Author: Craig Zablo

“Diabolique” (1955) directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot, starring Simone Signoret, Véra Clouzot, Paul Meurisse, and Charles Vanel / Z-View

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Diabolique (1955)

Director: Henri-Georges Clouzot

Screenplay: Henri-Georges Clouzot, Jérôme Géronimi, René Masson, Frédéric Grendel, based on  CELLE QUI N’éTAIT PLUS by Boileau-Narcejac

Stars: Simone Signoret, Véra Clouzot, Paul Meurisse, Charles Vanel

Tagline: Don’t Reveal the Ending!

The Plot…

Michel Delassalle is a cruel man.  Michel is the Principal of a boys’ boarding school owned by his wife, Christina.  Christina also works as a teacher at the school.  Michel enjoys flaunting his authority over his teachers including his wife.  He gets off on humiliating them at every opportunity.  To make matters worse, Michel has an on-going affair with Nicole Horner, another teacher at the school, who he also mistreats.

Surprisingly, Christina and Nicole have developed a friendship… and a plan.  They’ve devised the perfect albi so when they kill Michel, they will be above suspicion.

Or so they thought.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Alfred Hitchcock reportedly wanted the rights to the original novel but was beaten by just a few hours by Henri-Georges Clouzot who went on to direct Diabolique.

Véra Clouzot died suddenly of a heart attack five years after the release of Diabolique.  She was only 46. Her character in the film suffered from a weak heart.

Diabolique was ahead of it’s time.  It inspired filmmakers from William Castle to Alfred Hitchcock.  And what a twist ending!

Diabolique (1955) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Landman: Season 2” written by Taylor Sheridan, directed by Stephan Kay, starring Billy Bob Thorton, Demi Moore, Andy Garcia, Ali Carter and Sam Elliott / Z-View

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Landman: Season 2 (2026)

Created by: Taylor Sheridan, Christian Wallace

Director: Stephen Kay (Eps. 1-10)

Teleplay: Taylor Sheridan (Eps. 1-10)

Stars: Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, Jacob Lofland, Michelle Randolph, Paulina Chavez, Kayla Wallace, Mark Collie, James Jordan, Demi Moore, Andy Garcia, Sam Elliott, Colm Feore, Mustafa Speaks, Dougie Hall, K.C. Clyde, Stefania Spampinato, Guy Burnet and Francesca Xuereb.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Tommy Norris (Thorton) oversees the day-to-day operations for the M-Tex oil company.  It’s Tommy’s job to make sure everything runs smoothly and the company makes money.

Monty Miller owned M-Tex.  Since his death it’s become clear that although he was a billionaire (on paper), his dealings behind the scenes have the company on the precipice of losing everything.  With Monty dead, his wife Cami, who has no experience in business, is owner of M-Tex.  Tommy encourages Cami to sell the company.  The sale would bring Cami generational wealth.  Tami is set on moving forward with a drill that has a 10% chance of success.  If they strike oil, the money earned would be exponentially more than selling the business.  But if the drill doesn’t produce, Cami would lose everything.

In order to finance the new drill, Cami goes to Danny “Gallino” Morrell.  Morrell is a financier on the surface, but behind the scenes runs a drug cartel.  Cami ignored Tommy’s warnings about Morrell.  Morrell also has his hooks in Tommy’s son’s wildcat wells.

To complicate matters, Tommy’s 80 year old father has come to live with him and his daughter is about to leave for college.  Tommy cannot catch a break.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Taylor Sheridan, the show’s creator, returns to write all ten episodes of season two.

Stephen Kay, who directed six of the ten episodes in season one, returns to direct all ten in season two. Kay is known for directing episodes of The Shield, Sons of Anarchy, The Punisher, Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown, Lioness, 1883, 1923 and one of my favorite films, Get Carter (2000).

The casting from the biggest to the smallest roles is on point.  Standouts include:

  • Billy Bob Thorton was born to play Tommy Norris.  Thorton is an excellent actor, and I’ve loved him in several roles.  This may be my favorite.
  • Ali Larter is excellent in a role that I love to dislike.
  • Michelle Randolph plays Elizabeth Strafford in 1923.  What a different character than the one she plays in Landman.  She’s excellent in both.  I guess that’s why they call it acting.
  • Jacob Lofland is more than holding his own.  I’ve seen Lofland before in Mud and Justified, but in Landman he shines.
  • Paulina Chavez continues to shine.
  • Kayla Wallace owns her role as the lawyer who goes for the throat in every interaction.  This season we also get to see another side of her.
  • James Jordan is fun to watch.  He has a supporting role in this and Lioness.  He helps make both shows so good.
  • Colm Feore – I’ve loved him in every scene he’s in.  Great addition to the show.
  • Andy García – projects the right combination of charm and menace.
  • Demi Moore – is perfect.
  • Mustafa Speaks – plays Theodore “Boss” Ramone, the lead oil crewman on Cooper’s second crew.  I’d love to see more of this character.
  • Francesca Xuereb – plays Cheyenne, a stripper turned physical therapist Tommy hires to help his dad.  I’ve never seen Xuereb before, but she’s one to keep an eye on.

