Fiction vs. Fiction: Black Sunday (1977)

 Let's celebrate the Big Game (TM?) with a look at possible peril!

I already watched and reviewed Black Sunday years ago, but didn't get the Book until later.

Well, now let's see how the two match up!

This is...

***VS***

What's the Same?

As the Film is based on the Book, the Plot doesn't change.

It is still about a crazy guy being manipulated into attempting to blow up a blimp during the Superbowl.

What's Different?

For starters, the Film was released 2 years after the Book, so the Setting has to change.  The Book is set when the 1975 Game happened and the Film is set when the 1977 Game happened.

In addition, the Book gives you way more backstory on everyone involved, from the villains to the heroes.  The former gets a whole Chapter to set up why he's so crazy and driven.

Curiously, the biggest difference here is just who survives the Story and who doesn't.

The 3 Writers for the Film mixed things up for one reason or another.  So...

Kabakov (Robert Shaw) dies in the Book, but lives in the Film.
Moshevsky (his Partner) lives int the Book but dies in the Film.

(A random Cop is killed in the partner's place in the Book)

Fasil (the planner) survives to be tried in the Book but dies in the Film.

Muzi (the importer of the explosives) is tortured for information in the Film, but this happens to Fasil in the Book.

In addition, Muzi dies in an explosion set by the villains in the Book, but now he's a Japanese Captain in the Film.

The last big change is in the branding involved.

The Book uses the fill-in TV Station name of NBS, but the Film uses CBS and real Broadcasters.
They also got Goodyear to let them use their blimp, but conditions were attached to this.

They had to say that Landers (the Pilot) was not an official Employee and they couldn't blow up the blimp with 'Goodyear' facing the camera.
No, really.

Final Thoughts

Both versions are good- no question.

One is a tense Book Thriller that really explores the Characters.
One is a tense Film Thriller that delivers on all of the big moments.

To be fair, the finale of the Book is rushed.  They only launch the Blimp in the last EIGHT PAGES (of a 318-page book).

There's really no bad option.

What is Better?

A hard choice, but I give the slight edge in execution to...

The Film

I'm glad that I got around to reading the Book and rewatching the Film.  Give them both a look, honestly.

Forgotten Prequels: Dominion- Prequel to the Exorcist

 You can put off reviewing an Exorcist Film, but don't put off an actual Exorcism!

This is Dominion- Prequel to the Exorcist, the 2005 Film with a past that is a bit confusing.  If you know the story I shared in my Exorcist: The Beginning Review, see it.  If not, here's the simplest version...

WB wanted an Exorcist Prequel and hired a Director.
That Director quit and they got John Frankenheimer.
He died and then they got Paul Schrader.
$30 million later and they got this Film...which they hated.
After two Cuts for the Studio, they decided to spend another $50 million on Renny Harlin's Version with a new(ish) Script.

That Film did not do amazing in Theaters- barely recouping the Budget- and the Studio was curious enough to make some money on the still-strong DVD Market with this Film.  $35,000 later (which seems low), they got a 2005 Film that was shot before the 2004-released Film which serves a Prequel to the 1973 Film...while ignoring the Prequel Plot explained in the 1977 Sequel.

Confused?

Basically, this is the original Film with its own Cast.  That Cast was excised- save for Stellan Skarsgard- for the Theatrical Film.  

Which parallel Film is better?  To find out, read on...

In 1944, the Village in which Father Merrin is working is attacked by some Nazis.  They kill many people and make him 'pick the victims' in lieu of them all dying.

In the Harlin Version, this footage is kept in, but spliced into a series of dreams over the course of the Film.  That's much worse, no?

Not Fun Fact: The Actor that plays the Nazi (who was Dutch) died in 2010.
Fun Fact: He did some of the Dutch Dubbing on Total Drama, a Cartoon Network Show.

Three years later, he's in East Africa- no, the Film is not more specific- and working on digging up antiquities for the Church.

He's understandably shaken in his faith by this...so here's a young, idealistic Priest to help him out.

I smell a Sitcom.

