LADY OF VENGEANCE and the Rambling Red Herring

LADY OF VENGEANCE (Blu-ray)

1956 / 73 min

From MGM

Available at www.MovieZyng.com

Review by Mr. Paws😼

Man, talk about your red herrings! 

I hate red herrings. Hence, 1956's Lady of Vengeance is two-thirds of a decent film noir. I used to teach middle school, and if I were to grade this like an assignment, two-thirds of the possible points is a little over 66%...a D. But if a kid’s work wasn’t quite up to snuff but the effort was there, I sometimes bumped it up to a passing grade (especially if said-kid bestowed me a Starbuck’s gift card at Christmas).

And for a quick & dirty potboiler, this British film reflects some real effort on both sides of the camera. It starts off with a bang, when Melissa Collins (Eileen Elton) commits suicide by throwing herself in front of a train. Before that, she sent a letter to her estranged guardian, newspaper magnate William Marshall (Dennis O’Keefe), asking him to exact revenge on the man who ruined her life, presumably irresponsible, womanizing musician Larry Shaw).

"No need to pack your bags, good sir...I only have One Ticket to Paradise."

Headstrong and accustomed to getting what he wants, Marshall hires/blackmails master criminal Emile Karnak (Anton Diffring) to develop a flawless plan to make Shaw suffer at-length, after which Marshall will shoot the man himself. The scenes with these two men are intriguing, with cool calculating Karnek providing a neat contrast to Marshall’s vindictiveness. Neither character is particularly likable, but since when has that ever mattered in film noir?

Unfortunately, the story dedicates way too much screen time to Shaw, who does little but blow his trombone, belittle women and complain about his life. If it weren’t for a single brief scene he shares with Karnak, he’s not really even part of the ongoing narrative. And when the film reaches its climax, we realize why. Out of the blue, with absolutely no foreshadowing, the story throws in a plot twist that feels more like a suckerpunch.

I don’t want to give anything away because, up to that point, Lady of Vengeance is kind of fun, especially its well-conceived partners-in-crime. But not only does it end with a whimper, we suddenly realize the film didn’t play fair by wasting time on a rambling red herring. Still, two-thirds of a decent movie at least reflects some effort, so I guess I can give it a pass.

GLADIATOR II (4K) and Some Premature Assumptions

GLADIATOR II (4K UHD SteelBook)

2024 / 147 min

From Paramount

Review by Mr. Bonnie, the Battle Cat😺

Well aware I’m in the minority on this, I thought the original Gladiator was a decent movie, but not necessarily a great one. It was slickly made and enjoyable, with solid performances by Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, but sure as hell wasn’t Oscar worthy (well…maybe Phoenix was).

We’d been hearing rumblings of a sequel for years, but it was one of those things I assumed would would remain in development hell forever. After all, a quarter century had passed and the original didn’t really leave things open for another chapter (or God help us, a prequel).

But here we are...director Ridley Scott returning for Gladiator II, which I also assumed was because his other recent efforts haven't exactly set the world on fire. Since Gladiator remains one of his biggest, most beloved films, surely there’s another story to be told, no matter how contrived.

I gotta say I really enjoyed Gladiator II...more than I expected because I initially assumed Scott and company wouldn't rock the boat by tweaking the formula too much. And storywise, it’s very similar, this time our hero being Maximus’ son, Lucius (Paul Mescal). But as the film begins, he’s known as Hanno, returning to Rome as a conquered slave purchased by Macrinus (Denzel Washington) for gladiatorial combat. Eventually, of course, his past and considerable fighting skills become a legitimate threat to Rome's leaders.

"Sir...I think you dropped this."

However, it isn’t simply more of the same. Gladiator II is more plot heavy than before, with plenty of treachery, political maneuvering and several antagonists. But even though we’re occasionally required to suspend a little disbelief (sharks in the Colosseum???), it’s an interesting story, mainly because Scott’s approach is more flamboyant, often throwing caution to the wind with both the characters and the action. Sibling emperors Geta and Caracalla come across as a couple of mini-Caligulas, but it’s ultimately Macrinus who fascinates us and Washington looks like he had a hell of a good time playing a bad guy once again (a really bad guy). 

