Previews and Reviews that are Z's Views
Finally we have a trailer for Mayor of Kingstown Season 4. I. Can. Not. Wait.
Deal me in.
Mike fights to protect his own as new forces converge on Kingstown.
Stream season 4 of Mayor of Kingstown on October 26, exclusively on Paramount+.
The trailer for Black Rabbit did it’s job.
Deal me in.
When the owner of NYC’s biggest hotspot (Jude Law) allows his troubled brother (Jason Bateman) to return to the family business, trouble multiplies.
Make a Reservation for BLACK RABBIT here: https://www.netflix.com/blackrabbit
BLACK RABBIT is a limited series created and executive produced by Zach Baylin and Kate Susman for Youngblood Pictures.
Executive producers include #JasonBateman, Michael Costigan and Roxie Rodriguez for Aggregate Films; #JudeLaw and Ben Jackson for Riff Raff Entertainment; Brian Kavanaugh-Jones from Automatik; Andrew Hinderaker, Zac Frognowski, Justin Levy, David Bernon and Erica Kay.
The Wire: Season 1 (2002)
Created by: David Simon
Teleplay by: (eps. 1-4; 6; 8; 10) David Simon from a story by David Simon, Ed Burns; (ep.5) Ed Burns from a story by David Simon, Ed Burns; (ep. 7) Rafael Alvarez from a story by David Simon, Ed Burns; (ep. 9) David H. Melnick, Shamit Choksey from a story by David Simon, Ed Burns; (ep. 11) Joy Kecken (as Joy Lusco) from a story by David Simon, Ed Burns; (ep. 12) George P. Pelecanos from a story by David Simon, Ed Burns;
Directed by: Clark Johnson (eps. 1-2; 5); Peter Medak (ep. 3); Clement Virgo (eps. 4; 12); Ed Bianchi (ep. 6); Joe Chappelle (ep. 7); Gloria Muzio (ep. 8); Milcho Manchevski (ep. 9); Brad Anderson (ep. 10); Steve Shill (ep. 11); Tim Van Patten (ep. 13)
Stars: Dominic West, Idris Elba, Lawrence Gilliard Jr., Lance Reddick, Wood Harris, Sonja Sohn, Wendell Pierce, Frankie Faison, Andre Royo, Deirdre Lovejoy, John Doman, Peter Gerety, Seth Gilliam, Domenick Lombardozzi, Clarke Peters, Jim True-Frost, Michael K. Williams, Hassan Johnson, J.D. Williams, Clayton LeBouef, Delaney Williams, Richard DeAngelis, Wendy Grantham, Michael Kostroff, Michael Salconi, Callie Thorne, Maria Broom, Robert F. Chew, Michael Hyatt, Melanie Nicholls-King, Nat Benchley, Tom Quinn, Fredro Starr, Jarvis George, Jeorge Watson, Brian Anthony Wilson, Doug Olear and Michael B. Jordan.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Baltimore Homicide Detective Jimmy McNulty is upset when D’Angelo Barksdale beats a murder rap. McNulty sees an opportunity when he speaks to an old friend, who happens to be a judge with political influence. McNulty informs Judge Phelan that D’Angelo Barksdale not only beat the murder rap, but even worse, Barksdale’s uncle runs a major drug operation in the city.
Judge Phelan decides to put pressure on the mayor and police commissioner. Blindsided by the judge, because McNulty skipped the chain of command, the Deputy Commissioner of Operations, the Narcotics Unit Commander and the Homicide Unit Commander are called on the carpet. The judge expects results.
The decision is made to create a small task force. The unit will be made up of a couple of rookie cops, some veteran officers who scrape by, a good street cop, and McNulty. The team will be led by Lieutenant Cedric Daniels. Daniels understands that his superiors made the task force for show. They want the squad to wrap up quickly with a few busts to appease the mayor.
As the group comes together, they struggle to become a team. But soon the squad comes realize that they’ve been given a chance to make a difference. They plan to take down the Barksdale organization.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The Wire looks and feels real. The characters (major and minor) are well rounded. In fact some of the smaller roles (both police and criminals) are played by real-life police and criminals. Some of the characters are based on real-life people and events.