Weird stuff is happening in the Area as they dig up an old Church.

For instance, these genuinely-terrible-looking CGI Hyenas.

I mean, I get that you can't go to 'a guy' and hire some Trained Hyenas...but still...

Two Soldiers are killed (off-camera) while trying to loot the place, so it raises the tensions between the Villagers (aka the People whose home this is) and the Soldiers (who just showed up with guns).

This can't end well.

While this is happening, a young man named Cheche (not to be confused with Cheech or Chi-Chi) is taken in by Merrin and a Nurse (who was replaced with a Doctor in The Beginning).

As time goes on, his disfigurement seems to fade away while things get worse.

It all comes to a head when he is fully possessed by Pazuzu (voiced by Schrader's Wife Mary Beth Hurt) and calls himself/itself perfection.

This stands in contrast to The Beginning, where the Doctor is possessed and becomes, well, Regan.
How?  Is the Demon's face just like the girl's or what?

Can Merrin save the young man's soul?
Can he contain Pazuzu?
Will I need a Sequel to this Prequel to cover what happened with Merrin between this and the other Film?

To find out, watch or stream the Film now.  If nothing else, you can see that I did not, in fact, Photoshop this...

A much better experience than Renny Harlin's Film- no question.  Was it necessary? I mean, for all of the bad in The Exorcist 2 (and there was plenty), it basically gave us this Story- albeit in a dumber way.

It is weird that they made 2 parallel Prequels, and BOTH contradict that Film?!?  No summoning of a Locust Swarm or a giant Pazuzu Statue out in the open.  Is Cheche supposed to be a replacement for the (future) James Earl Jones Character?

On its own, the Film is fine.  The direction is nice and most of the Characters get an Arc.  It is one of those Films that doesn't exactly reinvent the wheel, but it tells a far better story in standalone fashion than The Beginning does.

That one was full of 'wink, wink nudge, nudge' moments that just felt too knowing.  This one isn't nearly so blatant about it and is better for it.

So, weird qualifier coming, if you're going to see one Prequel to The Exorcist, make it this one.  Just don't mind the CGI.  It's...something truly evil.

Next up, let's see if I can squeeze one more old Film in before 2023 begins.  I know just the thing.  Stay tuned...

'70s Class: Black Sunday (1977)

 Well, it shows you just how much worse the Super Bowl could have been, Chiefs fans.  

This is 1977's Black Sunday, the Film Adaptation of the Book of the same name.  The Plot involves an elaborate plan to attack said Super Bowl...albeit Super Bowl XI.  

Of course, due to shooting schedules, they use footage from Superbowl X and the Orange Bowl.  Amusingly, the Players in that game had to dress up as the other Teams to be extras.  

There's also a strange bit involving the Production hiring people from The United Way as Extras, paying for it by making an ad for them.  I guess that works, but don't they take credit cards?

A couple of things to note here, of course, as well.  

The Book is by Thomas Harris, making it one of only 2 Books not related to Hannibal Lecter by the Author.  The other one- Cari Mora- just came out in 2019, so this is also the one Film Adaptation of a Harris Book not to feature the iconic killer.  

Given a look at the Critics' Reviews, it probably will stay that way!  

We've got a bunch of big-time '70s Stars on board for this one too.  Robert Shaw- who also narrated the aforementioned ad-, Bruce Dern and Fritz Weaver are here to lend some gravitas.  

On that same subject, we have John Williams doing the Score!  Clearly, THIS is the Film with John Williams' Score and Robert Shaw that everyone remembers.  Stupid Shark.  

The Movie is tied to lots of current/recent events of the time that may not be *as remembered* today.  It relates to the thankfully-now-dormant Black September group.
Remember them?  No Googling it- I'll know!  

Will this dated aspect make the Film dated or can it rise above that?  To find out, read on...

In November of 1977, bad guys are plotting an attack on the United States.

It hinges upon an Female Israeli Spy and a Vietnam Vet with PTSD (and blimp experience).

A Commando Raid- led by Robert Shaw- takes out most of the players, but not before certain things are put in motion.

