Previews and Reviews that are Z's Views
Here’s another rarely seen piece. This was created by LeRoy Neiman on October 31, 1978, while on set of Sylvester Stallone filming Rocky II.
Click on the image to see a championship-sized version. – Craig
THE BULLET GARDEN: AN EARL SWAGGER NOVEL by Stephen Hunter
First sentences…
“No, no,” said Basil St. Florian. “Bren guns. We need the Bren guns. It is simply not feasible without Bren guns. Surely you understand?”
The Overview: Beware of Spoilers…
July 1944. D-Day was a month ago and a success. Since then Nazis snipers have killed hundreds of Allied soldiers daily. The snipers strike with no warning and then fade away before a counter-attack can take shape. Somehow these Nazi sharpshooters know where the American GIs are going to be and the safest locations to kill as many as possible.
Army intelligence has come up short in a solution. General Eisenhower decides that perhaps the Army’s best marksman might have insight. So Gunnery Sergeant Earl Swagger, a decorated war hero and our military’s best shot is brought in. Swagger is given carte blanche to figure out a response to the Nazi snipers.
Swagger realizes that part of the problem is the military intelligence operatives working on a solution are doing it from a safe location far from the front. They’re eating well, sleeping well and going to parties and social events. Swagger knows as dangerous as it will be, he will need to work on a solution from the front.
Swagger is given an aide, a former Harvard student who is the son of a wealthy American. Swagger doubts the kid will be much help until the kid tells him: “I’ve been here long enough to know the politics of this place. I know who wants you to succeed and those who’d like to see you fail. They don’t like the idea of a NCO figuring out what they couldn’t… and I can get you anything you want or need.”
Someone is tipping off the Nazis to American troop movements. This gives the enemy snipers the ultimate advantage. Swagger’s a great shot and an unsurpassed hunter but he will find himself up against a squad of snipers led by Nazi with skills equal to his.
Stephen Hunter has written another winner.
Rating:
Leo Leibelman is a freelance artist who has provided art for comics, trading cards, novels, instructional materials, film storyboards and more. Leo Leibelman takes commissions.
Conan and Valeria by Leo Leibelman!
“Crom, I have never prayed to you before. I have no tongue for it. No one, not even you, will remember if we were good men or bad. Why we fought, or why we died. All that matters is that two stood against many. That’s what’s important! Valor pleases you, Crom… so grant me one request. Grant me revenge! And if you do not listen, then to HELL with you!” – Conan
When Steven Sanchez announced that he was taking on double headsketch commissions, I jumped on board. As you can see I requested Sly Stallone as Jack Carter (from Get Carter) and Keanu Reeves as John Wick. I couldn’t be happier with Sanchez’s finished art.
What made it even cooler is that Sanchez sent a prelim rough for approval. In the rough he used a photo from Lock Up for Stallone reference. I pointed out that I wanted Carter and Sanchez made the change with a new prelim for approval. He then created the finished pencil piece above. When my art arrived, the original prelim (using the Lock Up reference) and two other studies were included!
This is my second piece from Steven Sanchez. I cannot recommend him highly enough to sketch collectors.
Here’s a rarely seen unused piece of concept art for Rocky starring Sylvester Stallone. The drawing was created in 1976 by Tom Jung.
Jung’s impressive career saw his art grace movie movie posters and storyboards for films as The Towering Inferno, Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Raging Bull, as well as many others.
Here we have a cool and rarely seen behind-the-scenes shot from Rocky III featuring Mr. T and Sly Stallone. Photography By Christine Loss.
Click on the image to see a Prediction_of_Pain-sized view. – Craig
Nobody 2 (2025)
Director: Timo Tjahjanto
Screenplay: Derek Kolstad, Aaron Rabin; story by Derek Kolstad
Stars: Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, John Ortiz, Colin Hanks, RZA, Christopher Lloyd and Sharon Stone.
Tagline: Nobody ruins his vacation.
The Plot…
Hutch Mansell has been on the job nonstop as an assassin to pay off a debt created during the first movie. Hutch’s family life has suffered due to him always working. In an effort to have some quality family time Hutch decides to take his family on vacation to a resort/amusement park that his father took him to when he was young.
At the amusement park Hutch’s son gets into it with a local bully. The bully’s dad (who owns the amusement park) causes things to escalate when he slaps Hutch’s young daughter in the back of the head. Hutch then returns the favor by beating up the bully’ dad and several park employees.
As it turns out, the bully’s dad is friends with the local Sheriff. The two are involved in several criminal enterprises with a psycho-crime lord named Lendina. Soon Hutch finds himself the target of revenge by the Sheriff as well as Lendina and her organization.
So much for vacation time.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Sharon Stone is excellent as the over-the-top villain who wouldn’t be out of place in a James Bond movie.
