Previews and Reviews that are Z's Views
I first met Doug Dabbs in 2011 at Heroes Con. I was heading out from the show and saw his art. If there had been time, I’d have got a sketch on the spot.
I told Doug I would get a piece from him in 2012 and I did. Two in fact. This piece is Doug’s take on Sly as Barney Ross from The Expendables. I love Dabb’s use of white and negative space, plus his figure work is on point.
It was announced yesterday that Daniel Simmons died on February 21st from complications of a stroke. Mr. Simmons was 77.
Dan Simmons began his career in education. Mr. Simmons received a B.A. in English from Wabash College and a Masters Degree in Education from Washington University in St. Louis. While teaching, Dan Simmons began submitting short stories.
His first published story, “The River Styx Runs Upstream,” won the Rod Serling Memorial Award. This got Dan Simmons an agent. His first novel, SONG OF KALI followed. It won the World Fantasy Award. His first horror novel, CARRION COMFORT, won the Bram Stoker Award. His first science fiction novel, HYPERION, won the Hugo Award.
Someone who writes in a lot of different genres, could be the sign of an artist looking for his voice. In Mr. Simmons’ case, it was a talent who refused to be constrained.
Even with all the awards Dan Simmons won, I was only vaguely familiar with his work. I don’t read fantasy, and very little science fiction or horror. But I do love a hardboiled thriller! You know, the kind written by Andrew Vachss, or Eugene Izzi, Stephen Hunter, or Richard Stark. And that is how I came to love Dan Simmons’ writing.
Mr. Simmons wrote three novels about Joe Kurtz –
Joe Kurtz was a PI… before he was an ex-con. See he killed a man, a couple of men actually. They’d murdered his girl and unborn child. While it’s pretty reasonable to me that he threw one of ’em off a six story building, the jury didn’t see it that way.
Now, out of prison after eleven-and-a-half years…
…you’d think things would be looking up for Kurtz. You’d be wrong. Too many people want him dead…
I loved the Kurtz novels and they led me to others written by Mr. Simmons. I enjoyed every one of them. Even in the genres I generally avoided. In fact, I still have a few Dan Simmons novels on my “to be read” shelf. I’m going to have to move them up on the list. Dan Simmons was a master storyteller. He was able to write compelling tales in every genre he attempted. How many writers can say that?
Out thoughts and prayers go out to Daniel Simmon’s family, friends and fans.
Neil Sedaka died yesterday at the age of 86. No cause of death was given.
Neil Sedaka was a singer and songwriter who graduated high school at the age of 17 and began his professional career in music the following year. Although Neil Sedaka was a founding member of The Tokens, he soon departed for a solo career. Hits quickly followed. From 1958 to 1963, Mr. Sedaka charted 14 top 30 hits. During this same period, Neil Sedaka wrote or co-wrote hits recorded by other artists including Connie Francis, The Everly Brothers, The Monkees, The 5th Dimension and Tom Jones just to name a few.
Although Mr. Sedaka’s singing career in the US dipped in the mid 60s, he continued to have a strong career as a songwriter and singer overseas. In 1975, Neil Sedaka returned to the US charts with the #1 hit, “Laughter in the Rain”.
Although Mr. Sedaka officially retired from songwriting in 2022 and sold his music catalog in 2024, he continued to make live appearances and perform on social media with his last outing taking place in December 2025.
Some of Mr. Sedaka’s greatest hits include: Breaking Up is Hard to Do; Bad Blood; Laughter in the Rain and Calendar Girl.
Hits written or co-written for others include: “Love Will Keep Us Together” – Captain & Tennille; “Ring Ring” by ABBA; “Where the Boys Are” – Connie Francis; “Lonely Night (Angel Face)” – Captain & Tennille; “Crying in the Rain” – The Everly Brothers; “Workin’ on a Groovy Thing” – The 5th Dimension; “Puppet Man” – Tom Jones; “When Love Comes Knockin’ (At Your Door)” – The Monkees; “The Girl I Left Behind Me” – The Monkees; “I Go Ape” – The Monkees and “Rainy Jane” – Davy Jones.
What an amazing career! Neil Sedaka was a wonderful singer and songwriter. His performances always left me smiling.
Out thoughts and prayers go out to Neil Sedaka’s family, friends and fans.
Vlad Rodriguez is a Miami based illustrator. Rodriguez has a passion for film. Here’s his alt poster for Se7en!
Street Smart (1987)
Director: Jerry Schatzberg
Screenplay: David Freeman
Stars: Christopher Reeve, Kathy Baker, Mimi Rogers, Jay Patterson, Andre Gregory, Anna Maria Horsford, Erik King, Michael J. Reynolds, Rick Aviles, Leslie Carlson and Morgan Freeman.
