Craig Zablo’s Zone

Archive for December, 2003

I have always loved New Year’s Eve.

For the last few years, I’ve made it a point to tune in to the SciFi channel’s Twilight Zone Marathon. It’s a great way to pass the time while visiting with friends and family or even as background “noise” while doing other things. Plus, it’s fun to re-watch classics like “Will The Real Martian Please Stand Up?” - “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet” and “To Serve Man.”

This year I’ll be flipping over to AMC part of the time though. They’re running a 3 Stooges Marathon! Check out “Cash and Carry” - “Dizzy Detectives” - “Disorder in the Court” or any of the shorts that AMC is running.

Have a safe and happy New Year and let’s hope that YOUR evening doesn’t turn into something out of a Twilight Zone episode or a Three Stooges‘ short!

I finally got a chance to see “Confidence” which is directed by James Foley and stars Edward Burns, Rachael Weisz, Morris Chestnut, Luis Guzmán, DustinHoffman, Andy Garcia, and Robert Forrester.

“Confidence” is the story of some mid-level grifters who accidently rip-off a mobster. When they discover their mistake, he’s already on to them. Their only hope is to get him his money back by pulling off a major scam under the watchful eye of the police, the mobster, and a special agent hot on their trail.

Doug Jung’s excellent script is full of twists and everything in this movie worked for me; the direction, the acting, the music, the cinematography… everything. Special mention should be given to Dustin Hoffman — he’s just perfect in his role as the mobster who was swindled and Rachael Weisz — she’s perfect for her role as well and has never looked more attractive.

You ought to check out this film. It’s really good. Trust me, I wouldn’t con you.

“Confidence” rates an A

As most of you know, I’m a big fan of Mike Mignola’s Hellboy. The comics, novels and short stories [including the spinoffs] and even the calendar are all above average to excellent each time out.

Despite Big Beatty’s complaints about Hellboy’s voice, I’m really looking forward to the movie as well. Mignola has had a hand in almost every aspect of getting it to the big screen. Guillermo del Toro ["Blade II," which I loved] is directing and he and Mignola seem in sync. They’ve got Ron Perlman [their first choice] as Hellboy…

So what could make the anticipation for “Hellboy” the movie even greater?

How ’bout a Hellboy: the Art of the Movie hardback for less than eighteen bucks?

Did you know…

,,, German poet Heinrich Heine left everything to his wife in 1856 on the condition that she remarried, “so that there will be at least one man to regret my death”

… Elvis Presley once entered an Elvis Presley lookalike contest but came third

… “Come, come - why, they couldn’t hit an elephant at this dist…” -was what American Civil War general John Sedgwick said just before he was shot

… The Bible is the most shoplifted book in the US

.. You’d know all of these things and more just by reading this interesting article!

As the hour quickly approaches for ole Saint Nick to arrive, I want to tell you a few things before I hustle off to sleep with dreams of what the morning will bring.

JoBlo has the first official pic for “The Riddick Chronicles.” I’m really hoping that this one lives up to my expectations.

There aren’t many foods that I dislike… except for beets and fruitcake. You can imagine my surprise that anyone likes fruitcake… but why in the world would Jay Leno want to eat a piece that was 125 years old?

Comic artists and comic companies usually send out the coolest Christmas cards.

Neil Vokes has a cool project coming out next year. You can find out about it from the ground floor by clicking [HERE].

Christmas will be upon us in less than an hour. I hope this message finds all ZONErs happy and healthy and surrounded by loved ones. I hope that each of you gets what you most desire or at the very least avoids getting what you don’t want.

best,

Craig