On top of that, Shaw sees the Spy in the Shower and doesn't kill her.

This allows her to escape and keep the plan going, meeting up with the Vet (Bruce Dern).

Him building this boat will come into play later, of course.

They test a version of the bomb they are going to use for the plan.

This kills the Captain (who transported their plastic explosives) and nearly kills Shaw.

A failed attempt on Shaw's life leads to his cohort dying (see the Stinger).

Elsewhere, the would-be Terrorists use a new version of the bomb, killing one man and wrecking a nice shed.

That said, they make some nice moon light holes for it.

Things take a turn as Dern is taken off of the Blimp Job (as he stopped working to prepare the explosive).

It is here that he gives a genuinely strong (and demented) monologue.  Good stuff, Mr. Dern.

It all comes to the big attack on the Super Bowl, which is full of people.  

Remember how that looked, 2021 people?

In spite of the pair's best efforts, Shaw puts a stop to the attack by shooting them both.

After that, his Obvious Stunt Double hooks the Blimp to the Helicopter and leads it out to Sea.
Sorry to all of the Miami fish out there.  The End.

A strong, tense Film.  It is interesting to see what Thomas Harris wrote before he created Lecter.  

Honestly, it's pretty damn good.  To be fair, I am only rating the Film, which was adapted.  Joy- I need *more* Book to Film Comparisons to make!  And yes, I do own the Book now.

The Story is strong and is anchored by a good villain-hero comparison.  

On one side, Shaw is a strong-willed, brash and assertive commander.  

On the other side, you have a strong-willed, deadly and manipulative villain. 

One man leads a force to keep people safe from an attack, while the other manipulates a man with serious PTSD into building a bomb!  Bruce Dern is definitely a bad guy here, but they really make you feel for him.  He was a POW and then came back to a broken home.  

There's a very odd bit where they talk about how POWs are often 'stricken' with hirer rates of impotence and 'becoming homosexual.'  Thanks, 1970s!  I'd love to know the Science behind that.  

Dated Psychology aside, he delivers a strong performance that makes you almost root for him at times...before you realize that he wants to kill 80,000 people.  In contrast, the woman manipulating him is given a quick bit of backstory to explain her being part of Black September, but that's it.  

No subtext or motivation for you, lady!  

The build-up to the climax is nicely done and the actual pay-off is pretty successful.  

Given that the Film was made in 1977, the Optical Effects are...less than stellar at times.  John Frankenheimer used a real Goodyear Blimp for as much as he could, so that stuff looks real (since it was).  

All in all, Black Sunday is a Film most famous for its Poster, but a good Film does hide under there.  It also gives us this kind-of goofy face of death...

Next time, I cover an '80s Film about a Supercar.  It also features a climax that is very familiar.  Stay tuned...

'70s Class/Trash: Prophecy (1979)

Is this an underrated gem or a silly mess?  It really depends on who you ask.  

Granted- you have to find someone who remembers this Film in the first place!  

Today's Film is Prophecy, a 1979 Eco-Horror Film when those were all the rage.  

A culmination of things had to happen for this Film to take place though.  

First- you needed Jaws to make Killer Animal Films a thing again.  

Second- you needed a stronger focus on the environment in pop culture to drive the story.  

Third- you needed a big time Director- John Frankenheimer- to be drunk enough to agree to make this Film.  

I'm only half-joking about that last one.  He's gone on record about his problems at the time and I obviously don't *really* think that Alcoholism is funny.  

Mind you, the results can be however.  

The Film's Plot involves some story gymnastics to take place.  It involves a Doctor, a Logging Company, some indigenous people, some big animals and a mutated bear.  

No, the monster is not a giant, ugly skittle like the Poster would have you believe.  The Film lives and dies by two things- its Plot and its Monster.  To see which one is ultimately sillier, read on...

A Doctor- Robert Foxworth- works in the 'Ghetto' and cares about 'the little guy.'  He's basically Billy Jack if you didn't do Karate and try to make Indian Schools.

Maybe this is just me, but is hair really distracting to you?  It's like 3 different colors, lengths and consistencies.  Pick one!

