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Murder/Mystery Pages

Sunday, March 31, 2024

Edge-Of-Your-Seat-Thriller 'Fire of Conscience' from 2010

FIRE OF CONSCIENCE from MEDIA ASIA DISTRIBUTION (2010). The director is Dante Lam who is a popular filmmaker. "Fire" grossed $806,708 at the world-wide box office. It never opened in the U.S and received mixed reviews upon release. 

If I can't get into a film after 10 minutes. I move onto another one. Especially in the "Action" and "Thriller" Genre. Everything has been done before. Filmmakers have to find new ways of engaging an audience. 

I wasn't too enthusiastic by this movie "title" either.

"Fire" surrounds one veteran police detective and one police inspector. They team up after a hooker is murdered. Several men of the police department are connected to this hooker. As the investigation unfolds. So does the truth and the violent deaths.

What is intriguing is the placement of the first "double-cross." Watch closely. The restaurant shootout is fantastic and exciting for one reason. The veteran cop is caught in the center of everything and he has to use his instinct to figure it all out. (I was actually on the edge of my seat).

Below is the original Movie Trailer 2010.


Click Movie Poster below for film at "Tubi-TV." Click on Settings for English Sub-titles.

2010 Movie Poster.

No TV Ratings for Saturday Night's '48 Hours'

48 HOURS on CBS. Last night's episode was called, "The Troubled Case Against Jane Dorotik" (3/30/2024). There are no TV ratings to report for Saturday Night prime-time.

Click on CBS logo below for 48 HOURS.

CBS.

Top Box Office 'Godzilla x Kong: The Empire' grabs Number #1 with $80 Million

TOP BOX OFFICE / WEEK-ENDING / MARCH 31, 2024/ ESTIMATED 
  1. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire    $80,000,000 M
  2. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire          $15,700,000 M
  3. Dune: Part Two                              $11,100,000 M
  4. Kung Fu Panda 4                            $10,200,000 M
  5. Immaculate                                   $3,265,000 M
  6. Tillu Square                                   $2,500,000 M
  7. Arthur the King                              $2,400,000 M
  8. Late Night with the Devil                $2,205,693 M
  9. Crew                                            $1,700,000 M
  10. Imaginary                                     $1,400,000 M

Saturday, March 30, 2024

The 'Dateline' episode 'Hit List' Hit 2.4 million Overall TV Ratings

DATELINE on NBC. Last night's episode was called, "Hit List" (3/29/2024). In the overnight TV ratings. It grabbed 2.4 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.2 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic.

You have to Sign-Up to Sign-In to watch the latest episode.

Click NBC logo below for DATELINE.

NBC.

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Saturday Night '48 Hours' with Erin Moriarty on March 30, 2024

48 HOURS on CBS. This week's episode is called, "The Troubled Case Against Jane Dorotik" that will air this Saturday at 10/9 p.m. 

CBS says "A woman convicted of murdering her husband discovers serious problems with some key evidence used against her at trial. 48 Hours-correspondent Erin Moriarty reports."

South Korea's 'Unstoppable' 2018 with Don Lee

UNSTOPPABLE distributed by SHOWBOX (2018). Don Lee aka Ma Dong-seok is a South Korean action star. I'm a big fan and just watched "Unstoppable." A few years too late... Nonetheless, I absolutely enjoyed it.

The action/thriller never opened in the U.S. It grabbed a popular $11.6 million at the South Korean box office. 

The story surrounds a couple who are barely getting by financially. The husband (Don Lee) is always trying to create money opportunities to make it rich. His latest venture is selling "King Crabs" which his wife is not happy about. One night, after a car fender-bender. The couple meets a man who is into "Human Trafficking." He likes the wife and later kidnaps her. The husband is a former gangster who takes matters into his own hands.

There is a lot action of course. I enjoyed the tense thriller aspects surrounding Human Trafficking.