The character of Omar was so popular that his role was expanded and he appeared in all five seasons. Despite being a cold-blooded killer, Omar lives by a code. Ironically he is more honest than many of the cops. Also, Omar is the only major character to never curse.
The series is well written, well directed and well acted. So many of the unknown actors (when the series started) went on to have great careers.
In my review of The Last of Us Season 2, I wrote, “I’ve never seen a lead character that has irritated me as much as Ellie did.” The Wire‘s McNulty gives Ellie a run for her money.
I love that the series spends as much time with the criminals as the cops. It’s interesting to see both groups struggling to stay one step ahead of the others.
I loved season one. On to season 2.
The Wire: Season 1 (2002) earns 5 of 5 stars.
The Sopranos by Rich Pellegrino. If you’re a fan, you may have already seen this piece, but even still, it’s worth several looks. If you’ve never heard of Pellegrino, click on the link and enjoy his art.
Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes (2025)
Directed by: Joe Berlinger
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes is a three episode limited series that features vintage unheard recordings as well as modern day interviews with David Berkowitz, some survivors of his attacks and those involved in capturing him.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
If you’re at all familiar with the Son of Sam killings, there is nothing earth shattering presented. The recordings didn’t provide insight. Although Berkowitz confessed to all of the murders, he’s changed his story over the years.
The Last of Us: Season 2 (2025) earns 2 of 5 stars.
Tulsa King starring Sly Stallone – The Third Season Teaser is Here!
I. Can. Not. Wait.
Sylvester Stallone is back as Dwight Manfredi in Tulsa King. In Season Three, as Dwight’s empire expands, so do his enemies – and the risks to his crew. Now, he faces his most dangerous adversaries in Tulsa yet: the Dunmires, a powerful old-money family that doesn’t play by old-world rules, forcing Dwight to fight for everything he’s built and protect his family.
New Season of Tulsa King Streaming September 21, exclusively on Paramount+.
Dark Side of the Ring: Season 2 (2020)
Created by: Evan Husney, Jason Eisener
Director: Jason Eisener
Stars: Chris Jericho, Jim Ross, Dean Malenko, Vickie Guerrero, James E. Cornette, Chavo Guerrero Jr., Steve Austin, Vince Russo, Bruce Prichard, Sam Fatu, Don Muraco, Jimmy Hart, David Schultz, John Stossel, Hulk Hogan, Mick Foley, B. Brian Blair, Joe Laurinaitis, Paul Ellering, Nikita Koloff and Dave Meltzer.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Each episode of Dark Side of the Ring profiles a professional wrestler or event that has become infamous among professional wrestling insiders. Interviews with those who were there, archival footage and reenactments are used in each episode.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Dark Side of the Ring is must-see viewing for fans of professional wrestling. Even if you think you know the stories covered, new information and insights are presented.
Dark Side of the Ring: Season 2 (2020) rates 5 of 5 stars
The Last of Us: Season 2 (2025)
Created by: Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann; based on The Last of Us by Naughty Dog
Teleplay by: Craig Mazin (episodes 1-5); Neil Druckmann & Halley Gross & Craig Mazin (episodes 6-7)
Directed by: Craig Mazin (episode 1); Mark Mylod (episode 2); Peter Hoar (episode 3); Kate Herron (episode 4); Stephen Williams (episode 5); Neil Druckmann (episode 6); Nina Lopez-Corrado (episodes 7)
Stars: Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Kaitlyn Dever, Rutina Wesley, Robert John Burke, Tati Gabrielle, Ariela Barer, Danny Ramirez, Catherine O’Hara, Alanna Ubach, Hettienne Park, Tony Dalton, Joe Pantoliano and Jeffrey Wright.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Five years have passed since the events of season one. Although Joel and Ellie have settled in to the Jackson Hole community, some event radically changed their relationship. As the series progresses we will discover the cause. Also, something so tragically unexpected will happen that will change the trajectory of the series.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The Last of Us is based on the popular video game of the same name. I’ve never played it and didn’t know the story ahead of seeing the show.
Every episode contains twists, but none as brutal as in the second episode.
The characters are well cast and well played. Of course not enough can be said about Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. They are supported by an amazing supporting cast. Standouts include Gabriel Luna, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Kaitlyn Dever, Tony Dalton, Joe Pantoliano and Jeffrey Wright.