Because he is 'good with people' (right after we see him bemoaning everyone), the Doc is sent in by a Logging Company to prove that things are safe.

The group runs afoul of the native population, led by John Hawks...who is played by Armand Assante.  Alas, Adam Beach was too young to play this role at the time.

The Film is really concerned with being about the environment and some sort of China Syndrome-vibe.

As such, a good portion of the middle of the Film is them looking at nature, being in nature and then touring the Logging Facility in what feels like real time.

Here's a splash of silly to keep you satiated though, Audience!

Things eventually escalate as our Heroes find a washed-out baby Bear that looks mutated.  They prove that the Mercury in the water is dangerous to the native people and the wildlife before...a bear fake-out.

Double-fake-out- the real bear shows up after all and smashes up the place.  Frankenheimer and company do get this good shot of Chief Grampa watching it go down though.

So the Third Act is built around one thing- Man vs. Bear!

On the plus side, Foxworth's hair/beard is less distracting when wet.

So I have to talk about the Bear.  I...love it and I hate it.

The premise is simple- he's a big-ass bear who was mutated by the mercury and looks monstrous.
He also looks silly as hell, as his burnt-up look resembles a chewed up starburst more than skin.

Things get really intense- and worth watching the rest of the Film- as the group tries to escape the Beast.  Will the lake be enough to keep it away?

Well, no.  A good stabbing or two does the trick...

…or does it.  Yes, they Sequel Bait with...another Bear?  It's not wounded, so...maybe...I guess.  The End.

The best and worst of the '70s in one big, long package.  Giggity.  

Seriously though, the Film is kind of a beautiful mess.  On one hand, it wants to be a serious Film that challenges the Audience with its talk of environmentalism.  They have the evil Logging Company guy...but he also challenges the Audience a bit by talking about supply and demand.  'OMG- I do use Paper!  It's my fault that you...dumped Mercury in the Water for 20 Years.  Wait...no, it isn't.'  

It also uses 'Indians' as essentially props here to give the Film an air of reality.  Hey, it worked for Day of the Animals, Orca and White Buffalo!  On the other hand, the Film clearly has to be a Monster Film.  It almost seems to fight it as long as possible.  We get the tease of some off-screen Monster- just like in Grizzly- and then the famous Sleeping Bag Kill from above.  

Eventually, the Film seems to give up and just gives you the Bear knocking people around!  When that happens, the Film really delivers some good, old-fashioned fun.  The Bear visual, again, looks weird as hell.  I think they did a good job by showing it alot, but I will also concede that they almost show it too much.  It looks real enough for quick shots though.  

Prophecy- not the one with Christopher Walken- is a self-serious Film that eventually just gives up and gets hilarious.  You may not like the slower, more serious first section, but I think it all pans out in the end.  

Here's a fun contrast- and possible tease for a future Fiction vs. Fiction- for you: compare the Poster (above) and the original Book Cover...

Next time, I cover a Film that relates to the new Jumanji Film (now out on VOD).  It's a bit forgotten, so see if you remember it.  Stay tuned...

Forgotten Sequels: The French Connection II

You have to be wondering why I'm doing this, don't you?  I mean, the original film is a classic that even managed to win the Oscar for Best Picture!  

On top of that, the movie won Best Director (William Friedkin), Best Actor (Gene Hackman), Best Screenplay and Best Editing!  

Plus, the movie has been preserved in the United States Film Registry since 2005.  

Why would I pick on this movie or anything related to it?  

Here is the thing: people really forget about this movie.  If you need proof, check out the Wikipedia page for the original film.  

Now, look at the page for the sequel.  

See a contrast there?  

Is there a reason for it?  

For starters, there was a four-year gap between the two films, which is never a good thing.  

Secondly, they changed directors, going from William Friedkin to John Frankenheimer (not that he was a bad director or anything).  

On the plus side, the two lead actors and characters are present, although his partner- played by Academy Award nominee Roy Scheider- is not around.  They also changed the setting to France, which maybe alienated some people.  

In spite of all that, let's check out this forgotten piece of cinematic history...

