WISE WORDS:

FOR THE FUN OF IT:

I saw Lawmen: Bass Reeves

Lawmen: Bass Reeves is an engrossing Paramount+, eight-part series that pays homage to one of the Old West's legendary greatest.

David (Gringo) Oyelowo portrays the titular icon, a man who some have claimed inspired the Lone Ranger, but in truth, Reeves simply embodies the exemplary attributes of John Reid. In a way, Reeves does so to such a coincidental extent that it makes one wonder why it's taken this darn long for him to make his way into his own series, even if a mini one.

A large portion of the Paramount show is fictional, in sync with Airship 27's anthologies, but the brunt of Reeves' entrance into law enforcement presses close to the truth, with our protagonist roaming the Indian Territory of Fort Smith, Arkansas, after he's been enlisted as a deputy marshal by Donald Sutherland's Honorable Judge Isaac Parker. Reeves' status, however, ascends gradually, commencing after Dennis Quaid's U.S. Deputy Marshal Lynn puts in a good word for him with the judge, praising his adventitious partner's pistol-shooting skills.

The series' earliest episodes are the standouts, defining Reeves' courage and conscientiousness. Later episodes dip more into his domestic life, which doesn't brim of much accuracy and feels more soap-opera trimmed. With that said, such sentimentality isn't too grand a hindrance when compared to most modern melodramas. (In other words, a little sap won't hurt anybody.) 

Along with the top-notch Oyelowo, Sutherland and Quaid, the series' co-performers are also first-rate, with Lauren E. Banks, Grantham Coleman, Demi Singleton, Barry Pepper, Rob Morgan, Joaquina Kulukango, Lonnie Chavis, Heather Kafka (among others), giving the episodes identifiable resonance. 

The Lawman buffer hints that Paramount is likely to produce other American Frontier tributes, which would be noteworthy, considering the tendency of certain studios to downplay historic virility these days, but I sure wouldn't mind a continuation of Reeves' legacy, for there's still a lot to detail from his extraordinary life, whether it be factual or fictionalized. Either way, the results would make for nothing less than quality entertainment. 

PIN-UP TIME: ANN-MARGRET

 

LOVE IN REVERSE: THIS HEAVY FEELING SINGLE

Speak of perfect, musical timing! 

I've been feeling downtrodden and scared as of late, due to my owing hefty taxes without representations and a constant blurring between courage and cowardice on the cultural front, but moreover, the general indifference that characterizes our society as a whole, with one bad stunt chasing the other.

Love in Reverse's "This Heavy Feeling," a single from the band's upcoming album, Keep Upright, has captured my fatalism in a manner that only Michael Ferentino, Andres Karu and Dave Halpern could have rendered, as they share a sentiment that recalls their somber, artistic roots. 

"This Heavy Feeling" speaks of how hard it is to wash away anxiety, despite the enormity of help one seeks. It also claims that nothing makes much sense when all that one faces is uninspiring trepidation, when one's soul feels enflamed, when one's brain proves a terrible trickster. As such, what does anything matter in the vast configuration of existence, if the sun is destined to fizzle, if one's aspirations and struggles become indivisible under the glare of incensed intensity?

The lyrics (as sung with hypnotic appeal by Ferentino) are inarguably heavy, but Love in Reverse's upright, instrumental swing resists its conspicuous dread. The song's melancholia pushes it toward a survivalist slant, questioning the necessity of heartbreak by hammering the hell out of it. 

"This Heavy Feeling" now occupies the core of my psyche, and I thank Love in Reverse for gifting it. Listen to this empathetic anthem ... and feel the weight lift:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MyB-uUE4ac

TERRIFIC TEAM-UP IMAGE: WOLVERINE & X-FRIENDS

 

I saw Lisa Frankenstein

Lisa Frankenstein, directed by actress Zelda (The Frankenstein Brothers) Williams and written by Diablo Cody, who scripted Jennifer's Body, is an amusing variant of Mary Shelley's novel, as well as the aforementioned horror picture, in addition to Bride of Frankenstein, Lady Frankenstein, Edward Scissorhands, Frankenweenie, Corpse Bride, Fido, Deadgirl, The Living Dead Girl, Deadly Friend, Beyond the Darkness, May, Heathers, Benny & Joon, Valley Girl, Mean Girls, any rendition of Cinderella, and in a larger than anticipated way, E.T. 