Pedro Pascal also shines in a more grounded performance as Acacias, the emperors’ conflicted general and husband of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen, returning as Lucius’ mother). Conversely, Mescal does what he can with Lucius, who is never as compelling as Maximus was and is more of a plot device than a dynamic character. It’s soon obvious the film is far more infatuated with its villains than its heroes. And that’s okay, because Gladiator II serves up some doozies. 

There’s plenty of action, fighting and bloodshed, presented with an over-the-top zeal that occasionally borders on ridiculous (but still pretty rousing). And aside from some obvious CGI, the film is always aesthetically striking…though I do miss Hans Zimmer’s haunting score, which provided much of the original’s emotional heft. A bit crazier and campier, Gladiator II is nevertheless a fun belated sequel that's better than I once assumed it would be.

EXTRA KIBBLES

4K, BLU-RAY & DIGITAL COPIES

FEATURETTES - A Dream That was Rome: Origins features director Ridley Scott and others discussing how they came up with a sequel; What We Do in Life Echoes in Eternity: The Cast includes on-set footage and Scott discussing the cast choices; In the Arena: Filmmakers focuses on the crew; For Those About to Die, We Salute You: Combat covers fight choreography and stunts; Building an Empire: Post-Production covers the sound, special effects and Harry Gregson-Williams’ score; The Making of Gladiator II.

DELETED SCENES

2073 Suggests the Future is Now

2073 (Blu-ray)

2024 / 85 min

From Neon/Decal Releasing

Available at www.MovieZyng.com

Review by Stinky the Destroyer😿

It’s possible this movie will have you pondering (however briefly) the ramifications of shopping on Amazon, the people & groups you engage with on social media, the increasing presence of tech & AI in daily life, and most ominously, the people we allow to become powerful.

Those things combined might just doom humankind.

That’s the gist of 2073, which is part speculative science-fiction, part documentary. It imagines a world decimated by climate change, and where anything resembling free speech is illegal. As seen through its main character, Ghost (Samantha Morton), most people clinging to personal freedom live in underground squalor, surviving off the scraps of wealthy corporate and political leaders who live in pristine skyscrapers.

But there’s no real plot to the film. Ghost narrates - perhaps too much - what it’s like living in this world, while reflecting on the guidance of her grandmother, who used to document the world’s slide into totalitarianism before being taken away (presumably killed). Ghost is also aware that they will someday come for her.

It's a fixer-upper, but the price was right.

However, the bulk of the film consists of actual incidents and contemporary footage related the growing fascist regimes around the world (with plenty of shots of Donald Trump & Vladimir Putin sucking up to dictators), exacerbated by their weaponization of surveillance technology, social media and AI. Additionally, the increasing influence of corporate billionaires like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg on every aspect of daily life is chillingly depicted, as is the current demonization of news media and the concept of free press.

How well 2073 conveys its subjective and none-too-subtle warning will largely depend on how the viewer already perceives the world. The film raises alarming issues about what’s going on under our noses, some we’re aware of, others many choose to ignore. But I can also imagine certain people watching this and rolling their eyes at the doomsaying tone of the entire film (you know who you are). What’s more, it isn’t always entirely successful bridging the gap between the flashback footage and hellish future it depicts.

Speaking of which, the sci-fi elements of the film are well conceived and Ghost makes an interesting protagonist, even though she does little but dumpster dive and read books. The few other characters she does engage with appear only briefly and we know little about them. It also must be said that these segments serve as more of a wraparound to the flashback footage, meaning 2073 ultimately ends up being more of an editorial than a movie experience.

Deadbeat DADDY

DADDY (Blu-ray)

2024 / 98 min

From Anchor Bay Entertainment

Review by Stinky the Destroyer😾

Rather than restoring genre classics, the revived Anchor Bay label appears more focused on newer low-budget films with cult potential. So far, what they’ve released has run the gamut from creatively psychotic (Abrupto) to middling (Cursed in Baja).