Don Lee's fourth film as police detective Ma Seok-do is coming out this year in 2024.

  1. The Outlaws (2017).
  2. The Round-Up (2022)
  3. The Round-Up: No Way Out (2023)
  4. The Round-Up: Punishment (2024)
"No Way Out" opened in the U.S., last year and did well at the box office. I can't wait for "Punishment." These movies are all action with good detective stories.

Below is the 2018 trailer for "Unstoppable."


Below is Scenes from the film "Unstoppable" with Don Lee.

"Unstoppable" from Show Box 2018.

NBC News 'Cold Case Spotlight' of 'The Girl From Saskatoon' 1962

NBC News, "The Girl in Saskatoon,” Alexandra Wiwcharuk was murdered on the night of May 18, 1962 and later found along the banks of the South Saskatchewan River. She had gone on a walk before her nursing shift and never made it to work or returned home. Her case has been unsolved for 62 years." 

If you have any information about Alexandra's case please contact the Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300.

Classic Movie Flashback 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' 1981 with Harrison Ford

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK from PARAMOUNT pictures (1981). Directed by Steven Spielberg. The production budget climbed to $20 million. It would go on to become the highest grossing film of 1981. It hit $389.9 million at the world-wide box office. It had the rare feet of remaining in U.S movie theaters for a full year. That doesn't happen anymore.

The story surrounds Indiana Jones who is an archeologist (1936). He is asked to track down and find the "Ark of the Covenant." before the Russian Nazis do. Adolph Hitler believes that the "Ark" can make his army stronger as he tries to take over the world.

This kind of adventure story hasn't been done since the classic movies of the 1940 and 1950's. Spielberg was a kid in the 1950's and was the right director for this project.

"Raiders" has spawned 4 sequels and countless copy cat movies since 1981.

  1. Indiana Jones & The Temple of Doom (1984) 
  2. Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade (1989)
  3. Indian Jones & The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
  4. Indian Jones & The Dial of Destiny (2023)
Spielberg wanted actor, Tom Selleck for the character of Jones. Tom was wrapping production on the TV Pilot "Magnum PI." They had asked CBS to release Tom from his contract to shoot "Raiders." They wouldn't because the network believed that "Magnum" would get picked up for the Fall TV season 1980. It was and the TV show ran for 8 seasons. Tom always claimed that he almost had the role of Indiana Jones.

Below is the 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray Trailer from 2021.


Below is the original 1981 Movie Poster.

1981. Paramount Pictures.

Sunday, March 24, 2024

Podcast 'Unsolved Mysteries' episode 'The Disappearance of Tabitha Tudors'

UNSOLVED MYSTERIES streaming at SPOTIFY. I am revisiting segments that have deep mysteries which remain unsolved.

"The Disappearance of Tabitha Tudors." (2003). Tabitha was only 13-years-old who was walking to the bus stop for school. She never got onto that bus. A witness claimed he saw her climb into a red car with a black male. Police investigators believe Tabitha knew this male. She appeared to be abducted and had gone missing.

Who is this black man? Why did Tabitha get into his car? Did she know him personally? It is 21 years later and those questions have not been answered. 

(Check out podcast below).

No TV Ratings for Saturday Night's '48 Hours'

48 HOURS on CBS. Last night's episode was called, "Who poisoned Angela Craig?" (3/23/2024). I stand corrected. The website where I pull TV ratings from does report the numbers. They add TV ratings for Friday and Saturday on the following Monday. But - is that too late for fans of these shows?

Notes: I watched last night's episode and it seemed boring. The suspense wasn't there like with past episodes. Maybe because there is no court trial yet.

Click on the CBS logo for 48 HOURS.

CBS.