I’ve never seen a lead character that has irritated me as much as Ellie did in season two.
Season two’s ending leaves me with questions. Since I haven’t played the game or know the story, I’m interested to see what happens in season 3.
The Last of Us: Season 2 (2025) earns 4 of 5 stars.
The Madness (2024)
Created by: Stephen Belber
Directors: Clément Virgo (Eps. 1-2; 7-8); Jessica Lowrey (Eps. 3-4); Quyen Tran (Eps. 5-6)
Teleplay: Stephen Belber (Eps. 1; 8); Stephen Belber & V. J. Boyd (Ep. 2); Obehi Janice & Dana Kitchens (Ep. 3); Maurice Williams & Liz Ellis (Ep.4; story by Maurice Williams); Katie Swain (Ep. 5); Felicia Hilario (Ep. 6); V. J. Boyd & Dana Kitchens (Ep.7; story by Jeanine C. Daniels)
Stars: Colman Domingo, Marsha Stephanie Blake, John Ortiz, Bradley Whitford, Tamsin Topolski, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Gabrielle Graham, Deon Cole, Ennis Esmer, Hudson Wurster, Lochlan Miller, Alison Wright, Eugene Clark, Rothaford Gray, Chris Henry Coffey and Stephen McKinley Henderson.
Tagline: You can’t escape.
The Plot…
Muncie Daniels is on the verge of making it big. Muncie is becoming well known, not for being the son of an activist infamous for murder, but for being a television celebrity. Muncie’s talk show guest ratings have been high, and an offer for his own show is in the works. Unfortunately, Muncie’s home life has suffered. He has a grown daughter from a woman he never married. He also has an estranged wife and teenage son.
When Muncie decides to take a weekend for himself to decompress, he rents a cabin in the woods. As he’s getting things in, Muncie meets the man in the next cabin over. The man informs Muncie that if he ever needs anything to pop over.
Later, Munice is surprised when all the power in the cabin goes out. Muncie heads over to his neighbor’s to see if the power is on there. No one answers the knock on the door, so Muncie heads around back. He is shocked to see…
… two men cutting up his neighbors body!
Muncie takes off running through the woods with the killers in pursuit. Before it is over, Muncie finds himself framed for the murder of his neighbor. Worse still Muncie discovers a billionaire in behind the conspiracy. Now wanted by the FBI and every police department in the country, Muncie must find a way to clear his name.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The story starts of well enough but as the episodes go on it meanders and drags. The plot is excellent. The actors, especially Colman Domingo, John Ortiz, Deon Cole, Bradley Whitford and Stephen McKinley Henderson shine.
The problem is the story. At times it meanders and drags. If someone had come in with a final edit to make the story leaner, allow the characters to make better (more realistic) decisions, then my rating would have been higher.
The Madness (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars
When my buddy Drew Moss was offering a sketchbook with an original sketch option, I had to jump on board. Drew loved the Tulsa King suggestion. As you can see above Drew’s sketch was fit for… you guessed it, a king!
Hey! Here’s the poster and trailer for Peacemaker: Season 2!
Deal me in.
Making peace with yourself is harder than it looks.
Season ✌️ of #Peacemaker premieres August 21 on HBO Max.
Welcome to DC, the official home of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash and the rest of The World’s Greatest Super Heroes!
It was announced that Hulk Hogan died today from cardiac arrest at the age of 67.
Born Terry Gene Bollea, he was discovered by Jack and Jerry Brisco when they saw Mr. Bollea playing with his band at a local Tampa club. Impressed by his size, they spoke to Terry about trying out as a professional wrestler. Terry agreed and began training.
Terry had his first match in 1977, after a little more than a year of training for the CWF (Championship Wrestling from Florida). Terry often appeared as a masked wrestler called The Super Destroyer. After about a year Terry decided to quit wrestling. He managed a club and opened a gym. In his spare time Mr. Bollea worked out with his buddy Ed Leslie (later known as Brutus the Barber Beefcake). It occurred to Terry that because both he and Ed were big and muscular, they might make a good wrestling team.
The two began wrestling as The Boulder Brothers. It was during this time that Terry was on a talk show with Lou “The Hulk” Ferrigno. Terry was bigger than Lou and so he was given the wrestling name Terry “The Hulk” Boulder. During this time Terry also wrestled under the name Sterling Golden.
