Author: Craig Zablo

John Rambo Trailer Premieres

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I seldom overlap StalloneZone and ZONE posts. This is just cool too not to:

Ain’t It Cool News scored 3 minutes and 29 seconds of premiere footage of “John Rambo.” Although it is amazing… it is exciting… it is NOT for all ages. Sly assembled the footage to show overseas distributors.

Click HERE or HERE to see it. Big props to Harry at Ain’t It Cool News for getting the ball rolling!

It’s a great time to be a Stallone fan! – Craig

Animal Factory Quinella

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Ron Decker was on top of the world. Barely old enough to be considered an adult, yet he had it all — money, cars, a woman, and a thriving drug business. Thriving that it until he was busted. Suddenly it was all gone. What didn’t go to his lawyers was taken by his girl and soon enough she was gone too.

Decker ends up in San Quentin where he’s got a shot at getting out in two years if he can stay out of trouble. Trouble is, he’s young and not built for prison. Now he’s surrounded by hardened cons who can’t be trusted. A race war is brewing and Decker realizes that he’s in way over his head. When a powerful older con offers his friendship, Decker isn’t sure how to react. One wrong move and his two year stint will become a death sentence.

Animal Factory was written by real-life ex-con Eddie Bunker who not only wrote several critically acclaimed books [No Beast So Fierce and Education of a Felon, to name two], but also had a career as an actor.[probably best known for his role as Mr. Blue in Reservoir Dogs].

Interestingly enough, the book was also made into a movie starring Edward Furlong, Willem Dafoe, Danny Trejo, Mickey Rourke and Eddie Bunker and directed by Steve Buscemi.

Animal Factory the book rates a B
Animal Factory the movie rates a C+

"28 weeks later" Rates…

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I loved “28 days later.” So when “28 weeks later” was announced, along with the fact that the original writer [Alex Garland], the original director [Danny Boyle] and the original cast were not returning, I felt we might be in for a letdown.

“28 weeks later” has an ambitious screenplay by Rowan Joffe, Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, Jesus Olmo and Enrique Lopez Lavigne. Juan Carlos Fresnadillo takes the director’s chair and does an admirable job of retaining the feel and style of the original. Robert Carlyle [who is always good] is the biggest name actor in the new cast although many will recognize Harold Perrineau, from “Lost” in a small but important role.

Spoilers will follow…

The movie opens with perhaps the best scenes in the film. A band of survivors [including a husband and wife who hope that their children are still alive] have barricaded themselves in a remote farm house. As they settle down for dinner, it is obvious that their situation is wearing them down. When a child is heard yelling to be let in the house, the theme of the movie comes into play… who/how many will you sacrifice to save yourself? There’s hesitation, but they let the boy in and soon enough all of the “infected” that were chasing the boy, are breaking into the house. They succeed and the survivors run and fight for their lives. A horrible moment occurs when the husband makes it to the window and his wife hesitates so that she can bring along the boy. A group of infected get between them and the husband is faced with a choice: try to save his wife and the boy or himself. He chooses to save himself. The last image that he sees as he runs from the farm house is of his wife being pulled from the window.

The husband makes his way to safety and is part of a group brought in to repopulate London. The virus is gone, and the military are everywhere insuring a quick end should it return. And return return it does…

The Good: “28 weeks” retains much of the feel of “28 days.” Robert Carlyle. Jeremy Renner who almost steals the show in his role as Doyle. The way that the virus is brought back into play. The infection spreading through the crowded underground safe haven. No one is safe… no one! The potential for “28 months later!”

The Bad: The way that Robert Carlyle is always able to find the survivors who are on the run. The killing of Jeremy Renner’s character.

The Ugly: The helicopter taking out “the infected” with it’s blades and not crashing.

“28 weeks later”

Rating:

Black Cherry

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Doug TenNapel created the Earthworm Jim video game and is the genius behind Nickelodeon’s Catscratch cartoon series. TenNapel has also written and illustrated five graphic novels. I’ve never played the video game, watched the tv show or read any of his graphic novels. 
That’s about to change. TenNapel has a new graphic novel, Black Cherry, coming out in July.
It’s for mature audiences. If you’re so inclined, you can order it HERE.