Top Box Office 'Ghosbusters: Frozen Empire' Scares Up Number #1 with $45 Million

TOP BOX OFFICE / WEEK-ENDING / March 24, 2024 / ESTIMATED
  1. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Sony Pictures $45.200,000 M
  2. Dune: Part Two                 Warner Bros. $17,600,000 M
  3. Kung Fu Panda 4                 Universal         $16,800,000 M
  4. Immaculate                         Neon          $5,360,000 M
  5. Arthur the King                 Lionsgate         $4,360,000 M
  6. Late Night with the Devil IFC Films         $2,833,419 M
  7. Imaginary                         Lionsgate     $2,800,000 M
  8. Love Lies Bleeding             A24                 $1,586,476 M
  9. Cabrini                                 Angel Studios $1,428,474 M
  10. Bob Marley: One Love         Paramount         $1,100,000 M

via GIPHY

Saturday, March 23, 2024

No TV Ratings for Friday night's 'Dateline'

DATELINE on NBC. Last night's episode was called, "A Girl Named Egypt" (3/22/2024). It looks like the website where I grab TV ratings only reports Monday through Thursday. 

So, I'll be searching for a new website that reports seven days a week. There are no TV ratings for last night's episode.

You have to Sign-Up to Sign-In to watch the latest segment.

Click the NBC logo for DATELINE.

NBC.

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Saturday Night '48 Hours' on March 23, 2024

48 HOURS on CBS. The next episode is called, "Who Poisoned Angela Craig?" that will air this Saturday at 10/9 p.m., following the NCAA Basketball game.

DVR ALERT: A mother of six becomes deathly ill with unusual symptoms. Investigators suspect she was murdered with a poison protein shake. 48 Hours - contributor Natalie Morales reports."

Friday Night 'Dateline' with Andrea Canning on March 22, 2024

DATELINE on NBC. The next episode is called, "A Girl Named Egypt" that will air this Friday at 9/8 p.m.

NBC says, "Michigan State Police detectives speak out for the first time to reveal clues they uncovered in 27-year-old Egypt Covington's murder. Andrea Canning reports."

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

An all new 'Dateline' Podcast called, 'Murder in the Hollywood Hills' with Keith Morrison


NBC says, "In Dateline’s latest podcast, Keith Morrison takes us to the city of dreams for the story of a smooth-talking predator who lured young women into a nightmare with promises of fame and fortune." 

"It’s the story of how he evaded justice for years. But most of all, it’s the story of a group of women who banded together to lock him up for good. Follow now and get two new episodes a week for free, starting March 26. Or subscribe to Dateline Premium for early access and ad-free listening."

NBC

Classic '48 Hours' podcast 'The Country Club Murders' 2014

48 HOURS says, "In March 2008, Charlene and Ernest Scherer were murdered in their Castlewood Country Club home in Pleasanton, California. Their son, Ernie Scherer III, was a professional poker player and the chief suspect." 

"Police suspected Ernie killed his parents to inherit money to pay off his gambling debts, but with no forensic evidence to tie him to the crime, they were unable to arrest him."

"Later, when new evidence came to light, Ernie had vanished. 48 Hours - correspondent Peter Van Sant reports. This classic episode last aired on 2/8/2014."

Classic Movie Flashback 'An American Tail' 1986

AN AMERICAN TAIL distributed by UNIVERSAL pictures. This was a successful animated film not created by DISNEY studios. The production climbed to $9 million and grossed $84 million at the box office. (Movie ticket price for 1986 was $3.71).

The story surrounds a Russian mouse named "Fievel." Him and his family emigrate to the United States. He gets lost and tries to find his sister and parents.

When "Tail" was released on VHS Home Video in 1987. It amassed a huge profit of $1.4 million in rentals.

The movie soundtrack title song called, "Somewhere Out There" had reached number #2 on Billboard's Hot 100 songs. The duet was sung by Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram. It also won the Grammy award for that year's Best Song.

(Hahaha... I actually had the Movie Soundtrack Album on Cassette Tape).

"Tail" spawned a popular sequel, "An American Tail: Fievel Goes West" (1991). Two more sequels went straight-to-video. The first film is the only Blu-Ray release 2014. All four films were released on DVD as a complete package 2017.