In 1979, Vince McMahon, owner and promoter of the WWF, signed Terry to a contract. McMahon gave Terry the name Hulk Hogan. For his initial run with the WWF, Hogan was cast as a villain. When Hulk Hogan was offered a role in Rocky III, he accepted. Mr. McMahon was against the idea and cut Hulk Hogan from the WWF roster. Hulk Hogan’s role in Rocky III gave him more nation and world-wide recognition than professional wrestling.
After filming was completed, Hulk Hogan signed with the American Wrestling Association. He was initially given the role of a bad guy, but proved to be so popular with fans, Hogan soon became a babyface (good guy).
In 1983, Vince McMahon had plans to take his WWF promotion nation-wide. He had secured television time and just needed a superstar to be the face of the company. Mr. McMahon decided that Hulk Hogan was the wrestler he needed. McMahon offered Hogan a contract. In short order, Hogan was made champion.
“Hulkamania” ran wild. Fans loved him. Hulk Hogan was at the top of the card for eight of the first nine Wrestlemania pay-per-views. He was a five time WWF champion. He was the first wrestler to win back to back Royal Rumble matches. Hulk Hogan’s match with André the Giant on February 5, 1988, still holds the American television viewership record for professional wrestling. It scored a 15.2 Nielsen rating with 33 million viewers.
Hulk Hogan’s popularity gave him opportunities outside of wrestling. He starred in several movies, a couple of television series and made guest appearances on television shows as well.
Some of the television projects that feature Hulk Hogan include: CWA Wrestling (2 episodes – Terry “The Hulk” Boulder); WWF World Championship Wrestling (1 episode – Sterling Golden); Wrestling at the Chase; Spectrum Wrestling (3 episodes); The War to Settle the Score; Goldie and the Bears; Search for Tomorrow (2 episodes); Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling (2 episodes); The Love Boat; The A-Team; WWF Championship Wrestling (29 episodes); WWF All-Star Wrestling (10 episodes); Dolly; The All New Mickey Mouse Club; WWF Prime Time Wrestling (6 episodes); WWF Challenge (14 episodes); WWF on MSG Network (14 episodes); WWF Superstars (32 episodes); Thunder in Paradise (22 episodes); Baywatch; WCW Saturday Night (6 episodes); WCW Bash at the Beach; Assault on Death Mountain; Suddenly Susan (2 episodes); WCW Thunder (23 episodes); WCW Monday Nitro (176 episodes); Biography; Walker, Texas Ranger; American Dad; TNA Impact Wrestling (131 episodes); China, IL (19 episodes); WWE Next (2 episodes); Robot Chicken (4 episodes); The Goldbergs; WWE Smackdown! (35 episodes) and WWE Raw (47 episodes).
Some of Hulk Hogan’s feature film appearances include: Rocky III; No Holds Barred; Gremlins 2: The New Batch; Suburban Commando; Mr. Nanny; Spy Hard; Santa with Muscles; The Ultimate Weapon and Muppets from Space.
Hulk Hogan is arguably the All-Time most well-known and popular professional wrestler. He came at a time when professional wrestling broke away from regional territories and went nation-wide. Hogan’s charisma and ability to talk when given a microphone outweighed his wrestling ability, but it didn’t matter. Fans loved him. As he got older, Hogan was able to stay at the top of the card when he switched from babyface to heel. He had a long career and professional wrestling was better for it.
I saw Hulk Hogan wrestle at live events twice. The first was in Indianapolis. Hogan thrilled the fans in the sold out venue. The second time was in Daytona Beach, Florida. My wife and I took our two sons and nephew. The crowd was shocked when Hogan turned heel. The next day, I taught summer school. Everyone (kids and adults) were talking about Hogan’s reversal. No one could believe it. Which is just what Hogan wanted.
Out thoughts and prayers go out to Hulk Hogan’s family, friends and fans.
The teaser for The Last Frontier is here and I like it. The concept reminds me of a mash-up of Con Air with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s The Last Stand (hopefully minus the comedy). Sam “Extraction” Hargrave directs!
The Last Frontier premieres October 10th.