Daddy, however, is the first of Anchor Bay’s new roster that, to be perfectly blunt, really sucks. Interminable and irritating to the point of being almost unwatchable, the film wastes its intriguing premise on obnoxious characters, pointless ambiguity and plot threads which hint at something ominous or meaningful, but end up going nowhere.

The story takes place in a dystopian future where being a parent is a privilege that must be earned from the government by successfully completing a program. For men, each is required to stay at a remote house and property with three other candidates, presumably for a series of tests to determine whether they’re suitable fathers. After a brief set-up, the entire film takes place at this compound.

"I thought everybody knew 'Smoke on the Water'."

The main characters (including Neal Kelley & Jono Sherman, who wrote & directed the film) arrive to await further instructions. However, nobody else ever shows up to offer any kind of guidance. The remainder of the narrative has these characters assuming their isolation is the actual test and that they’re being watched by hidden cameras. Among the items in this fully-stocked home is an infant doll, which they sort-of adopt, figuring how they treat it is another test. 

These guys grow increasingly distrustful and paranoid of everything, including each other, as well as a woman who arrives at the compound claiming her car has broken down. Again, this is an interesting concept, but ruined by terribly conceived characters who take turns being the most unlikable person in the room. And for a supposed black comedy, none of this is particularly funny, nor are their meandering (often grating) conversations all that engaging. If there’s a message or commentary in here somewhere, I sure as hell never found it. Episodic to the extreme, the entire film plays like a series of isolated conflicts strung together by a couple of writers in love with their own dialogue.

And don’t expect any clarity as a payoff for enduring 90 minutes with guys you’d most-likely avoid at a social gathering. Daddy concludes (rather abruptly) without making a discernible point or answering any questions it raises. I don’t necessarily need to be spoonfed information to enjoy a film, but geez guys, throw us a freaking bone on occasion.

EXTRA KIBBLES

C.U.P.S. WEB SERIES - Two episodes from the series, which is by the same guys who wrote & directed Daddy.

EXTENDED/ALTERNATIVE DANCE SCENE

IMPROVISATION REEL - Apparently, much of the dialogue was improvised beforehand, some of which made it into the finished film. This features shows comparisons.

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By writer-directors Neal Kelley & Jono Sherman.

Revisiting AMADEUS in 4K

AMADEUS (4K UHD)

1984 / 160 min

From Warner Bros #InPartnershipwithWB

Review by Mr. Paws😸

When this disc arrived for review, I set it on the kitchen counter while I went through the rest of our mail. A few minutes later, one of my daughters came in, took one look at the cover and immediately went:

“Amadeus, Amadeus…Amadeus;

Amadeus, Amadeus…Amadeus…”

She was, of course, recalling the chorus of that insanely catchy Falco song, “Rock Me Amadeus,” a massive hit a few decades before she was even born (and I’ll bet it’s stuck in your head right now). The song was initially inspired by this film, which sort of serves as a testament to the latter’s surprising influence on pop culture. It even sparked renewed interest in Mozart's music. Biographical period pieces, including those that nab fistfuls of Oscars, seldom become massively popular.

But Amadeus wasn’t Gandhi, or The Last Emperor, or Out of Africa…Oscar-winning artistic achievements from the same decade most of us felt obligated to check-off our watchlist to feel better about ourselves. Amadeus was (and still is) a completely captivating film in every aspect. Not only aesthetically gorgeous, its narrative is built on an irresistible premise, that of the alleged one-sided rivalry between respected-but-unremarkable composer Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham) and the brilliant-but-irresponsible young genius, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Thomas Hulce).

Someone needs a Band-Aid.

I say ‘alleged’ because neither director Milos Foreman nor playwright/screenwriter Peter Shaffer ever made clams of historical accuracy, which seldom makes great drama (no matter what sticklers for such things might claim). Any actual acrimony between the two composers serves as a springboard for a compelling story full of deception, betrayal, jealously and a surprising amount of humor. Because of this, Amadeus remains massively entertaining, even when venturing into dark places.