Landman: Season 2 gets my highest recommendation.

Landman: Season 2 (2026) rates 5 of 5 stars.

NOVEMBER ROAD by Lou Berney / Z-View

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NOVEMBER ROAD by Lou Berney

First sentences…

Behold!  The Big Easy in all its wicked splendor!

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Frank Guidry is living the life he could only imagine as a boy.  Guidry’s charm, smarts and ruthlessness made him a valuable asset to New Orleans’ mob boss Carlos Marcello.  Now Guidry is a fixer for Marcello.  This comes with benefits.  Guidry’s a known man in New Orleans. He gets the best seats at restaurants. He’s respected.  Women are attracted to him.  Even Seraphine, Marcello’s right hand and brains of the outfit fell for Guidry’s charms. Guidry believes he’ll rise even higher in Marcello’s organization.

Then President Kennedy is assassinated in Dallas.

Within hours of Kennedy’s murder, associates of Carlos Marcello start turning up dead.  No way it is a coincidence.  Guidry is worried.  Marcello had Guidry drive a car to Dallas before the assassination.  It was a strange request.  Guidry didn’t think much of it at the time.  But now he’s concerned.  Was it used as the getaway car after the assassination?  If so, Guidry is one of the few people who can tie Carlos Marcello to the President’s murder.  That means Guidry is marked for death.

Maybe he’s reading too much into the errand.

Then Seraphine tells Guidry he needs to return to Dallas to “get rid” of the car.  Seraphine also wants to know the hotel that Guidry is going to use.  Now there is no doubt.  Guidry is sure he’s next on the hit list.  His only chance is to run.

If Guidry can make it to Las Vegas, a contact who hates Marcello will help him escape. Getting to Vegas quick and gone is the plan.  But when Guidry sees a woman and two little girls beside a broken down car, he stops to assist.  Charlotte is heading to California with her two girls to start a new life.  Her car engine is beyond repair.  Guidry realizes that the hitmen sent after him won’t be looking for a man with a woman and two kids.  Guidry offers to take them along if they’ll accompany him to Vegas.  There he promises to help her get a car for the rest of her trip.

Although hesitant at first, Charlotte agrees.  Guidry realizes that Marcello and the killers he sends will think Guidry is racing to Vegas.  If he slows down, they may think he got away.  Then he can slip into Vegas with Charlotte and her kids and his escape will be complete.

There are two things Guidry didn’t count on.  One: He and Charlotte falling in love.  Two: The killer Marcello sent is Barone.  Barone is a ruthless, intelligent, killing machine.  Barone never quits until he’s target is hit.

+++

I loved NOVEMBER ROAD.  At the start of the tale Guidry isn’t sure if he’s been set up or not.  If he has, he needs to run.  But if he hasn’t been set up and he runs, that will surely mark him for execution.  We also see right away that Guidry is all about self-preservation.  Will that change with Charlotte and her girls?

The time on the road for both Guidry and the killer provides for interesting situations for both.  The tension builds as bodies pile up and the killer closes in.

NOVEMBER ROAD has an ending that surprises and satisfies.

Rating:

“Rocky IV” 40th Anniversary Alt Poster by Sahin Düzgün!

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How cool is this alt Rocky IV 40th Anniversary poster created by Sahin Düzgün? Very cool is the correct answer.  Sahin is a graphic designer, poster artist  and movie lover from Berlin, Germany.

Here is what Sahin had to say about his design: Forty years later, the spirit of Rocky IV still hits like a punch to the chest — the snow, the sweat, the cold determination. It’s that relentless 80s intensity mixed with raw emotion, a clash of worlds, and a reminder of how powerful a simple underdog drive can be.

Rocky: Going in one more round when you don’t think you can – that’s what makes all the difference in your life.

“The Convert” (2023) directed by Lee Tamahori, starring Guy Pearce / Z-View

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The Convert (2023)

Director: Lee Tamahori

Screenplay: Shane Danielsen, Lee Tamahori; story by Michael Bennett; based on WULF by Hamish Clayton

Stars: Guy Pearce, Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne, Antonio Te Maioha, Jacqueline McKenzie, Lawrence Makoare, Dean O’Gorman and Duane Evans Jr. 

Tagline: A fight for peace. A heart at war.

The Plot…

1830s.  Thomas Munro, a British preacher is sent to New Zealand to spread the word.  When Munro arrives he finds  two Māori tribes at war.  Munro realizes the British traders are profiting from the tribe’s war.  When Munro’s efforts to bring peace are rejected, he finds himself taking sides.  Munro’s faith is tested as he reverts to the violent man he was in the past.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Guy Pearce is always solid.

It was cool to see how the title plays into the story.

The Convert (2023) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“There Are No Saints” (2022) starring José María Yazpik, Paz Vega with Ron Perlman and Tim Roth / Z-View

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There Are No Saints (2022)

Director: Alfonso Pineda Ulloa

Screenplay: Paul Schrader

Stars: José María Yazpik, Shannyn Sossamon, Paz Vega, Tommy Flanagan, Ron Perlman, Tim Roth and Neal McDonough.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Neto Niente, a former mob enforcer known as The Jesuit, was just released from prison for a crime he didn’t commit.  Things get worse when his ex-wife’s husband kills her and kidnaps his son.  Now Niente is on a quest to save his son.