Tagline: A reporter is using the streets to get ahead. A killer is using the reporter to get even.
The Plot…
Jonathan Fisher, is a writer for a New York magazine. Fisher has been on a dry spell, unable to get any of his story pitches approved. Then Fisher comes up with the idea to profile a NY City pimp’s life on the street. The editor approves the story, but needs it in just a few days.
Fisher, under pressure and unable to meet a real pimp, fabricates the story. He creates a pimp persona he calls Tyrone. Surprisingly, the story goes viral. Fisher becomes a media sensation.
Leo “Fast Black” Smalls, Jr. is an actual New York City pimp. Many who know Smalls think the article was written about him. Fischer’s article accidentally got many things right about Smalls. Despite Fischer’s denials, everyone thinks Smalls was the pimp the article portrayed.
Then Smalls is arrested for killing a man. Smalls’ lawyer gets the bright idea to us Jonathan Fisher as his albi. If he was meeting with Fischer about the article, he couldn’t have been where the murder took place. Suddenly, Fisher is being pressured by his editor, the police and Smalls.
The police want Fisher’s notes created for the article from interviews with the pimp. Of course there are none. If Fisher is proved to be a fraud, his career is over. Smalls wants Fisher to lie for his aliby. If Fisher refuses, Smalls will make sure Fisher’s life is over.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
If you only know Christopher Reeve as Superman, check out Street Smart. Reeves got financing for the film by agreeing to star in Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.
Morgan Freeman earned well deserved nominations for an Oscar®, a Golden Globe and won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male for his role as Leo “Fast Black” Smalls, Jr.
Reeve and Kathy Baker also deserve kudos for the performances.
Miles Davis performs the movie’s score.
Street Smart (1987) rates 4 of 5 stars.
Brick (2025)
Director: Philip Koch
Screenplay: Caroline Bruckner, Philip Koch, Chris Ryden
Stars: Matthias Schweighöfer, Ruby O. Fee, Sira-Anna Faal.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Tim and Olivia wake up to find their entire apartment building covered by strange blocks. Every window. Every wall. Every door. Unable to break through, they decide to go through the floor and down. Each new level provides more danger as their neighbors are in the same situation.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Brick is okay… but if you start to feel trapped at least you can escape to another movie.
Brick (2025) rates 2 of 5 stars.
Juan Saniose presents Part Man. Part Machine. All Cop.
The Creature from the Black Lagoon is one of my all-time favorite horror films. Although the movie spawned two sequels, neither came close to the original. I continue to hold out hope we will get an updated Creature from the Black Lagoon film… and that it will be as good as the original.
If we do get the CFTBL reboot, I nominate Chris Koehler to make the poster. Until that time, we have Koehler’s CFTBL print to hold us over.
Red Eye: Season 2 (2026)
Created by: Peter A Dowling
Directed by:
Teleplay by:
Stars: Jing Lusi, Lesley Sharp, Jemma Moore, Cash Holland, Steph Lacey and Richard Armitage.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
An assassin has made his way into the US Embassy in London where a huge party filled with diplomats, rich donors, corporate leaders and politicans. After killing a US Department of Security Agent, the assassin makes a call ordering the Embassy be placed on lockdown. If anyone leaves, a plane carrying high ranking officials will be blown out of the sky.
Detective Hanna Li is assigned to work with US Security Officer Clay Brody to find and bring down the assassin. Li and Brody have a history which ended badly. As Li and Brody search for the assassin and try to discover his endgame, the body count increases. They come to realize, the assassin wants more than revenge.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Red Eye continues to provide the right mix of action and mystery. Bring on season 3.
Red Eye: Season 2 (2026) rates 4 of 5 stars.
HOW NOT TO DIE IN PRISON: A SURVIVAL GUIDE by Taylor Sheridan and Tom Nelson is coming! Here’s the lowdown…
The debut book from Academy Award–nominated filmmaker Taylor Sheridan, creator of Landman and cocreator of Yellowstone — a no-bullsh*t, darkly funny survival guide to life inside a maximum-security prison, cowritten with prison-hardened ex-con Tom Nelson.
So, you f*cked up. Can’t talk your way out of it, buy your way out of it, or beg your way out of it.
You are going to prison. You will be living under a set of rules made up by men who have demonstrated to society that they need a big ol’ time out. There is no book of these rules. Nobody will tell them to you. But when you break one—boy, will you know it. For the newbie, the fish, the fresh meat—this book is your survival guide. How to mind your business without becoming a target. When to walk away. When to stand your ground.
This is how you don’t die. Follow the advice in this book, and you just might make it out alive.
Pre-orders are available now.