Below is the remastered original movie Trailer.


Below is the music video from the movie called, "Somewhere Out There."

Sunday, March 17, 2024

No TV Ratings for Saturday night '48 Hours'

48 HOURS on CBS. Last night's episode was called, "Lama Johnson: Fight for Freedom" (3/16/2024). The website where I pull TV ratings from did not post numbers for Saturday night. So, no TV ratings for this segment.

Click CBS photo for 48 HOURS.

CBS

Top Box Office 'Kung Fu Panda 4' is Number #1 with $30 Million

TOP BOX OFFICE / WEEK-ENDING / MARCH 16, 2024 / ESTIMATED

$30.0M - Kung Fu Panda 4

$29.1M - Dune: Part Two

$7.5M - Arthur the King

$5.6M - Imaginary

$2.8M - Cabrini

via GIPHY

Saturday, March 16, 2024

No TV Ratings for Friday Night's 'Dateline'

DATELINE on NBC. Last night's episode was called, "Deadly Swap" (3/15/2024). The website where I grab TV ratings did not report Friday's numbers. So, no TV ratings for this segment. 

Note: This was interesting because of the way the murder was pulled off. But - Police investigators were very smart. I just don't get why human beings resort to killing for such a small reason.

You have to Sign-Up to Sign-In to watch the latest episode.

Click the NBC logo for DATELINE.



Thursday, March 14, 2024

Saturday night Mystery '48 Hours' on March 16, 2024

48 HOURS on CBS. The next episode is called, "Lamar Johnson: Standing in Truth" that will air this Saturday at 10/9 p.m.

"DVR ALERT | SATURDAY."

CBS says, "A man gets his life back after spending 28 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. "48 Hours" investigates and is there as Johnson is freed in time to walk his daughter down the aisle. Erin Moriarty reports."

"48 Hours - airs after NCAA basketball & NAACP Image Awards."

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Classic Movie Flashback 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' 1988 with Bob Hoskins

WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT distributed by BUENA VISTA (1988). The production budget climbed to $50 million and it grossed  $351 million at the world-wide box office. It would become the 2nd highest grossing movie in the U.S. It is behind "Rain Man." (Movie ticket price for 1988 was $4.11). 

The film scored 6 Oscar nominations in the technical categories. It was not nominated as Best Picture. It won 3 Oscars including Best Film Editing, Best Sound Effects Editing and Best Visual Effects. 

In 1988 - There was no animated category at the Oscars.

The story surrounds "Live" action characters and "Cartoon" characters who live side-by-side in 1947. Roger Rabbit (a Toon) is framed for a murder he didn't commit. A private eye Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins) investigates even though he hates Toons.

This was the first and only time "Warner Bros." cartoon characters and "Disney" cartoon characters appeared onscreen together. (Bugs Bunny & Mickey Mouse). Both studios contractually worked out each scene where their cartoon characters had equal time.

Despite the tremendous success of the movie. There will never be a Sequel. Robert Zemeckis (Director) has always been open to making a 2nd film. So has the lead actor Bob Hoskins who unfortunately died in 2014. Filmmakers wanted to keep the original hand-drawn "artist" sketch-style. However, times have changed with animation growing into the digital age.

I recall watching this 5-times in a big movie theater back then. I loved it. 

"Rabbit" is now on Ultra HD Blu-ray and it looks Out-Of-This-World.!!

Below is the 25th Anniversary Trailer of "Who Framed Roger Rabbit."


via GIPHY

via GIPHY

via GIPHY

Actor Table Read for 'Tribal Cop' at Albuquerque 2024

Hello everyone -- I am having an Actor Table Read of my written Action Screenplay, "Tribal Cop." I am seeking Navajo Actors & Actresses. 

The Table Read is set for Saturday April 6, 2024 from 2-4 p.m. Downtown Albuquerque Library.