Things don’t always go as planned.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The film reportedly was a tough production.  Screenwriter, Paul Schrader was originally set to direct.  Because of production delays, Schrader moved on.  Oscar Isaac was originally set to star, but dropped out when the film lost financing.  Brian Cox was originally in the cast.  Reshoots were required when he dropped out and was replaced by Ron Perlman.

If you’re expecting a happy ending, don’t.  This one is brutal and dark.

There Are No Saints (2022) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“The Rip” (2026) written & directed by Joe Carnahan, starring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, Catalina Sandino Moreno with Scott Adkins and Kyle Chandler / Z-View

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The Rip (2026)

Director: Joe Carnahan

Screenplay: Joe Carnahan, story by Joe Carnahan, Michael McGrale

Stars: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Sasha Calle, Kyle Chandler, Daisuke Tsuji, Nestor Carbonell, Lina Esco, Cliff Chamberlain, Jose Pablo Cantillo, Marco Morales, Sal Lopez, Angel Rosario Jr. and Scott Adkins.

Tagline: Count the money. Count it again. Count on no one.

The Plot…

Rumors of crooked cops in the Miami-Dade Police Department are gaining traction.  When Captain Jackie Velez is murdered, suspicion falls on her Tactical Narcotics Team.  The TNT consists of Lieutenant Dane Dumars and Detectives J.D. Byrne, Mike Ro, Numa Baptiste, and Lolo Salazar.  One or more of them may be dirty.

Just before the end of the day, Dumars recieves a tip about a house in a new subdivision containing drug money.  It is the only occupied house in the area.  Dumars informs the team that it is supposed to contain $100,000 to $200,00 in cartel cash.

Desi Molina answers the door.  Desi is a young woman who recently inherited the house from her grandmother.  She lives alone.  Desi reluctantly lets the team in.  The search of the house reveals a hidden space in the attic.  The team discovers $20 million dollars in cash.

Lieutenant Dumars tells the team that they are not going to follow standard protocal.  Normally they would call in the location and amount of the seizure.  Dumars says he’s worried about crooked cops.  Dumars orders the team to give him their cell phones.  One or more of them could be crooked.  Or is Dumars one of the bad cops?

Then a call comes to the house. Dumars answers.  The voice on the other end says to take the amount of money called in and leave the rest.  They have 30 minutes to comply.  If they don’t everyone in the house will be executed.

Dumars and the team aren’t sure how to proceed.  Was it the cartel or dirty cops calling?  How did they know the money had been found?  Who can they trust?  What is the best thing to do?

The clock is ticking…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I went in to The Rip thinking it would be good.  I was wrong.  It was great.  I absolutely loved it.  Writer/director Joe Carnahan has crafted a story that has mystery, tension, suspense and action.  Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are joined by Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Sasha Calle, and Kyle Chandler.  All are perfectly cast.

I love the mystery of who to trust.  The tension continues to mount as the minutes tick off.  Trapped with a team that may not have your back in a deserted subivision.  Afraid to call back-up because of dirty cops with the cartel closing in.

The Rip gets my highest recommendation.

The Rip (2026) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“The Running Man” (2025) directed by Edgar Wright, starring Glen Powell / Z-View

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The Running Man (2025)

Director: Edgar Wright

Screenplay: Michael Bacal, Edgar Wright based on THE RUNNING MAN by Stephen King

Stars: Glen Powell, Josh Brolin, Colman Domingo, William H. Macy, Alyssa Benn, David Zayas, Greg Townley, Karl Glusman, Joey Ansah, James Frecheville, Lee Pace, Sean Hayes, Chris Rogers, Debi Mazar and Jayme Lawson.

Tagline: Survive 30 days while the world hunts you down.

The Plot…

In a dystopian future, most of the population lives in poverty.  Those lucky enough to have jobs barely get by.  The masses spend their days glued to the television watching game shows where contestants can win large sums of money.  The most popular is The Running Man hosted by Bobby Thompson.  Contestants actually risk their lives to play.  They are called runners, and are given $1,000 as well as a 12 hour head start.  Then, if they can survive 30 days, they will win one billion dollars.  Life changing money.  But there is a risk.  In addition to the show’s hunters, any one in the country can kill a runner.  If a citizen kills the runner, they win a small cash prize.

When Ben Richards is unable to afford needed medicine for his daughter, he decides to try out for a television show.  He hopes to win enough cash to pay for his daughter’s meds.  Richards is shocked when he is picked to appear on The Running Man.  He doesn’t want to die, but if he could somehow win, his family would be set forever.

Let the game begin!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Arnold Schwarzenegger, who starred in the original The Running Man, appears on money used in the movie.

Stephen King’s novel, written in 1982, is a futuristic tale set in 2025, the same year as the film’s release.

The film starts out well enough, but by it’s very nature is so over the top that Geln Powell’s character, despite finding himself in tough situations, never really feels in danger.

The Running Man (2025) rates 2 of 5 stars.