Category: Crime

Sly Stallone as Jack Carter is a Wanted Man by Steve Bryant!

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I’m a fan of Steve Bryant’s art.  So it’s a no-brainer to subscribe to his free newsletter.  Earlier this year Steve posted a commission of Val Kilmer as Doc Holiday from Tombstone.  Doc was standing in front of a wanted poster — for him.  I loved it.

Not long before that I saw that Ralph Meyer had the same idea with his Undertaker character.

Of course that got me thinking that it would be cool to see Jack Carter in the same situation.  When I approached Steve with the idea, he loved it.  And man, did he come through like a champ.

I got to meet Steve at HeroesCon 2025, where I picked up the art.  It looks even better in person.  I am also happy to say that Steve is as cool a person as he is good an artist.  There will be more Steve Bryant Stallone pieces in my collection in the future!

Sly Stallone as Deke DaSilva from “Nighthawks” by Dan Brereton!

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I’ve been a Dan Brereton fan since I first saw his work in The Black Terror decades ago.  [Someone should publish a nice trade edition of The Black Terror, but we’ll save that for another post.]

When I was lucky enough to get on Dan’s sketch list in 2003.  I asked him to pick the Stallone character he’d like to draw.  As you can see he chose Deke DaSilva from Nighthawks.  Awesome choice to go with Dan Brereton‘s awesome art.

“Bullet to the Head” (2012) directed by Walter Hill, starring Sylvester Stallone, Jason Momoa, Christian Slater and Sung Kang / Z-View

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Bullet to the Head (2012)

Director:  Walter Hill

Screenplay: Alessandro Camon; based on the comic Du plomb dans la tête by Matz 

Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Momoa, Christian Slater, Sung Kang, Sarah Shahi, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Holt McCallany, Brian Van Holt, Weronika Rosati, Dane Rhodes, Marcus Lyle Brown and Jon Seda.

Tagline: Revenge never gets old.

The Plot…

James Bonomo, a.k.a. Jimmy Bobo, and Louis Blanchard are hitmen hired to take out a dirty cop named Hank Greely.  After the successful mission, an attempt is made on Bobo and Blanchard by a large killer.  Blanchard is murdered, but Bobo survives.

Washington Police Detective Taylor Kwon is sent to investigate the execution of Hank Greely.  When corrupt cops attempt to kill Kwon, he is saved by Jimmy Bobo.  Kwon’s a police officer and Bobo is a killer.  Neither trusts the other, but Bobo and Kwon will have to work together if they want to survive.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Bullet to the Head is based on the French comic Du Plomb Dans La Tête (“Lead in the Head”).

Wayne “Running Scared” (2006) Kramer was originally set to direct.  He dropped out because he wanted a darker film than Sly Stallone.  Stallone then reached out to Walter Hill.

Thomas Jane was originally set to play the cop who teams with Jimmy Bobo.  Producer Joel Silver wanted a more “ethic” actor to increase overseas sales.  Jane was replaced by Sung Kang.

Sly Stallone’s character’s name is James “Jimmy Bobo” Bonomo.  In the film Oscar, Stallone’s gangster character says that he once worked with James “Jumpin’ Jimmy” Bonomo.

Bullet to the Head (2012) rates 4 of 5 stars

“Dark Side of the Ring”: Season 1 (2019) / Z-View

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Dark Side of the Ring: Season 1 (2019)

Created by:  Evan Husney, Jason Eisener

Director:  Jason Eisener

Stars: Dutch Mantell, Scott Hall, Jimmy Hart, Lanny Poffo, Jake Roberts, Eric Bischoff, Lex Luger, Randy Savage, Ricky Steamboat, Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, James E. Cornette, Bruce Prichard, Earl Hebner, Vince Russo, Ric Flair, Ted DiBiase, Owen Hart, Mick Foley, Tony Atlas, Kevin Von Erich, Abdullah the Butcher 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.

Ep. 1: The Match Made in Heaven.  Randy The Macho Man Savage was one of the most popular wrestlers of his time.  When he brought on Miss Elizabeth as his manager, his popularity went even higher.  Elizabeth became as popular as Savage.  Maybe more so.  They were in love both in the wrestling world and real-life.  But there was no happily- ever-after in their future.  No, their love would end in tragedy.

  • Ep. 2: The Montreal Screwjob.  There was a long pro wrestling tradition that a champion who was retiring, or leaving a territory, would lose the title before going. Bret The Hitman Hart was the WWF Champion. Hart was leaving the WWF to go to the WCW.  Vince McMahon, owner of the WWF, was worried that Hart would break tradition and take the title with him.  So behind the scenes McMahon created a plan to make sure the championship belt didn’t leave with Hart.  McMahon’s conspiracy became known as the The Montreal Screwjob.  It changed the face of professional wrestling forever.  Now there was no doubt that backstage decisions determined in-ring outcomes.

