“Leon” by Barret Chapman!
Leon by Barret Chapman! This awesome piece is available as a limited edition print.
Category: Crime
Marv by Elvin Hernandez!
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 Elvin Hernandez. Click on the art above to see a biggie version.
“The Silent Hour” (2024) starring Joel Kinnaman, Sandra Mae Frank, Mekhi Phifer and Mark Strong / Z-View
The Silent Hour (2024)
Director: Brad Anderson
Screenplay: Dan Hall
Stars: Joel Kinnaman, Sandra Mae Frank, Mark Strong, Jonathan Koensgen and Mekhi Phifer.
Tagline: Without a sound.
The Plot…
Sixteen months ago Boston Police Detective Frank Shaw lost his hearing. Now, back on the job, Frank is still adjusting. Frank and his partner, Detective Doug Slater, are sent to a building undergoing renovations to interview Ava Freemont. Ava witnessed a murder.
Frank meets his partner at the building. It turns out Ava is deaf. Frank gets some first hand practice at sign language. After the interview Frank and Detective Slater go their separate ways. As Frank is about to drive off, he realizes he left something in Ava’s apartment. He returns to get it.
That’s when the murderer and several of his buddies show up. They plan to silence Ava… forever.
What chance do two deal people have against several armed murderers? Trapped in a building… with no way to communicate to the outside world Frank and Ava are outmanned and outgunned.
Worse still, they can’t hear what’s coming.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Sandra Mae Frank, who plays Ava, has been deaf since the age of three.
In 2023, Joel Kinnaman starred in Silent Night, where he also played a hearing-impaired protagonist.
The Silent Hour (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.
“One Ranger” (2023) written & directed by Jesse V. Johnson, starring Thomas Jane / Z-View
One Ranger (2023)
Director: Jesse V. Johnson
Screenplay: Jesse V. Johnson
Stars: Thomas Jane, Dean Jagger, Dominique Tipper, Nick Moran, Patrick Bergin, David Sakurai and John Malkovich.
Tagline: London is About to Get a Taste of Texas
The Plot…
Texas Ranger Alex Tyree is a throwback. Tyree is a tough, no-nonsense Texas Ranger with no quit in him. When Tyree and his partner track a bank robber named Declan McBride into the desert, Tyree’s partner is killed and Tyree is badly wounded.
It turns out that McBride is a terrorist with plans to detonate a bomb in London. British Intelligence wants Tyree on the case. Tyree wants McBride caught. Sounds like a match made in heaven. Far from it.
Tyree has a way of doing things that doesn’t align with Agent Smith, his British liaison. The two are going to have to find a way to work together before McBride detonates his bombs.
Mount up. We’re burning daylight.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
One Ranger echoes Clint Eastwood in Coogan’s Bluff and Dennis Weaver in McCloud. In both a cowboy lawman is sent to New York City on a case. Substitute a Texas Ranger and London and you have the outline for One Ranger.
Although Thomas Jane’s character comes off as a caricature, Jane plays it straight which makes for the best part of the movie. Still, I was expecting more.
One Ranger (2023) rates 2 of 5 stars.
“House of the Rising Sun” directed by Brian A. Miller, starring Dave Bautista, Amy Smart, Danny Trejo, Dominic Purcell and Craig Fairbass / Z-View
House of the Rising Sun (2011)
Director: Brian A. Miller
Screenplay: Chuck Hustmyre and Brian A. Miller; based on HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN by Chuck Hustmyre
Stars: Dave Bautista, Amy Smart, Dominic Purcell, Craig Fairbrass, Tim Fields, Jesse Pruett, Joe Ochman and Danny Trejo.
Tagline: They took his badge. He kept the gun.
The Plot…
Ray Shane is an ex-cop and ex-con. Shane did a five year stretch for corruption. Now he’s head of security for the strip club called “The House of the Rising Sun”. The strip club is actually a front for an illegal gambling club. That’s where the real money is made.
One night on Shane’s watch, the club is robbed. Things go from bad to worse when Shane discovers the safe was holding $300,000. That much cash should never have been on hand. Worse still, the club owner’s son is killed during a shootout with the masked thieves.
Both the cops and Ray’s underworld boss consider Ray the prime suspect. The cops are looking for just enough to arrest Ray. His boss needs just a bit more info to place a hit on Ray.
If Ray doesn’t find the real killers soon, it will be too late.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
House of the Rising Sun features Dave Bautista’s first starring role in a feature film. Bautista is backed up by a decent supporting cast for a low-budget crime film: Amy Smart, Dominic Purcell, Craig Fairbrass and Danny Trejo.