Just missing its 40th Anniversary by a year, Amadeus is now on 4K Ultra HD. Perhaps more significantly, this edition contains the original theatrical cut, which has been unavailable on home video for years. For a movie that prominently features striking production design and gobs of Mozart’s timeless music, the disc serves up a fine transfer. The disc is fairly light on bonus material, but in addition to an excellent archival doc, there’s an all new retrospective featuring Abraham, Hulce and a few others, all of whom offer some entertaining insights about their experiences making the film. 

EXTRA KIBBLES

AMADEUS: THE MAKING OF A MASTERPIECE - This is an all new 23 minute retrospective look at Amadeus featuring actors F. Murray Abraham, Thomas Hulce & Christine Ebersole and production designer Patriza von Brandenstein. Done entirely through virtual interviews, it’s fairly interesting.

THE MAKING OF AMADEUS - An extensive hour-long archival making-of documentary.

DIGITAL COPY

DINNER WITH LEATHERFACE is a Touching Tribute

DINNER WITH LEATHERFACE (Blu-ray)

2024 / 106 min

From Anchor Bay

Review by Stinky the Destroyer😺

The late Gunnar Hansen was famous for only one role. But man, what a role. A single film cemented the man as a beloved horror icon for the rest of his life, even though you never saw his face or heard him speak. That film is, of course, the original Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

It’s been a decade since Hansen passed away at the age of 68, and now his legacy is celebrated in Dinner with Leatherface, a very enjoyable documentary that details Hansen’s life and career as remembered by friends, peers, admirers and filmmakers who worked with him. 

Taking the role of Leatherface as sort of a summer job is essentially the starting point for the story, which reveals a few surprises, such as his love of writing, poetry in particular. In archival footage, he comes across as an congenial, intelligent teddy-bear of a man who takes his single claim to fame in stride. As an actor, Gunnar appeared in a handful of other films after TCM over the years, mostly obscure, B-movies. We also see clips from a few of them, including some that were never completed. 

Gunnar Hansen in Massacre on 34th Street.

Dinner with Leatherface features dozens of interviews from people who appear to have known him well, including Bruce Campbell, Barbara Crampton, Linnea Quigley, Michelle Bauer, Kane Hodder, Danielle Harris, Edwin Neal, director Fred Olen Ray, director Jeff Burr and TCM writer Kim Henkel. If most of those names don’t ring a bell, not only are you reading the wrong review, you need to see more horror movies.

Needless to say, everyone has gushing praise and admiration for him, but it comes across as more than mere lip service. There’s obviously a lot of genuine love in their words, especially as the film nears its end and some interviewees are reduced to tears over the loss of their friend…years after his passing. Dinner with Leatherface is a touching, bittersweet tribute to a cultural icon, even if most of us wouldn’t have recognized him if he were walking down the street.

EXTRA KIBBLES

EXTENDED INTERVIEWS - With historian Michael Felsher and filmmaker Jeff Burr.

CONVENTION CHAT - Featuring scream queen Danielle Harris and Hansen.

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY TRAILER - Remastered trailer from an unfinished film.

TALES OF GUNNAR HANSEN - More interview footage.

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By writer/director Michael Kallio and editor Josh Wagner.

THE POOP SCOOP: Books & Blockbusters

🙀MEOW!: CATS IN HORROR, SCI-FI, AND FANTASY MOVIES Available Now from Vanessa Morgan and Moonlight Creek Publishing.

Meow! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies is the ultimate movie guide for cat lovers and cinephiles. Whether you are a fan of spine-chilling horror, fantasy worlds filled with cats, or the sudden thrill of a cat jumpscare, this comprehensive book has everything you need. Explore an extensive list of cat horror movies that will leave you on the edge of your seat. From the eerie and mysterious to the downright terrifying, our furry friends are the central figures in these hidden gems and cult classics. But the magic does not stop at horror. Meow! also delves into the most famous cat-centric sci-fi and fantasy movies. Find cats that have inspired fantastical adventures, mythical journeys, and futuristic sagas. This guide highlights a curated selection of films where cats play pivotal roles, embodying everything from magical felines to alien beings. Includes contributions from your furry friends at Free Kittens Movie Guide!