Nobody 2 features Timo Tjahjanto’s American directorial debut. Tjahjanto is best known for his ultra-violent Indonesian action films.
Bob Odenkirk and Christopher Lloyd share the same birthday of the 22nd of October. What are the odds? That’s also my birthday.
Nobody 2 is fun. It leans into over-the-top comedy a bit more than I’d prefer at times, but is still a fun ride.
Nobody 2 (2025) rates 3 of 5 stars
Paul Mann‘s knockout Rocky alt poster! Click on the image above to see a “contender-sized” version!
The original is a classic. The remake is worthy. Now we have a Cape Fear limited television series. Check out the poster and trailer and see what you think.
Deal me in.
Out of prison, and out for revenge.
Cape Fear premieres June 5 on Apple TV
Inspired by the 1991 remake directed by Martin Scorsese and produced by Steven Spielberg, a storm is coming for happily married attorneys Anna (Amy Adams) and Tom Bowden (Patrick Wilson) when Max Cady (Javier Bardem), the notorious killer they are responsible for putting behind bars, is let out of prison — and he wants vengeance.
Hailing from UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group, and Amblin Television, “Cape Fear” is based on both the novel “The Executioners,” which inspired Gregory Peck’s Universal Pictures feature (1962) of the same name, as well as the acclaimed 1991 remake directed by Scorsese.
The series is executive produced by Steven Spielberg, who produced the 1991 film, alongside Scorsese. Creator Nick Antosca showruns and produces alongside Alex Hedlund for Eat The Cat, and Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey produce alongside Spielberg for Amblin Television. Academy Award nominee Morten Tyldum will direct the pilot and serve as executive producer. The series is developed and produced through Antosca’s overall deal at UCP, where he’s been based since 2017.
The Domestics (2018)
Director: Mike P. Nelson
Screenplay: Mike P. Nelson
Stars: Tyler Hoechlin, Kate Bosworth, Sonoya Mizuno, Dana Gourrier, Thomas Francis Murray, David Dastmalchian and Lance Reddick
Tagline: Independence comes at a price.
The Plot…
After a chemical weapons attack on the US, most of the population died. Civilization crumbled. Most of those who survived banded together in the gangs. Each gang controlled a territory. The gangs were Gamblers, Sheets, Plowboys, Nailers, and Cherries. Anyone not in a gang was called a “Domestic” and were considered fair game.
Mark and Nina West have decided to travel across the country to Nina’s parents’ house. They realize the dangers of crossing gang territory. If caught, they will be killed… or depending on the gang, eaten.
Let’s ride.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
I was hoping for better.
The Domestics (2018) rates 2 of 5 stars
How cool is this amazing pencil art? It’s by Sanjulian (Manuel Perez Clemente) of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, each in one of the signature roles as Conan and Rambo.
It was announced that legendary artist Tony Stella has died. Mr. Stella’s passing may have been today or yesterday. No cause of death was given. Tony Stella was an extremely private person. I could find nothing about his life, his birthday or anything personal in my online search. Tony Stella let his art speak for him.
And boy, does it ever. Tony Stella’s art graced movie posters, television programs, record albums, book covers and more.
Tony Stella Instagram.
Tony Stella’s Website.
Out thoughts and prayers go out to Tony Stella’s family, friends and fans.
Who doesn’t love a good revenge flick? Check out the teaser for Motor City starring Alan Ritchson. It’s a revenge flick… the only question is will it be good. (Bonus points if you saw a scene shot out of Rocky III.)
In 1970s Detroit, a working-class romantic is framed by a ruthless gangster after falling for his girlfriend. After years in prison, he returns with only one mission: revenge.
In Theaters July 24th
Directed by: Potsy Ponciroli
Starring: Alan Ritchson, Shailene Woodley, Pablo Schreiber, Ben Foster
Marv from Frank Miller’s Sin City is one of my all-time favorite characters. I love seeing artists do their “take” on the big lug. Today we have a Marv by Oddur.
Thrash (2026)
Director: Tommy Wirkola
Screenplay: Tommy Wirkola
Stars: Phoebe Dynevor, Whitney Peak, Alyla Browne, Tyler Coppin, Adam Dunn and Djimon Hounsou
Tagline: If the flood doesn’t kill you…
The Plot…
A category 5 hurricane is barreling towards the east coast of the United States. The small seaside town of Annieville, South Carolina, is the direct path of this monster storm. Although the town goes under an evacuation order, several people are unable to leave.
When the storm surge destroys Annieville’s sea wall, the town floods. And with the floods come sharks. Lots of sharks.
Cue the Jaws music.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
If you like drive-in movies, and don’t mind putting your mind in neutral, then you should enjoy Thrash.
Thrash (2026) rates 3 of 5 stars