The movie had potential but falls short of expectations.
The movie is based on HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN by Chuck Hustmyre. Here’s what Hustmyre said in the paperback release of his novel:
If you’ve seen the low-budget Lionsgate action movie, “House of the Rising Sun”, first let me apologize. I wish I could give you back those wasted ninety minutes of your life. The movie is a TERRIBLE adaptation of my novel. And yes, I wrote the screenplay, but director Brian A. Miller hijacked my original script and turned what could have been a decent neo-noir crime thriller into a godawful mess…
Hustmyre wrote more, but I think you get the gist.
House of the Rising Sun (2011) rates 2 of 5 stars.
Sly Stallone is Jack Carter by John Beatty!
I was going through the Zablo vault and came across this Sly Stallone as Jack Carter sketch created by John Beatty way back in 2009. I don’t believe I’ve posted it before. This was created when John was doing semi-regular live-stream sketching. Big John gifted it to me for co-hosting a session.
The Bat-Man Drops In by Matt Wagner!
I love Batman stories set in this era. Matt Wagner must as well. Just look at that beautiful art. Bat-Man is just starting out. We have two crooks in the sleek hot rod and The Bat-Man putting an end to their getaway.
“Eeinie Meanie” (2025) written & directed by Shawn Simmons, starring Samara Weaving, Karl Glusman and Andy Garcia / Z-View
Eeinie Meanie (2025)
Director: Shawn Simmons
Screenplay: Shawn Simmons
Stars: Samara Weaving, Karl Glusman, Andy Garcia, Jermaine Fowler, Marshawn Lynch, Randall Park, Mike O’Malley, Elle Graham, Kyanna Simone, Chris Bauer, Chelsey Crisp, Phuong Kubacki, Tim Neff and Steve Zahn.
Tagline: She can get away from anything. Except him.
The Plot…
Edie Meaney had a rough childhood. When she was 14 her drunk, drug-abusing parents had her driving them home. When a cop pulled Edie over, her dad ordered her to speed away. She did and a high speed chase was on. Edie crashed. The wreck killed her mom and left her dad a paraplegic.
Edie spent the rest of her teen years in one terrible foster home after another. Finally on her own as a young woman, Edie fell in love with John. John was a small time hood who worked for a crime boss named Nico. Nico planned robberies. John did them and Edie drove the getaway car. It was Nico who nicknamed Edie, Eeeny Meanie.
Edie finally came to her senses. She realized her life could only end in jail or dead if she didn’t change. So she did. A few months ago she left John and a life of crime behind. She got a job at a bank to put herself through college. Things were finally off to a good (and legitimate) start.
Then Edie discovers she’s pregnant.
The baby is John’s. So she decides to let him know. That’s when she learns John owes Nico a lot of money. Enough to get him killed. Of course if Edie will drive getaway on a big score, Nico will forgive the debt… and save John’s life will be saved.
Buckle up!
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The framework for Eenie Meanie is well known but there are twists to keep it interesting.
Andy Garcia is having a great second career as THE bad guy.
Eeinie Meanie (2025) rates 3 of 5 stars.
Dave Fowler is a “Marv” Fan and It Shows!
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 Dave Fowler.
Burt Reynolds’ Best Movies
Rob Hunter at /Film came up with his list of Burt Reynolds Best Movies. I decided to play along and came up with my list as well. Before (or after) you click over to read Hunter’s rationale for his choices, you can (if you’re so inclined) read my thoughts below.
|
Burt Reynolds Best Movies |
|
|
Hunter |
Zablo |
| 01. Deliverance |
01. Smokey and the Bandit |
| 02. Smokey and the Bandit |
02. Sharky’s Machine |
| 03. Hooper |
03. Longest Yard, The |
| 04. The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas |
04. Hooper |
| 05. The Longest Yard |
05. The Last Movie Star |
| 06. White Lightning |
06. Driven |
| 07. Fade In |
07. Man Who Loved Cat Dancing, The |
| 08. Hustle |
08. Malone |
| 09. Heat |
09. Heat |
| 10. Sharky’s Machine |
10. Deliverance |
| 11. Navajo Joe |
11. End, The |
| 12. The End |
12. W.W. And the Dixie Dance Kings |
There are three films on Hunter’s list that I haven’t seen: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Fade In and Navajo Joe.
