for what counts.
ALEXANDER SKARSGARD
Alexander is a wild card this for My Own Madness and he has been one for the Madness.
Big Little Lies: Once Bitten S1, E5 (2017, 51 minutes): Alexander continues to co-star in this slow-burn limited series as Perry who is rather abusive to his wife. I keep hearing about a season three and hope it happens.
Pillion (2025, 106 minutes): Alexander stars in this film as the gay biker Ray so this movie at least counts for My Own Madness.
True Blood: And When I Die S4, E12 (2011, 58 minutes): This is the season four finale of the vampire series which Alexander plays vampire Eric Northman. 
___________________________________________
BETSY PALMER
Betsy is a wild card for My Own Madness this year.
Friday the 13th: Part 2 (1981, 87 minutes): Betsy has more of a cameo appearance in this one reprising Mrs. Voorhies. Now it's Jason who is wreaking havoc but does not sport the iconic hockey mask yet.
The Last Angry Man (1959, 100 minutes): Betsy co-stars in this medical drama Anna Thrasher which took an early look at reality tv.
___________________________________________
BRUCE CAMPBELL
Bruce is a wild card every year.
Burn Notice: Past and Future Tense S4, E7 (2010, 43 minutes): Bruce co-stars as Sam Axe in this spy series. Burt Reynolds guest stars in this episode.
From Dusk Till Dawn 2 (1999, 88 minutes): Bruce has more of a cameo at the beginning of this sequel along with SAVED BY THE BELL alum Tiffani Thiesson.
___________________________________________
CATHERINE O'HARA
Catherine is a wild card this year in My Own Madness and is an RIP wild card in the Madness.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992, 120 minutes): Catherine reprises her role of Kate McCallister who once again loses her son Kevin and this time there is a flight misunderstanding that gets Kevin to New York and the rest to Florida. I still believe this and its predecessor were part of the inspiration for the SAW franchise as I believe Kevin is young Jigsaw.
Schitt's Creek: The Drip S1, E2 (2015, 22 minutes): Catherine co-stars in this sitcom as Moira Rose whose family has lost everything and end up in a rundown motel in the town of Schitt's Creek.
___________________________________________
DOUG JONES
Doug is a wild card this year for My Own Madness so anything from him counts. I was an extra in the movie MY NAME IS JERRY which he stars in and got to meet him.
Arrow: Broken Arrow S3, E19 (2015, 42 minutes): Doug guest stars in this episode as the meta-human Deathbolt who has electrical abilities. Oliver tries to keep a low profile from Quentin who is on the warpath to expose Oliver as the Arrow.
Crimson Peak (2015, 119 minutes): Doug plays the ghost apparition characters in this gothic horror film.
Party of Five: Blast From the Past S6, E16 (2000, 42 minutes): Doug makes a guest appearance in this popular drama series as the minister of a Vegas chapel. I could not find a photo of him so just used a standard photo of him.
What We Do in the Shadows: Pilot (2019, 30 minutes): Doug co-starred in this vampire comedy at a time as Baron Afanas. This is shot as a documentary looking into the lives of the vampires.
___________________________________________
ELIZABETH TULLOCH
Batwoman: Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Two Max S1, E9 (2019, 42 minutes): Elizabeth guest stars in this CW crossover series as Lois Lane. Kevin Conroy has a cameo as Bruce Wayne.
Grimm: Lonelyhearts S1, E4 (2011, 45 minutes): Elizabeth co-stars in this fairy tale series as Juliette whose fiancé Nick is a descendant of the Grimm family and can see creatures.
___________________________________________
FOREIGN MADNESS
Let the Right One In (2008, 114 minutes): This Swedish vampire film counts in this section.
___________________________________________
HAILEE STEINFELD
Sinners (2025, 137 minutes): Hailee co-stars in this unusual vampire film as Mary. This is folk horror including vampires.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023, 140 minutes): Hailee voices the role of Gwen Stacy in this animated follow up from SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE. 
___________________________________________
JENNY MCCARTHY-WAHLBERG
Jenny is not a wild card but I did get her for the threes in a couple of parody franchises.
Scary Movie 3 (2003, 84 minutes): Jenny makes a cameo in the beginning of this entry along with Pamela Anderson.
Scream 3 (2000, 116 minutes): Jenny has more of a cameo in this entry as actress Sarah Darling who filming the latest STAB movie.
Scream 3 (2000, 116 minutes): Jenny has more of a cameo in this entry as actress Sarah Darling who filming the latest STAB movie.
___________________________________________
JOHN CARRADINE
Billy the Kid Versus Dracula (1966, 74 minutes): John has one of his many portrayals of Dracula in this western. He moves into a western town trying to move in on a reformed Billy the Kid's fiance. This is a very overlooked element in the history of William Bonney aka Billy the Kid.
The Unearthly (1957, 73 minutes): John plays a mad scientist in this B-movie who gives longevity to people but at a price.
___________________________________________
JOHN KRASINSKI
John is not a wild card this year but found a couple good animated selection.
DC League of Superpets (2022): John provides the voice of Superman whose dog Krypto must lead a group of pets to rescue the Justice League.
Monsters vs. Aliens (2009, 94 minutes): John makes an appearance in this animated creature feature as Cuthbert who is ready to marry Katie before she became a giant.
___________________________________________
JOHN C. REILLY
The Thin Red Line (1998, 170 minutes): John co-stars in this ensemble war film Sergeant Storm.
Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty: The Best is Yet to Come S1, E3 (2022, 54 minutes): John stars in this series as Lakers owner Jerry Buss who has recently bought the team and is doing what he can to bring them to glory.
___________________________________________
JUSTIN LONG
Justin is a wild card in this year's My Own Madness.
Giri/Haji (2019, 59 minutes): Justin got to co-star as Vickers in this mini-series which brought the Yakuza and the London crime world together.
Yoga Hosers (2016, 88 minutes): Justin has an amusing role as yoga instructor Yogi Bayer in this Kevin Smith horror comedy.
___________________________________________
MARGOT KIDDER
La Femme Nikita: Walk On By S3, E11 (1999, 43 minutes): Margot guest stars in this episode as Nikita's mother Roberta who does not believer her daughter is dead.
Law and Order: Special Victims Unit: Pique S2, E20 (2001, 44 minutes): Margot guest stars in this episode as a mother who has a very strange relationship with her troubled son.
Sisters (1972, 93 minutes): Margot stars as the model Margot in this psychological horror film.
Smallville: Crusade S4, E1 (2004, 43 minutes): Margot guest stars in this Superman series as Bridgette Crosby who is trying to help Clark get his memory back. This is the introduction of Erica Durance as Lois Lane who Margot would make iconic in earlier years.
___________________________________________
MARY SHELLEY
Mary is a wild card this year for My Own Madness.
The Famous Adventures of Mr. Magoo: Mr. Magoo's Frankenstein S1, E20 (1965, 30 minutes): I think Mary would be most proud of this version of her story where Mr. Magoo is Dr. Frankenstein.
Highlander: The Modern Prometheus S5, E17 (1997, 49 minutes): This episode features Mary Shelley in the flashback scenes and her friendship with Methos working in the events that inspired her novel. Also, Lord Byron is an immortal and a rock star in the modern day.
___________________________________________
MATTHEW MODINE
Stranger Things: The Lost Sister S2, E7 (2017, 45 minutes): This episode centers around Eleven who has run away to address her visions. Matthew makes a cameo in this episode as Dr. Brenner.
Wrong Turn (2021, 109 minutes): Matthew co-stars in this film as Scott Shaw who goes looking for his daughter who has disappeared. He comes across a group called "The Foundation" who has lived in the mountains for years. A lot different than the 2003 film to say the least.
___________________________________________
MIA GOTH
Everest (2015, 121 minutes): Mia co-stars in this mountain climbing film as the daughter of Josh Brolin and Robin Wright in this mountain-climbing film. 
The Odyssey (2026, 172 minutes): Mia co-stars in this year's epic as Melantho who does not like Odysseus very much.
___________________________________________
RENE CLAIR
Beauty and the Devil (1950, 95 minutes): Rene directed this variation on the story of FAUST who accepts renewed youth from Mephistopheles.
The Ghost Goes West (1935, 95 minutes): Jean directed this ghostly comedy.
___________________________________________
ROSE MCIVER
Ghosts: Polar Opposites S5, E6 (2026, 23 minutes): A Hollywood producer scouts Woodstone for filling and Sam is looking to present her own script.
Xena: Warrior Princess: Little Problems S5, E8 (1999, 45 minutes): Rose makes a guest appearance as Daphne who is unconscious in the beg. Aphrodite tries to help with switching bodies with Xena which does not go so well.
___________________________________________
SIGOURNEY WEAVER
The Beatles: Eight Days a Week- The Touring Years (2016, 106 minutes): Sigourney interviews in this documentary on the Beatles when they took the world by storm. Ron Howard directed this documentary.
The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart: Desert Oak S1, E5 (2023, 120 minutes): Sigourney co-stars in this mini-series as June Hart who harbors a lot of secrets.
___________________________________________
TATTIAWNA JONES
The 100: The Face Behind the Glass S6, E4 (2019, 43 minutes): Tattiawna co-stars as Dr. Simone Lightbourne VI in this season of the post-apocalyptic series.
Station Eleven: Dr. Chaudhary S1, E9 (2022, 57 minutes): Tattiawna guest stars in this episode as the healer Lara in this episode of the Dystopian series.
___________________________________________
UMA THURMAN
Down a Dark Hall (2018, 96 minutes): Uma co-stars in this horror film as Headmistress Madam Duret who runs a school for troubled young girls but has a more sinister agenda.
Pretty Lethal (2026, 88 minutes): Uma plays Devora Kasimer who is a bitter former ballerina who runs a ballet studio and not very welcoming of a ballet group.
___________________________________________
WORLD OF SUPERHEROES AND SUPERVILLAINS
The Boys: Teenage Kix S5, E2 (2026, 62 minutes): Homelander brings Soldier Boy out of cryogenics while the Boys get ready to test the virus.
The Flash: Crisis on Earth-X, Part 3 S4, E8 (2017, 43 minutes): The superheroes from the CW DC Universe must band together to take on the crazed Nazi-type villain group Earth X in the crossover series.
Runaways: Left Hand Path S3, E7 (2019, 43 minutes): The Runaways face their true threat while seeing what they must do to get to the other dimension to rescue Alex.
Runaways: Devil's Torture Chamber S3, E8 (2019, 43 minutes): Cloak and Dagger team with the Runaways to go to the other dimension to get Alex.
___________________________________________
No comments:
Post a Comment