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 Mario Cau.
Check out this cool Se7en tribute poster by Nuno Sarnadas. Sardanas is a professional artist and movie lover based in Switzerland.
Nuno Sarnadas has more art on display at his webpage.
“What’s in the box?” – David Mills
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 Alessandro Micelli.
Robert Carradine died yesterday at the age of 71, the result of suicide. Mr. Carradine battled bi-polar disorder for two decades.
Both of Robert Carradine’s parents were actors. His mother was Sonia Sorel (née Henius) and his father, John Carradine. In addition, Robert’s brothers, Christopher and Keith, as well as his step-brothers, Bruce, David and Michael were also actors. Robert’s parents divorced when he was two. He lived with his father and step-mother until high school. At that point Robert moved in with his step-brother David.
In addition to acting, Robert loved auto racing and music. His first professional role was a guest appearance on Bonanza. The following year Mr. Carradine got his first feature role in John Wayne’s The Cowboys. After that Robert Carradine continued to act on television and in feature films for the next 50 plus years.
Some of the television projects that feature Robert Carradine acting include: Bonanza; Footsteps; Kung Fu; The Cowboys (12 episodes); The Hatfields and McCoys; Police Story (2 episodes); Tales of the Klondike; The Fall Guy; The Sun Also Rises; Alfred Hitchcock Presents; The Twilight Zone; Faerie Tale Theater; As Is; The Magical World of Disney; Conspiracy: The Trial of the Chicago Eight; Totally Minnie; The Hitchhiker; The Incident; Somebody Has to Shoot the Picture; Doublecrossed; Revenge of the Nerds III: The Next Generation; The Tommyknockers (2 episodes); Body Bags; Revenge of the Nerds IV: Nerds in Love; Sirens; ER; Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman; Kung Fu: The Legend Continues (2 episodes); Humanoids of the Deep; Dark Skies; The Pretender; NYPD Blue; The Practice; Fast Track (2 episodes); Vengeance Unlimited; Nash Bridges (2 episodes); Express Yourself (2 episodes); Monte Walsh; The Lizzie McGuire Movie; Lizzie McGuire (65 episodes); Law & Order: Criminal Intent; Jane Doe: Ties that Bind; Robot Chicken; Workers’ Comp; Jesse Stone: Benefit of Doubt; James Blondes; Tales of the Wild West (2 episodes); Lizzie McGuire (2 episodes) and Medinah.
Some feature films that Robert Carradine acted in include: The Cowboys; Go Ask Alice; Mean Streets; Aloha Bobby and Rose; Jackson County Jail; Cannonball!; Orca; Coming Home; The Long Riders; The Big Red One; Revenge of the Nerds; Number One with a Bullet; Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise; The Player; Escape from LA; Ghosts of Mars; Fancypants; Django Unchained; Was Once a Hero and Skate to Hell.
I first saw Robert Carradine acting in The Cowboys. After that I loved seeing him pop up on television and films. My favorite movie that he appeared in is The Cowboys, but The Long Riders is also a favorite. Robert Carradine’s long career is a testament to his talent.
Out thoughts and prayers go out to Robert Carradine’s family, friends and fans.
The poster and trailer for For All Mankind: Season 5 is here. I cannot wait. For All Mankind is one of the most underrated shows going.
The fight for freedom lies beyond the stars.
For All Mankind returns March 27 on Apple TV https://apple.co/_ForAllMankind
Season five of “For All Mankind” picks up in the years since the Goldilocks asteroid heist. Happy Valley has grown into a thriving colony with thousands of residents and a base for new missions that will take us even further into the solar system. But with the nations of Earth now demanding law and order on the Red Planet, friction continues to build between the people who live on Mars and their former home.
The ensemble cast returning for season five includes Joel Kinnaman, Toby Kebbell, Edi Gathegi, Cynthy Wu, Coral Peña and Wrenn Schmidt, alongside new series regulars Mireille Enos (“The Killing,” “Hanna”), Costa Ronin (“The Americans,” “Homeland”), Sean Kaufman (“The Summer I Turned Pretty”), Ruby Cruz (“Bottoms”) and Ines Asserson (“Royalteen”).
“For All Mankind” is created by Emmy Award winner Moore, and Emmy nominees Wolpert and Nedivi. Wolpert and Nedivi serve as showrunners and executive produce alongside Moore and Maril Davis of Tall Ship Productions, as well as Kira Snyder, David Weddle, Bradley Thompson and Seth Edelstein. “For All Mankind” is produced for Apple TV by Sony Pictures Television.
All four seasons of “For All Mankind” are now streaming on Apple TV.
Song: “Sail” by AWOLNATION https://apple.co/SailbyAWOLNATION