Now the rationale for my choices…
12. WW and the Dixie Dance Kings – this is kind of a sentimental choice. My mom and dad were divorced and we had moved out of state. Dad was down visiting and took us to see the film. Dad wasn’t a movie guy, but he enjoyed Burt Reynolds. Great memories, even if the movie isn’t.
11. The End – I thought this was really funny when I saw it during its theatrical release. Re-visited it years later and was surprised it didn’t hold up as well. The movie takes off once Dom DeLuise shows up. Wish he made his appearance sooner.
10. Deliverance – Arguably it features Burt Reynolds best acting of his career. The movie has one of my favorite Reynolds’ scenes – when Ned Beatty is getting molested and the camera cuts to Reynolds ready to shoot an arrow. It would rate higher if the movie was one I liked to revisit.
09. Heat – A serviceable action picture with Reynolds as a bodyguard whose dream stays out of reach because of his behaviors.
08. Malone – Made the year before Heat, and about the same quality. Reynolds is ex-CIA who helps a family survive small town corruption.
07. The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing – Burt Reynolds is joined by Sarah Miles, Lee J. Cobb, Jack Warden, George Hamilton, Bo Hopkins and Jay Silverheels (!) in a western. I thought the Reynolds character was so cool! (Hey! I was in 8th grade.)
06. Driven – I’d always hoped to see Burt Reynolds and Sly Stallone co-starring in a movie. While it wasn’t the action-fest that could/should have happened earlier in both stars’ careers, they did get to share the screen.
05. The Last Movie Star – Made at the very end of Reynolds’ career. I believe it to feature his best performance. I wish more people would see this film.
04. Hooper – Reynolds plays an aging stunt man. He’s joined by Sally Field, Jan-Michael Vincent, Brian Keith, Hal Needham, Adam West and even Terry Bradshaw. I saw it twice during it’s theatrical run. Good times.
03. The Longest Yard (1974) – Although Reynolds appeared in the Adam Sandler remake, the original is the one to see! I first saw this with our 10th grade football team. Our coach arranged for us to go see it as a team. What a perfect film for a tenth grader. We started calling ourselves “Mean Machine” and it must have worked. We were county champs that year. Great memories and the film holds up still.
02. Sharky’s Machine – I love this film. I hoped that we’d see some sequels with Reynolds continuing to direct and star. It wasn’t to be, but at least we have this gem. Oh, and what a great soundtrack!
01. Smokey and the Bandit – Jackie Gleason, Sally Field, and the black Trans Am! I love this film. You can see the joy that they had making it. My brother-in-law (RIP) could do a great Bufford T. Justice impersonation. Great memories.
“Ice Road: Vengeance” (2025) written & directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, starring Liam Neeson / Z-View
Ice Road: Vengeance (2025)
Director: Jonathan Hensleigh
Screenplay: Jonathan Hensleigh
Stars: Liam Neeson, Bingbing Fan, Marcus Thomas, Grace O’Sullivan, Mahesh Jadu, Shivantha Wijesinha and CJ Bloomfield.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Mike McCann has traveled to Nepal to honor his dead brother. Mike plans to scatter his late brother’s ashes on Mount Everest.
Mike, his tour guide Dhani and others are on The Kiwi Express, an old bus used to shuttle tourists to Everest. Then mercenaries arrive. They are looking to kill Vijay, a rider on the shuttle. Mike, Dhani, Vijay and a young girl named Grace escape in The Kiwi Express with the terrorists in hot pursuit.
Outmanned and outgunned, Mike knows that odds of survival are small. The icy road up the mountain is as dangerous as the killers chasing them.
Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy ride!
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Ice Road: Vengeance is a decent follow-up to Ice Road. If you enjoyed the first film, you should like the second.
I hope we see more of Bingbing Fan (Dhani) in other movies.
Ice Road: Vengeance (2025) rates 3 of 5 stars.
“The Rock” Alt Poster by Vlad Rodriguez!
Vlad Rodriguez is a Miami based illustrator. Rodriguez has a passion for film. Here’s his alt poster for The Rock!
Juan Saniose presents “That F****** Nobody is John Wick!” aka “Baba Yaga is Coming!”
Juan Saniose presents That F****** Nobody is John Wick! aka Baba Yaga is Coming!