The French Connection II

The film begins with some lovely shots of France and its landmarks.  We are quickly introduced to 'Popeye' Doyle, who has arrived on a special mission.  

For those of you who are not at least aware of The French Connection, a bunch of drugs went missing and the man behind it- Charnier- got away.  

Thus, we have our lead character being sent over there to get him.  It's a simple enough story, but things have to get complicated.  

When he arrives, the police are out front following a lead about some missing drugs being hidden in some fish.  After a few minutes, they are informed that it was all a prank call. 

 Does this go anywhere?  Nope.  

One thing you realize right away is that this film is not going to give you subtitles.  You see, as part of the whole experience, you are as much alienated by the language barrier as Doyle is, provided you don't also speak French.  

It's a neat idea in theory, but can be a bit jarring in practice.  The film to do this idea completely right- Rescue Dawn.  

Anyhow, Doyle is treated as much less than a co-worker here and the Captain makes it clear that he is forced to keep him around.  This means that nobody talks to him and he gets a nice desk next to the bathroom.  

We get plenty of establishment of this and his alienation, to the point where he drinks with a bartender just to get some company.

*

Doyle accompanies the police on a drug bust, but it is made abundantly clear that he is not to do anything.  Nice guys, the French.  

When a large suspect flees the scene, Doyle's instincts take over and he chases him down.  Unfortunately, it turns out that the large black man (how did he not stand out in France?) was actually undercover- oops.  

Things only got worse as the cop is even more disliked and goes through a 'wandering around' montage.  

This is not terrible, mind you, but it is definitely something you could only get away with in the '70s.  

The point of all this: we see that Charnier is in town and trying to arrange a deal.  He decides to get Doyle out of the way, since he is still a little bit scared of him after a narrow escape in the last movie.  One night, his thugs catch Doyle, take him to a crappy motel and inject with heroin.  

In a long sequence, you can see Doyle's resolve fade, even after learning about Charnier and being vindicated.  After they feel like he is broken, they dump him at the entrance to the police station.  

They figure out what happened and must now detox him.  This is a dramatic and well-acted sequence, so let's move on.  

I will make note of the scene where, in his rage, Doyle says the immortal line: Mickey Mantle Sucks!

*

After things are back to normal...for this movie, the Captain and Doyle have a talk.  They both know that Doyle was only there to draw out Charnier, which obviously worked.  

Now it is just a matter of catching.  We have some interesting scenes where Doyle has to remember where he was taken, which is not an easy feat.  

Eventually, they manage to find out about a shipment that Charnier had set up.  A typical shoot-out ensues as Charnier manages to get away, although most of his men don't.  

At this point, you almost wonder if Charnier is turning into Carmen San Diego!  We get more investigation, but it does not go too smoothly.  

In desperation, Doyle manages to find out that Charnier is fleeing and a chase ensues.  

It is a curiously choreographed scene as Doyle is running after the yacht, while Charnier is celebrating prematurely.  As the film reaches its climax, our hero gets ahead of the drifting boat and lines up a shot.  

As he comes into view, Doyle calls out Charnier's name and shoots the shocked man in the chest.  Before you can wonder what the implications of this will be, the movie abruptly ends!  

Okay then.

*

This is a good movie and one that does not deserve to be so forgotten.  

Fun fact: I only heard about this a few years ago while watching the 'E! True Hollywood Story' about Jaws.  They showed a marquee and one of the films on it was this one.  

Only I would be obsessive enough to notice that, huh?  

I guess that would be another reason for this film's surprising obscurity, since Jaws is the film credited with creating the 'summer blockbuster.'  There is certainly a disconnect for some fans in regard to this movie, which is a shame.  

Maybe it has to do with all of the reasons mentioned in the introduction or maybe they just did not like it.  

Regardless, if you have not seen this movie, it is worth a look, especially for all you fans of '70s cop films.  This is a good one, so enjoy it while I cover one.

*

Up next, the sequel to a film that reset a movie series.  The thing to note about this movie: The Evil Dead Effect.  Stay tuned...