Survivor: My Dilemma

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Last night’s Survivor episode made Earl a millionaire, Dreamz a villain, and Yau-Man a hero. It’s interesting that up until the finale, I hadn’t really heard anyone talking about this season’s Survivor. Sure, it was interesting watching Yau make just the right move at just the right time. Still, the season lacked anyone that you could REALLY root for or against.

Until last night that is. When Dreamz broke his promise to give Yau the immunity necklace, he sealed their fate and handed the million dollar prize to Earl. Yau was voted off the island. That left Dreamz [who everyone now cast in the role of Judas], Cassandra [who had no athletic or survival abilities other than laying low] and Earl [who everybody liked]. In fact, a poll of the jury proved that had Dreamz kept his word, Yau would have won the vote against Earl.

So… I’ve been struggling with my thoughts on Dreamz’s decision to break his word. First left me say that I don’t believe Dreamz when he says that his plan was to always keep the immunity if he won it. Dreamz struggled with his decision. In fact there were tears running down his face when he said he was keeping the immunity necklace. Had it been his plan all along to keep the immunity, he wouldn’t have struggled with his decision. I believe that Dreamz had meant to give the immunity to Yau, but the chance at being one of three to win a million dollars was just too much.

So… here’s my dilemma: knowing that it’s a game where the idea is to outwit, outlast and outplay your opponents… was it wrong for Dreamz to keep the immunity? On one hand, I say, “Of course not. That’s the nature of the game. People do it all the time.” On the other mitt, I say, “But Dreamz promised to God on his children. Doesn’t that take it a step deeper? Also Dreamz accepted a $60,000+ truck. Doesn’t that make it a deal? Didn’t these things make it more than just a promise made in a game??”

I’m not really sure how I feel other than to say:

  • 1] Yau-Man played the game better than any other player from any other season.

  • 2] If Yau couldn’t win, I’m glad Earl did.

  • 3] I wish Dreamz had kept his word.

    4] I think that Dreamz is being untruthful when he says that he never planned to keep his deal… greed to hold of him.

    5] I think if you “promise to God on your children” you’d better stick to your word… even if you’re playing a game.

Am I wrong?

Survivor Finale

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The season finale of “Survivor Fiji” is on tonight. We’re down to:
  • Kenward “Boo” Burns, 34, a construction worker from Lafayette, La. who has won the last two immunity challenges. Boo should be the next to go if he doesn’t win immunity
  • Yau-Man Chan, 54, a computer engineer from Martinez, Calif. who has had the best strategies so far into the game. Yau-Man has become a fan favorite [as well as the one I hope wins it all] due to his kind heart, strategic planning and cunning moves
  • Earl Cole, 35, ad exec from Santa Monica, Calif. is Yau-Man’s strongest alliance. Will Earl be as loyal as Yau?
  • Cassandra Franklin, 42, civil engineer manager from Los Angeles has been flying under the radar. She is the least athletic, and has gone far because she isn’t a threat. She could be the biggest threat to Yau-Man because she [on the sly] provides Dreamz the support he needs
  • Andre “Dreamz” Herd, 25, cheerleading coach from Wilmington, N.C. Talk about a waffler. Dreamz switches alliances so often, he even has a hard time keeping track of what he’s said to who.

I’m pulling for Yau-Man to win it all. If not Yau, then Earl or Boo. Cassandra and Dreams are just lucky to be around this late in the game.

Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find

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It’s never to early to start talking up one of the best comic book convention’s in the world! Heroes Con, in its 26th year, is stronger than ever. This year’s guest list continues to grow. Despite the impressive size of the guest list, the show retains a small con feel. Due to a packed schedule of activities, there’s something for everyone. The show is perfect for families [in fact, for years we’ve made Heroes a part of our family vacation]. If you have any interest in comics, art, or just having a great weekend, then you should come to the con!

You Are Here

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Remember when I said that last week I’d ordered two graphic novels and told you how much I enjoyed Last of the Independents by Matt Fraction and Kieron Dwyer? Well, today I’m going to tell you about the second book, You Are Here by Kyle Baker that I enjoyed even more!

