I SAW GHOST SOLDIER

Director William (Land of Bad/Underwater/The Signal) Eubank's Ghost Soldier, written by Chris Papasadero (a genuine Green Beret) and starring Jim (The Passion of the Christ) Caviezel, is a lean, mean, Rambo/Bondian-styled, patriotic adventure that features hard-working Americans battling power-hungry bastards who wish to seize and sell their Wyoming, water supply under the lie of "eminent domain." 

Caviezel's character is Henry "Fitz" Fitzgerald, a Special Forces/Green Beret, with a penchant for constructing advanced weaponry and motivated by a fervent faith in Saint Michael. He just so happens to reside on that land the villains desire. Indeed, considering Fitz's spectral-steered, off-the-radar stealth, he's the wrong man to mess with, and yet the overconfident intruders dare to do so. 

The manipulative, conglomerate bullies work for Brownstone Interworks, a New York-based hub with Middle Eastern ties. Its members are portrayed by Alexej Manvelov (the heinous honcho, Ty Bell), Shea Whigham (an ambiguous sort, who plays it from both ends to instill surprise), Garret Dillahunt, Tetiana Dar/Gaidar, Gunner Wright, Lina Sanden and the brawny Beau Knapp. With the exception of the latter, they lack Fitz's superior, fighting skills, but they're persistent enough to take a little here and there and kill the innocent in the process. 

Olivia Thirlby plays Sheriff Heidi Parker, a principled woman who fights alongside Fitz. Our hero also has a surrogate "son," Cameron Gayden's Jack (in what creates a Shane-inspired dynamic). The two are joined by an assortment of textured others, portrayed by Jaina Lee Ortiz, Carlos Gomez, Ricky Whittle, Steven Cree, Dylan Corbett-Bader, Sorel Johnson and Jack McKenzie. They're a passionate crew and add to the story's steadfast stance. 

Some might dismiss Ghost Solider as just another disguised-western/revenge tale. It's hard to argue it's not, but like other stories of its kind (and that includes any number of the recent, Jason Statham crop), it'll resonate with those who must make ends meet, while vile vultures feed off them.  

Above all, Caviezel holds a creme-de-la-creme spot in the exploit. Even though his steely-eyed diligence may be beyond the reach of average schmoes, seeing him kick butt on the big screen should prove uplifting. Lord knows they need the elevation, not to mention the righteous compensation.🎖

GUNN GONE: WHAT NOW?

People ask me what I think of James Gunn and Peter Safran's departure (firing) from the DCU. You got me. I'm no Nostradamus, let alone the Phantom Stranger or Sandman, but I suppose I can offer some reflections. 

I mean, if Man of Tomorrow does hit big at the box office, Superman 2025's thread could continue. On the other hand, by the time Man of Tomorrow premieres, everyone under the sun will know Gunn and Safran have skipped town, which may give some cause to ignore a cinema visit to a saga that won't proceed. (Perhaps that's one of the reasons why The Flash and Aquaman 2 fizzled at the box office.) 

I believe that DC (as it now stands in the Paramount/WB pool) should stick to exploratory pieces. If the movies should be one-shots, so be it. Clayface, for example, may be the most obvious case in point: an unintentional trendsetter, in that regard, though Matt Reeves' Batman continuation would go against the trend. Even so, its Serpico-steered content seems confined to its own noir-ish niche. (As for Lanterns: Season 2, Peacemaker: Season 3, The People v. Gorilla Grodd, Jimmy Olsen and Poison Ivy, doom-nation seems the inevitable rule of the day, but time will tell.)

From my perspective, the necessity of shoehorning comic-book elements to build piecemeal franchises (whether for DC or Marvel) has run its course, but the interest in superhero storytelling prevails. A passion for such modern, mythical adventures has existed for decades, whether on the page, the theatrical screen or television. That passion has no choice but to thrive. It's just a matter how, and there's no shame in scaling it back to do it right, no matter who departs or takes charge. 

FOR THE FUN OF IT:

 

WEISELBERRY ON GODZILLA MINUS ZERO

Jerome Weiselberry is an extraordinary reviewer: in my estimation, one of the best going today. 

She's fashioned a couple of insightful assessments on Takashi Yamazaki's  Godzilla Minus Zero, which I feel compelled to share: one being a non-spoiler warmup and the other an unabashed, spoiler-filled rundown. Her comments, in particular on the depiction of the U.S. military in the movie, are worthy of contemplation. 

Non-Spoiler, Lead-in Review: 

Spoiler Review:

Listen, learn & enjoy!

FOR THE FUN OF IT:

SO LONG, DONNIE DUNAGAN

You gave Bambi his sweet, innocent voice, but to Universal fans, you'll always be little Peter, the wide-eyed, gracious lad who befriended the Monster in Rowland V. Lee's Son of Frankenstein. 

You reteamed with Rowland and your Son of ... costars, Boris Karloff and Basil Rathbone, for the historical thriller, Tower of London, but also had a tender turn in the heartwarming Mother Carey's Chickens (your big debut) and shared your inimitable cuteness in Meet the Chump, The Forgotten Woman and Vigil in the Night.    

Without question, you were one of the few child stars with whom I felt a connection. In other words, you represented me (and so many other kids) so well on the silver screen. Nevertheless, on a more significant note, you came to serve your country by becoming a U.S. Marine. For that, you deserve an eternal salute, Major Dunagan. 

Have faith that your legacy--the fruits of your lifelong labors--shall continue to reap the respect and admiration that only great men achieve. 

ROCK BAKER'S CARTOON CUTIES #11: LAUGHS! ACTION! ROMANCE!

Artist/writer Rock Baker, in conjunction with CB International Publications, has released the highly anticipated Cartoon Cuties #11.

The cuteness factor sure does overflow in this one, with Creek Bend adventures that include Yvette Pond discovering an amazing, "magic eye" lens (Minerva Mallen and Mel are featured); the Baxter Twins stumbling upon a peculiar passage beneath a closet panel; Minerva's parachute stunt and how it inspires a spiritual turn for her friend, Angie; Daisy Poise pushing pretty Patty into full-throttle improvisation for a U.S.O. show; Crissy Carrots and Roger Ralphwit (with some sprightly help from Minerva) embarking on a Creek Bend Bikini Company gamble; and Misty Carter and her gent, Ed, whose big heart aids a traveling salesman.

Once again, Baker's storytelling blends classic, cartoon hijinks with identifiable, sitcom sentiments. His artwork matches the cunning combination, with colors that pop and invigorate, abetted by crisp lettering from Jim Ludwig and Chris Wayne Stagg and a sterling production design from Michael Jensen. 

That Baker's creation continues to gain momentum pleases me to no end. It shows that there are still folks out there who appreciate wholesome, fun material, and Baker deserves a mighty big pat on the back for his insightful efforts. In my estimation, thanks to Cartoon Cuties (and the splendors of Creek Bend), our otherwise strenuous world has become a far better place.  

Cartoon Cuties #11 is available for purchase (along with its pleasing, prior issues) at Amazon: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HQ3CK2LQ?fbclid=IwY2xjawVV48lleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBWJyaWQRMXJBaG5tTW1YM1YyUUF2MERzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEfSEUXg9QahQUNt7-Maw27znUqoDKcoklsPB2iHIFfsKOFKwkuEy4M7F5X128_aem_Df_eKOByyW2fd8JBUpMqRA