For this sake of this 1989-relegated opus, Kathryn (Supernatural/Freaky/Quantumania) Newton plays Lisa Swallows, whose mother was murdered by a Michael Myers surrogate (one never explored beyond a fleeting "flashback," and with the insinuation that Lisa may have been the veritable culprit). When Lisa isn't yearning for Henry Eikenberry's charismatic, school-mag editor, Trent, she comes to terms with her woeful station at Bachelor's Grove Cemetery, where she admires the headstones and related sculptures.

By chance, lightning strikes her favorite grave, resurrecting Cole Sprouse's Victorian "Creature," who seems naïve (and kind) enough to befriend, especially considering his penchant for quality music. (Incidentally, REO Speedwagon's "Can't Fight This Feeling " takes on wry, new meaning in the movie's morbid, but euphoric context.)

What evolves is doused in cover-ups and alibis as Lisa and her cohort find him new appendages (mended through the electrical power of a tanning machine). These procedures prompt the kind of dark-humored brutality that would give Peter Jackson (considering his earliest productions) a run for his money, with one scene, in particular, echoing Dead Alive. 

Moreover, Lisa's insatiable need for acceptance, even if filtered through undead dynamics, is outright touching. Newton and Sprouse make the camaraderie click, adding just enough slapstick and sappiness to spin an identifiable vibe. (Carla Gugino as Lisa's self-centered stepmom; Liza Soberano as her out-of-step stepsister, Joe Chrest as her oblivious dad; and Bryce Romero as her frisky schoolmate, are engaging in parenthesizing the forbidding relationship.) 

I suppose one could argue that Lisa Frankenstein is a movie geared for the ladies, but as a horror buff (and one who appreciates the genre's comedic end), I believe the movie's irreverent charm will prove more universal (pun intended) than not. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if it was teamed with Renfield on the drive-in circuit this summer. Now, that's a devilish, double feature I'd be more than pleased to disinter!

HAPPY TWIN PEAKS DAY 2024 (2/24)

 

THE PHANTOM OF THE GARAGE FOR PHANTOM DETECTIVE #3

Ron Fortier has given his stamp of approval for my Phantom Detective, Vol #3 story, "The Phantom of the Garage." 

It's a phantom-vs-phantom fable, if the truth be known, but with Richard Curtis Van Loan's confidant, Jerry Lannigan, at the melodramatic core. 

The story also has some WWI, flashback action, and in addition to its Gaston Leroux nod, a smattering of Al Capone. In other words, the story's villain is a cross between the "opera ghost" and the infamous gangster. How's that for clever? 😊

I'm sure honored to be part of the next Phantom Detective edition. For now, enjoy Airship 27's existing, revival contributions at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other reliable, literary merchants.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FREDDY IV (STOP MAKING SENSE), FROM UNCLE MIKE

 

THE COMPLETE FAN GUIDE TO MADAME WEB & MORE (A360MEDIA MAGAZINE)

 

A360media's The Complete Fan Guide to Madame Web, Plus New Marvel Films & TV covers the latest, Spider-verse movie, along with other anticipated, superhero incarnations. 

Ample focus falls upon Madame Web, and its striking lead, Dakota Johnson, her castmates and the character's place within Marvel's vast history. 

The latter should prove fulfilling for readers, since Madame Web is considered a marginal persona in the comic scene, but her insightful impact cannot be denied in the adventures in which she's appeared, as this commemorative issue makes known. 

Other Spidey characters are featured, including Kraven the Hunter, aka Sergei Kravinoff, one of Peter Parker's primo adversaries, who'll soon appear in a solo entry, starring Aaron (Age of Ultron/Kick-Ass) Taylor-Johnson. 

Scoops on Venom 3, Deadpool and Wolverine, Agatha: Darkhold Diaries, Fantastic Four, Avengers: The Kang Dynasty; Shang-Chi 2, Blade, Ironheart, Thunderbolts and the revived, Daredevil series can be found inside, with respectful glimpses at other proven, Marvel icons, including the Falcon, Captain America, Ironman, Doctor Strange, Guardians of the Galaxy, Vision, Scarlet Witch, Black Widow, Loki, Thor, Hulk and She-Hulk. 

The Complete Fan Guide to Madame Web is available now in drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.  

PIN-UP TIME: ANN-MARGRET