Deal me in.
The only thing scarier than a plane crash is a plane crash full of violent inmates.
The Last Frontier premieres October 10 on Apple TV+ https:/apple.co/TheLastFrontier
The Last Frontier follows Frank Remnick (Jason Clarke), the lone U.S. marshal in charge of the quiet, rugged barrens of Alaska. Remnick’s jurisdiction is turned upside-down when a prison transport plane crashes in the remote wilderness, setting free dozens of violent inmates. Tasked with protecting the town he’s vowed to keep safe, he begins to suspect the crash wasn’t an accident, but the first step of a well-crafted plan with far-reaching and devastating implications.
In addition to Clarke, the ensemble cast includes Dominic Cooper (“The Gold”), Haley Bennett (“The Magnificent Seven”), Simone Kessell (“Yellowjackets”), Dallas Goldtooth (“Reservation Dogs”), and Tait Blum (“For All Mankind”), with Academy Award Nominee and multi-Emmy winner Alfre Woodard (“Clemency”).
Hailing from Apple Studios, The Last Frontier is executive produced by Bokenkamp and D’Ovidio, who also serve as writers, alongside Jason Clarke, Laura Benson (“The Big C”), Glenn Kessler (“Bloodlines”), Albert Kim (“Nikita”), and series episodic director Sam Hargrave (“Extraction”).
I Trapped the Devil (2019)
Director: Josh Lobo
Screenplay: Josh Lobo
Stars: Scott Poythress, AJ Bowen, Susan Burke, Jocelin Donahue and Chris Sullivan.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Steve’s got a lot going on. He’s stressed and unsure of what to do next.
Things get worse when his brother, Matt and Matt’s wife Karen, show up unannounced. Steve knows that Matt and Karen have been worried about him. They think that his mental state is deteriorating. Steve knows he’s not crazy.
But how is he going to explain to them that the man trapped in his basement is actually the devil?
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
I Trapped the Devil has a great concept. Sadly the movie never comes close to reaching the potential presented. I made it through the whole thing, so I’ll give it two out of five stars. Truthfully, you’d be better off to watch the Twilight Zone episode, The Howling Man.
I Trapped the Devil (2019) rates 2 of 5 stars
A Fistful of Dollars (1964)
Director: Sergio Leone
Screenplay: Víctor Andrés Catena, Jaime Comas Gil, Sergio Leone, Fernando Di Leo (uncredited), Duccio Tessari (uncredited) Tonino Valerii; written by Adriano Bolzoni, Mark Lowell, Víctor Andrés Catena, Sergio Leone; based on Yojimbo (1961) by Akira Kurosawa, Ryūzō Kikushima
Stars: Clint Eastwood
Tagline: In his own way he is, perhaps, the most dangerous man who ever lived!
The Plot…
When a gunfighter rides into the frontier town of San Miguel, he learns that two crime families are at war. Seeing an opportunity to get rich, the gunslinger decides to play both sides of the street.
It’s a plan that could cost him his life.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
A Fistful of Dollars was seen as overly violent when first released. Critics said The Man with No Name was just another gun thug willing to kill anyone for money. In fact before A Fistful of Dollars was shown on ABC in 1975, a prologue was added. It featured a stand-in for Eastwood, a couple of shots of Eastwood’s eyes and Harry Dean Stanton as a government official. Eastwood’s character is offered a pardon if he goes to San Miguel and cleans up the town. Now instead of a greedy coldblooded killer, Eastwood is a man on a mission for justice. Bah!
Akira Kurosawa sued since A Fistful of Dollars is basically Yojimbo as a western. Leone settled out of court, reportedly for 15% of the worldwide receipts of A Fistful of Dollars. What’s funny is that Yojimbo is an adaption of Dashiell Hammett’s gangster novel RED HARVEST. The lone gunfighter becomes a ronin going against samurai for Yojimbo.
Clint Eastwood was offered the role after it was turned down by Steve Reeves, Henry Fonda, James Coburn, Charles Bronson and Richard Harrison. The role was then offered to the star of the television series Rawhide, Eric Fleming. Fleming turned it down, but suggested his Rawhide co-star, Clint Eastwood. The rest is history.
A Fistful of Dollars (1964) rates 4 of 5 stars