Below is Casting Call poster.

By Roscoe Pond

Monday, March 11, 2024

Oscar Winner 'Godzilla: Minus One' Best Visual Effects 2023

"Godzilla: Minus One." The production budget climbed to $12 million and grossed $107 million at the world-wide box office. It grossed $56 million in the U.S to become the highest grossing non-English language film to date. 

"Godzilla: Minus Color." It had a one week run in the U.S. The black & white version received critical acclaim. 

Both versions will be released on Blu-Ray & DVD in Japan on May 1, 2024. No release date has been set for the U.S.

"Godzilla: Minus One" took home the Oscar as Best Visual Effects - Takashi Yamazaki, Kiyoko Shibuya, Masaki Takahashi and Tatsuji Nojima. 

Note: I am not a Godzilla fan, but I walked into a movie theater to watch this. I was blown away by the story and of course the visual effects. I cannot wait to see the black & white version that is a throw back to the original 1954 version... Way cool.

via GIPHY

Sunday, March 10, 2024

No TV Ratings for Saturday Night's '48 Hours'

48 HOURS on CBS. Last night's episode was called, "The Monica Sementilli Affair" (3/9/2024). 

The website where I grab TV ratings hasn't been reported in the last few days. So, no TV ratings for this latest segment. 

Click on the CBS logo for 48 HOURS.

CBS.

Top Box Office 'Kung Fu Panda 4' is Number #1 with $58 Million

TOP BOX OFFICE / WEEK-ENDING / MARCH 10, 2024 / ESTIMATED

$58.3M - Kung Fu Panda 4

$46.0M - Dune: Part Two

$10.0M - Imaginary

$7.6M - Cabrini

$4.1M - Bob Marley: One Love

via GIPHY

Saturday, March 9, 2024

No TV Ratings for Friday's 'Dateline'

DATELINE on NBC. Last night's episode was called, "The Killer on Camera 4" (3/8/2024). 

The website I use to grab TV ratings has been one or two days late on their reports. So, there will be no TV Ratings for Friday's segment.

You have to Sign-Up to Sign-In to watch the latest episode.

Click the NBC logo below for DATELINE.

NBC

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Podcast 'Unsolved Mysteries' episode 'Double Murder'

UNSOLVED MYSTERIES podcast SPOTIFY. I am re-listening to intriguing episodes that lead to a deep mystery.

Great Waters, Georgia (2014) An 88-year-old man is found murdered inside his home garage. His head was cut off completely. His 87-year-old wife was missing and later found dead floating in a nearby lake. She was seriously bludgeoned to death. The killer tried to "weight" down the body so no one could find her.

Nothing was disturbed in the home. No signs of robbery. No human struggle. No fingerprints nor DNA evidence left behind by the killer(s). No blood was found except where the husband was killed. No one knows why? The couple had no enemies. But - Police investigators found an angry motive toward the wife because she was taken and later killed.

The couple was targeted by more than one killer whom they knew. They left behind nothing to identify themselves with investigators. Security cameras show nothing in the private gated community.

This case is still unsolved 10 years later and is still open.... It's a mystery folks. Take a listen.

Saturday Night Mystery '48 Hours' on March 9, 2024

48 HOURS on CBS. The next episode is called, "The Monica Sementilli Affair" that will air this Saturday at 10/9 p.m. 

CBS says, "When a renowned hairstylist is killed poolside,  investigators look at his wife.  Was her alleged affair with her racquetball coach a motive for murder? 48 Hours - contributor Michelle Miller reports."

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Hannah Gutierrez-Reed found 'Guilty' of Involuntary Manslaughter after 'Rust' gun accident 2021

The "Rust" Western finished production in the state of Montana (2023). It moved up there after cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by a prop gun during production at Santa Fe, NM (2021). Alec Baldwin was holding that gun which had live ammunition plus blanks loaded inside of it. He served as "star" and producer of the movie. 

Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was charged with involuntary manslaughter. She served as the on-set armorer who handled all prop guns. A Jury has found her "Guilty" on this charge and she faces 18 months in prison. 

The "Rust" Assistant Director grabbed that prop gun from a table and handed it to Baldwin on-set. It is unclear who loaded that gun with live ammunition. Hannah claims that she checked all guns before putting them on that table. The Jury came to their "Guilty" verdict after a court trial showing Hannah didn't check the guns properly.

Alec Baldwin goes on trial for involuntary manslaughter this summer (2024). He was re-charged after two other criminal counts were dropped.

Friday Night 'Dateline' with Dennis Murphy on March 8, 2024

DATELINE on NBC. The next episode is called, "The Killer on Camera 4" that will air this Friday at 9/8 p.m.

NBC says, "When a firefighter is murdered, the investigation unravels a web of secrets, a love triangle and stunning surveillance footage. Dennis Murphy reports."

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Classic Movie Flashback 'The Color Purple' 1985 with Whoopi Goldberg

THE COLOR PURPLE distributed by WARNER BROS. (1985). It's based on the novel written by Alice Walker. Steven Spielberg directed his first mainstream dramatic film. This was Whoopi Goldberg's movie debut along with Oprah Winfrey. 

The production budget climbed to $15 million. It grossed $98 million at the U.S. box office. (Movie ticket price for 1985 was $3.55).

The story surrounds Celie (Goldberg) in the rural state of Georgia (early 1900s). She was raped by her father. He marries her off to Albert who also abused her mentally and physically. She grows into a timid woman who finds the strength to break free from all the abuse.

"Purple" received 11 Oscar nominations including Best Picture, Best Actress (Goldberg) and two for Best Supporting Actress (Oprah Winfrey & Magaret Avery).

Controversy over the depiction of black men in the film outraged minority groups. Including the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). They also did not like the fact that Spielberg directed the movie because he is "white." 

The NAACP campaigned against the film at the 1986 Oscars. They encouraged Academy voters not to choose the movie in any of the nominated categories. Because of this controversy. Spielberg was also not nominated as Best Director. "Purple" went home with no awards.

Nonetheless - It is ranked as one of the best films of the 1980's and in history. Devoted fans love the movie. Including me. I've seen it so many times over the years.


"The Color Purple" 1985. Whoopi Goldberg as Celie.

"The Color Purple" 1985. From left. Magaret Avery as Shug. Oprah Winfrey as Sofia.

"The Color Purple 1985. Danny Glover as Albert. Whoopi Goldberg as Celie.

Top Box Office 'Dune 2' is Number #1 with $81 Million

TOP BOX OFFICE / WEEK-ENDING / MARCH 3, 2024 / ESTIMATED

$81.5M - Dune: Part Two

$7.4M - Bob Marley: One Love

$3.9M - Ordinary Angels

$3.2M - Madame Web

$3.2M - The Chosen: S4 Episodes 7-8

via GIPHY

No TV Ratings for Saturday Night '48 Hours'

48 HOURS on CBS. Last night's episode was called, "The Melendez Brothers' Fight for Freedom" (3/2/2024). There are no TV ratings for this segment.

Note: I watched this and come on.!!.... If their dad was a child molester. It doesn't mean he deserved to die the way he did. Why kill the mom too? What - To keep the secret? These boys were spoiled brats who never came forward when they got everything they ever wanted in life.

Click the CBS logo below for 48 HOURS.

CBS.

Saturday, March 2, 2024

No TV Ratings for Friday Night 'Dateline'

DATELINE on NBC. Last night's episode was called, "A Life Interrupted" (3/1/2024). There are no TV ratings to report for this segment.

Note: I watched it and the jury got it right on the girlfriend. Come on! How can you not know what your boyfriend is doing?

You have to Sign Up to Sign-In to watch the latest episode.

Click on the NBC logo for DATELINE.

NBC