Noel Coleman thinks he’s got it made. Coleman is in love with Helen; a beautiful, spiritual and sesitive animal lover. They’ve been together a year and Coleman is ready to settle down and marry her. There’s just one catch. Coleman isn’t the man he’s led Helen to believe he is. Sure, he’s a talented painter… but he’s also criminal who’s been on the run for a year. Hoping to leave his checkered past behind, Coleman goes back to New York City to sell his apartment so he can return to the country and live happily ever after with Helen.

You just know that ain’t happenin’.

Shortly after arriving in New York, Coleman accidently meets up with his old crime partner, Oscar. Coleman and Oscar decide to hit some of their old haunts and Coleman learns that the cops and a homicidal maniac are still looking for him. Helen shows up to surprise Coleman and before you know it they’re both running for their lives. The book ends with a fight to the death and a conclusion that you won’t be expecting!

Kyle Baker’s art is amazing. You Are Here is visually stunning. Baker’s use of color and a storyboard panel design is to complete advantage. The story is full of humor and yet the book never loses it’s pulp feel. It’s a crazy combination that works. It’s not a comedy, but there are comedic moments. It’s not noir by the strictest definition, but it has that undercurrent. The art is cartoony but not in a bigfoot way. And you gotta love it that Robert Mitchum plays the homicidal maniac. I loved every page. You probably would too.

You Are Here rates an A+

Criminally Good

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One of the best monthly comics being published today is CRIMINAL by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. The first story arc just finished up and is available in a trade paperback. The second arc, Lawless, is getting ready to hit the stands later this month. That’s the cover above for part one.
If you’re not reading Criminal and you enjoy crime stories consider giving it a look. 

Medium – Well Done

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If you asked me what my current favorite shows are, Medium wouldn’t be the first, second, or even third show that I’d mention. But it would make the list. Medium is one of my favorites. I DVR it each week and then my wife and I watch it whenever. Medium is always good for a storytelling twist and sometimes even a “scare” or two. It also features the most realistic family on television.
I’m pleased to post that NBC has given an early renewal to Medium. It’ll return for a fourth season this the fall. NBC Entertainment president Kevin Reilly was quoted as saying, “‘Medium’ is a quality show with an outstanding star that has always delivered a very loyal audience. We are pleased to know that we can look forward to more of its unique storytelling next year.”
Me too.

Last of the Independents

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Last week I ordered two graphic novels that I have been meaning to get for literally years. The first, which I’ll talk about today, is Last of the Independents by Matt Fraction and Kieron Dwyer.I’d meant to purchase Last of the Independents when it was first published back in 2003. I just never got around to it. But when Christopher Mills posted a perfect 6 out of 6 review for it on his Guns in the Gutters blog, my interest was rekindled. Then in this month’s issue of Criminal by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips [also worth picking up], Matt Fraction joined Charlie Huston and Greg Rucka [two of my favorite authors] in a discussion of 70’s crime movies. [The issue is worth picking up just to read their thoughts on the subject.] At any rate, Fraction talks about getting his title Last of the Independents from the unused title for “Charley Varrick” [a 70’s crime flick]. So I was sold and ordered Fraction and Dwyer’s graphic novel.

Last of the Independents is Fraction’s love letter to the creators and fans of the movie “Charley Varrick”. Like in the movie, a middle aged guy and his crew knock off a small town bank only to discover it’s mob money that they’ve stolen. There are other similarities, but never does this feel like anything more than a tip of the fedora to a movie, a genre and an era that had an enormous impact on crime fiction fans. Fraction’s story and script are first rate. He drops us in as the bank is being robbed and introduces us to the main characters quickly without wordy exposition. In fact, he often lets Kieron Dwyer’s art tell the tale. Dwyer’s art is perfect for the graphic novel. [I’ve been a fan of his work for some time and hope to someday see a piece by him in my Stallone Gallery.]

One final note, the graphic novel is presented in a “widescreen” format. I usually get annoyed by graphic novels that don’t fit nicely on the book shelf. The publisher, AIT/Planet Lar, must have realized how picky collector’s can be because this graphic novel comes with a vertical slipcover that makes it possible for it to be shelved on the bookcase with other “regular” graphic novels. Kudos for whoever worked out such a creative and simple solution.

Last of the Independents rates an “A”.