😺THE BRUTALIST Coming to 4K Ultra HD andBlu-ray March 25 from A24.

Escaping postwar Europe, a visionary architect arrives in America to rebuild his life. But power and legacy come at a heavy cost. Starring Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn, Alessandro Nivola. The Brutalist is nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress.

🙀COMPANION on Digital NOW and Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray & DVD April 1 from

Warner Bros..

New Line Cinema—the studio that brought you “The Notebook”—and the unhinged creators of “Barbarian” cordially invite you to experience a new kind of love story… “Companion,” will debut Digitally at home on February 18. Written and directed by Drew Hancock (“My Dead Ex,” “Suburgatory”), “Companion” stars Sophie Thatcher (“Yellowjackets,” “The Boogeyman”), Jack Quaid (“The Boys,” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”), Lukas Gage (“Smile 2,” “Dead Boy Detectives”), Megan Suri (“Never Have I Ever,” “It Lives Inside”), Harvey Guillén (“What We Do in the Shadows,” “Blue Beetle”) and Rupert Friend (“High Desert,” “Asteroid City”). The film is produced by the filmmakers behind “Barbarian”—Raphael Margules, J.D. Lifshitz, Zach Cregger and Roy Lee. The executive producers are Tracy Rosenblum and Jamie Buckner.

🦁MUFASA: THE LION KING On Digital NOW and 4K, Blu-ray & DVD April 1 from Disney.

Exploring the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands, “Mufasa: The Lion King” enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.

DUNE: PROPHECY: The Complete First Season - Coming To 4K UHD, Blu-ray, & DVD on

May 13 from Warner Bros.

Get ready to binge all 6 episodes from the epic sci-fi adventure, along with over an hour of bonus content including 5 extended featurettes and an all-new, never-before-seen featurette exclusive to 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD. DUNE: PROPHECY: The Complete First Season is also available now to purchase Digitally from Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, YouTube, Fandango at Home, and more. 

TRICK OR TREAT on 4k UHD, Blu-ray & DVD March 11 from Synapse Films.

Red Shirt Home Video and Synapse Films are proud to present this heavy metal horror classic in an all-new 4K restoration presented in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) with a head-banging 5.1 surround sound mix and loaded with hours of supplemental material including multiple commentary tracks and a feature-length video retrospective! 

BETTER MAN arrives on Digital February 11th and on 4K/Blu-ray May 13th from Paramount.

Better Man is based on the true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Under the visionary direction of Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), the film is uniquely told from Williams’ perspective, capturing his signature wit and indomitable spirit. 

THE LAST OF US: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON is releasing March 18 in a 4K Ultra HD

Steelbook Limited-Edition Collectable from Warner Bros.

In anticipation of the Season 2 premiere of “The Last of Us” on HBO, catch up on all nine episodes of the critically-acclaimed first season, along with nearly 3 hours of special features! Pre-order your copy today HERE.

MOANA 2 is now available on Digital and coming to 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD on March 18

from Disney.

Moana 2 is available on digital retailers and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on March 18. With hours of exclusive bonus content for the whole family featuring a full-length Sing-Along version of the film, deleted scenes, featurettes and much more. 

DEN OF THIEVES 2: PANTERA arrives on PVOD Now and 4K, Blu-ray & DVD March 4 from

Lionsgate.

DEN OF THIEVES 2: PANTERA returns to everything fans loved about the original film, while answering unresolved questions and diving deeper into the lives of each character. 

DEEP BLUE SEA Limited Edition on 4K and Blu-ray March 18 from Arrow Video.

Limited-Edition release features a brand new 4K restoration approved by the director on 4K UHD, packed with special features. There is also a limited-edition Blu-ray. 

GLADIATOR II on Digital NOW and on 4K Ultra HD & Blu-ray March 4th from Paramount.

Director Ridley Scott’s action-packed epic GLADIATOR II is available to purchase now, followed by a physical release on March 4, from Paramount Home Entertainment.