“Reindeer Games” (2000) directed by John Frankenheimer, starring Ben Affleck, Gary Sinise and Charlize Theron / Z-View
Reindeer Games (2000)
Director: John Frankenheimer
Screenplay: Ehren Kruger
Stars: Ben Affleck, Gary Sinise, Charlize Theron, James Frain, Mark Acheson, Tom Heaton, Isaac Hayes, Douglas Arthurs, Ron Jeremy, Peter MacNeill, Donal Logue, Danny Trejo, Dennis Farina, Ashton Kutcher and Clarence Williams III.
Tagline: The trap is set. The game is on.
The Plot…
Nick Cassidy and Rudy Duncan are prison cellmates who have become friends. Both are scheduled for release soon. Nick has been exchanging letters with a pretty young woman named Ashley. Althorugh she’s sent plenty of pictures and letters, she’s never seen Nick. Nick will meet her for the first time when he’s released.
Nick has shared each letter/photo with Rudy as they’ve arrived. Rudy has secretly become infatuated with Ashley.
Two days before Nick and Rudy are to be released a fight breaks out in the prison cafeteria. A convict with a grudge against Rudy uses the confusion to try to kill him. Nick steps in and the convict stabs him instead. Nick falls to the floor dead as the guards restore order.
Two days pass. Rudy and several other convicts are escorted out of the prison gates. Most have family, girlfriends or significant others to meet them. Rudy has no one. He plans to get on a bus and head home.
Then he sees Ashley.
She’s beautiful. Even prettier than the pictures. Rudy heads for the bus. Then realizes that Ashley has never seen Nick. Rudy hesitates and than makes the decision. He’ll pretend to be Nick.
It works. Rudy and Ashley have a wonderful day together. Finally they head to a cabin she has rented. Rudy cannot believe his luck.
Then things go sideways. Ashley’s brother Gabriel shows up. Gabriel’s a thug without a conscience. The hardcases with him are nearly as bad. Gabriel knows Nick used to work at a small casino. He plans to use Nick’s knowledge of the place to rob it.
With no other options, Rudy admits that he’s not Nick. Ashley can’t believe it. Gabriel doesn’t believe it. He thinks Nick just doesn’t want to help with the robbery. Rudy continues to protest that he’s not Nick.
Gabriel raises his gun as he says, “Then you’re not worth anything to me.” Rudy quickly changes his tune. In order to survive he’s going to have to mastermind the robbery of a place he’s never been in.
Ho! Ho! Ho! Let the reindeer games begin!
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
John Frankenheimer’s original director’s cut was much more dark, sexy and violent. For the theatrical release over 20 minutes was trimmed. Frankenheimer’s cut was restored for a DVD version.
Reindeer Games was director John Frankenheimer’s final feature film.
Vin Diesel was orginally set to play Pug, a role ultimately played by Donal Logue. Diesel instead went on to play Dom in The Fast and the Furious. Smart move.
Ashton Kutcher shows up in a brief scene as a college kid.
There are a couple of unexpected twists that are fun.
Reindeer Games (2000) rates 3 of 5 stars.
“Red Eye”: Season 1 (2024) starring Jing Lusi & Richard Armitage / Z-View
Red Eye (2024)
Created by: Peter A Dowling
Directed by:
- Kieron Hawkes (eps. 1-6)
Teleplay by:
- Peter A Dowling (eps. 1-3; 5-6)
- Jingan Young (ep. 4)
Stars: Jing Lusi, Richard Armitage, Lesley Sharp, Jemma Moore, Dan Li, Thomas Chaanhing and Robert Gilbert.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Dr. Matthew Nolan and colleagues have been at a medical conference in Beijing. On their last night there, Nolan meets an attractive woman named Shen Zhào. They end up in a nightclub and from there Nolan’s memory gets hazy.
He knows he was in an altercation. He has a stab wound to prove it. Nolan remembers escaping and not much else. He’s glad to arrive back in England after an all-night flight back. His joy is shortlived. Nolan is detained and told he must return to Beijing where he will stand trial for the murder of Shen Zhào. To make matters worse, his colleagues must also return.
MI5 Director-General Madeline Delaney reluctantly agrees to allow Nolan’s extradition, despite his claim of innocence. Agent Hana Li is assigned to escort Nolan back. Nolan is adamant in his claims that he has been set up and he didn’t kill anyone.
When it becomes clear that someone on the plane is planing to murder Nolan before they arrive, Agent Li finds herself wondering who she can trust.
Trapped on a plane heading to Beijing, the bodies begin to pile up. Odds are Nolan and Agent Li will be dead before the plane lands.
Buckle your seatbelts we’re in for a bumpy ride.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Red Eye ramps up the tension with each passing episode. Trust no one.
Red Eye (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.
