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Jeff Finn seeks the truth in new Jim Morrison documentary – Interview

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Jeff Finn is a documentary filmmaker who has set out to uncover the real story surrounding the death of Jim Morrison of The Doors. Before the End: Searching for Jim Morrison is a first of its kind “documystery” series that will make its global TVOD/Digital release on January 13, 2025, following Morrison’s 81st birthday, and will be available on all the major platforms of Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube TV, with more to follow.

A dozen years in the making, Before the End’s cryptic tagline encapsulates its investigative approach: “One Man. Countless Myths. And in between lies the truth.” Z-Machine founder, Jeff Finn’s extraordinary detail work breaks the decades long hermetic seal on the traumatic formative years that forged a brief hellacious life, through Morrison’s controversial career as lead singer of legendary 1960s rock band, The Doors, to his reported 1971 death by “heart failure” in Paris at age 27. Morrison’s ostensible demise, technically an unsolved cold case, formed its own rabbit hole of reasonable doubt, which inspired Finn to consult with private investigators and forensic analysts.

Before the End transcends “rock doc” in the same sense that Jim Morrison was more than a rock star. Featuring unprecedented content, from shocking corroboration about Morrison’s early life, to harrowing revelations about his stardom, and fresh evidence that contradicts his professed death, Before the End: Searching for Jim Morrisonisproudly unauthorized because it “seeks the unvarnished truth.” The documystery reverse-engineers long-controlled narratives while it explores the notion of Morrison the nonconformist as neurodivergent, and deconstructs – through on-camera interviews with family, friends, lovers, classmates, and associates – key distinctions between Jim Morrison, rock god,” and James Douglas Morrison, introverted outsider.

Among those interviewed and/or featured are Morrison’s cousins, Ellen Edwards and David Backer, lovers, Anne MooreGayle EnochsJudy Huddleston, and Suzanne Roady-Ross, friends, Mirandi Babitz and Salli StevensonElektra Records founder, Jac HolzmanThe Doors booking agent, Todd SchiffmanThe Doors roadie, Gareth Blyth, screenwriter, Randall Jahnson, rock critics, Ellen Sander and Richard Meltzer, UCLA classmates, Philip Oleno and Richard Blackburn, UCLA roommate, Ron Cohen, UCLA professor, Dick AdamsFlorida State University roommates, Bryan Gates and John McQueen, FSU professor, Ralph TurnerAlameda High School swim coach, Ash Jones, childhood friend, Jeff Morehouse, Paris-era acquaintances, Philippe Dalecky and Gilles Yepremian, and exclusives via Jim’s brother, Andy MorrisonRobyn WurteleMorrison’s enigmatic Paris-era assistant, and “Mr. X,” a mind-blowing anonymous source.

Z-Machine is a truly independent production company helmed by writer and filmmaker, Jeff Finn, whose tie-in book, 127 Fascination: Jim Morrison Decoded, is forthcoming.

Ted aka Steady is a film critic and the managing editor forCountdownCityGeeks.com. He has covered some of the largest pop culture events in the world including SXSW and San Diego Comic-Con. He has also hosted a variety of events such as eSports Tourneys, film festivals, to moderating panels for some of the biggest names in entertainment including Josh Brolin, Rosario Dawson and Giancarlo Esposito.

Interviews

‘The Unexpecteds’ – A well balanced comedy with an endearing cast.

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When a group of friends discover they were scammed into a frivolous investment, they band together to recoup their money with the help of a special force agent, who happens to be the estranged father of one of their friends. The Unexpecteds is a well balanced comedy that hits every punchline with a cast that has heart. It inspires hope and redefines what it means to be a supportive father, mother and friend. Believers are not schlubs.

I had a chance to meet up with Alejandro Montoya Marín, the director and writer of the comedy – action film The Unexpecteds. Marín discussed how he came up with the storyline, and the influences that helped him develop the characters. Joining in the conversation were cast members Chelsea Rendon (Pati), John Kaler (Metal Mike), and Alejandro De Hoyos (Felipe Fuscas), who is also a producer of the film. Marín and De Hoyos also recount about how Kevin Smith got involved as an executive producer, which is truly captivating.

The Unexpecteds is available to purchase or rent on Prime Video and Apple TV.

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Cloverfield 2 director Babak Anvari will have his “Hallow Road” film re-released this week – Interview

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Earlier this year director Babak Anvari premiered his suspenseful thriller Hallow Road at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival and to celebrate spooky season, the film is returning to theaters but it’s not alone. Premiering later this week is a Halloween double feature that will include Hallow Road and Vincent Must Die, two films for the price of one. The event takes place exclusively at AMC Theaters across the US.

In talking with Babak, we get a better sense of his approach for his motivations for taking on the project and he dives deeper into some of the more technical aspects of the project. See the full interview below and be sure to see the double feature later this week. For more info visit AMCTheaters.com site.

Horror fans get an early treat this Halloween Weekend with an exclusive early access screening of certified fresh Hallow Road and Vincent Must Die this Thursday, October 30 at 7 PM, only at AMC Theatres nationwide. The special screening gives audiences the chance to see both acclaimed films before Halloween and take home a limited-edition collectible mini poster, while supplies last.




HALLOW ROAD

Multi-award-winning actors Rosamund Pike (Saltburn) and Matthew Rhys (The Americans) star as parents in a race against time after a late-night call from their daughter, who has just struck another young woman while driving her father’s car. As they venture deeper into the night, chilling revelations threaten to tear their family apart—and they may not be the only ones driving down Hallow Road. Directed by Babak Anvari (Paramount’s untitled Cloverfield film).


VINCENT MUST DIE
Ordinary man Vincent finds himself suddenly attacked by random strangers with murderous intent. As his once-quiet existence spirals into chaos, he is forced to flee and transform his life in this nerve-shredding horror classic. Vincent Must Die also marks Flawless’ second English-language theatrical release of the year, utilizing their critically-acclaimed AI-driven dubbing technology previously utilized by acclaimed film Watch the Skies.

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Book Review of Boondocks Saints: Vol 1 Blood Origin

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Troy Duffy, the creator/director of The Boondock Saints, has written a new novel called “The Boondock Saints Vol 1 Blood Origin”.  It has been 14 years since Troy has written about the MacManus Brothers and ll Duce. The most recent was Boondock Saints: In Nomine Patris, from Gauge Comics. 

Countdown City Geeks had early access to both the audiobook and book, and it was an honor to review it. Retro Ray and five fans were one of the first to talk about it on The BoonDoctor Podcast with Troy Duffy and a surprise special guest. 

The book is available in eBook and audiobook formats via Audible, Amazon, and Apple Books. Troy narrates the audiobook. The ebook is awesome, but the audiobook takes it to next level. Boondock fans will love this journey. You will learn where their faith came from and how Connor and Murphy came to Boston. Along the way we find out so much about the MacManus family. We also find out when they meet Rocco and so much more.

photo from IMDB

What I love about the book is Troy starts every chapter with a bible verse. For example, “Chapter 1 Ezekiel 25:17 Blessed is he, who in the name of charity and goodwill, shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness for he is truly his brothers”. The MacManus bothers make the peacoats look cool. Troy tells us where Connor and Murphy get their rosary from. I love how he uses movie references from current and past with the boys. I loved reading this but hearing Troy Duffy’s voice telling the story is incredible. It will leave you wanting more. I give this 5 out of 5 rosaries.

Countdown City Geeks also interviewed Troy Duffy recently. You can watch the full interview, where we talked about how this book has some similarities to what the TV show was supposed to be, and he also talks about how he’s still working on part three. 

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