 

  • Ep. 3: The Killing of Bruiser Brody.  Bruiser Brody was intimidating.  He stood 6’8″ and weighed 300 pounds.  Brody had the reputation of being contentious.  What made it worse was Brody was often out of control.  It wasn’t an act.  Brody frequently argued with fellow wrestlers and promoters.  While wrestling in Puerto Rico, Brody got into a locker room argument with José González, better known as Invader 1.  Before the night was over Brody lay dying in the shower the result of stab wounds from González.

 

  • Ep. 4: The Last of the Von Erichs.  Fritz Von Erich (real name Jack Adkisson) was a popular wrestling villain.  Von Erich had six sons.  His first child was killed in a freak accident at the age of six. The five other sons all grew up to become professional wrestlers.  Sadly, four of the five would die at a very young age.  Three from suicide.  Many said the family was cursed.  The only surviving son discusses the family legacy.

 

  • Ep. 5: The Mysterious Death of Gorgeous Gino. Gino Hernandez was a wrestling star on the rise.  He got over in every territory.  The fame and money was starting to come.  Unfortunately Gino got mixed up with the wrong crowd and he was using drugs.  When friends became concerned and busted into his apartment, they found his decomposing body.  Did Gino overdose?  Was he murdered?  The autopsy report was full of errors.  His family never saw his body.  Did Gino fake his own death?

 

  • Ep. 6: The Fabulous Moolah.  Mary Lillian Ellison better known as The Fabulous Moolah was the first woman to be inducted in the WWF Hall of Fame.  She holds the record as longest reigning champion in combination of all of her reigns.  She held the title on and off for 28 years!  Moolah was also THE booker and promoter for women wrestlers across the country.  This is where he reputation goes off the rails. All the promoters worked with Moolah to book women wrestlers.  Moolah wouldn’t sign a woman unless she signed a contract to train with her.  Moolah charged them for training.  They must also live on her compound.  Moolah charged them for rent.  Then, as their agent Moolah got 25% or more of their pay.   Sadly that is not the worst of the accusations.

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 1 (2019)rates 5 of 5 stars

“The Madness: Season One” (2024) starring Colman Domingo / Z-View

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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

“Running Scared” (2006) written & directed by Wayne Kramer, starring Paul Walker / Z-View

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Running Scared (2006)

Director:  Wayne Kramer

Screenplay: Wayne Kramer

Stars: Paul Walker, Cameron Bright, Chazz Palminteri, Vera Farmiga, Karel Roden, Johnny Messner, Ivana Milicevic, Michael Cudlitz, Bruce Altman, Arthur J. Nascarella, John Noble, Idalis DeLeon, David Warshofsky, Jim Tooey, Thomas Rosales Jr. and Elizabeth Mitchell.

Tagline: Its Find The Gun, Or Death…

The Plot…

When a drug deal goes bad, a shootout occurs.  Several people are killed.  Tommy Perello and his crew are the only survivors.  Perello orders Joey Gazelle, an up-and-comer, to get rid of the guns his gang used in the drug deal.

Joey takes the guns, but heads home before ditching the weapons.  Once home, Joey hides the arms in the basement.  Joey doesn’t realize that his son Nicky and Nicky’s friend from next door, Oleg, saw where the weapons were hidden.  Oleg steals one of the revolvers.

As soon as Oleg gets home his abusive stepfather, Anzor, starts in.  Oleg has had enough and shoots his stepdad.  Oleg runs off taking the gun with him.

Hearing the shot, Joey next door. Anzor is wounded. He explains Oleg shot him.  Joey realizes that Oleg used a gun that Joey was supposed to have ditched.  That gun will link Joey and Perello’s crew to the drug deal’s multiple murders.

The police will be out in full force looking for Oleg.  Joey’s got to find Oleg before the cops.  If they find Oleg first, Joey and his crime partners will get life in prison.  If they’re lucky.  If Tommy Perello or the crew discover what happened, the end result will be even worse.

Oleg is on the move.  So is Joey.  Both are running scared.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Running Scared has more twists than a rollercoaster. The movie starts in the middle of a drug deal that suddenly goes bad. An insane shootout takes place and we’re off an running. Along the way we’ll meet drug dealers, pimps, crooked cops, child molesters, and Russian mobsters.

The movie maintains momentum as Joey [Paul Walker] attempts to retrieve a stolen gun used in a mob killing. Then finds himself on a mission to save a kid.

Paul Walker does a fine job in the starring role.  The supporting cast is first rate: Chazz Palminteri, Vera Farmiga, Michael Cudlitz, Arthur J. Nascarella, John Noble, Elizabeth Mitchell, Bruce Altman and David Warshofsky shine.

Writer/director Wayne Kramer is a talent to keep an eye on.  His direction of the action scenes is inventive.  His story doesn’t take us on the expected journey.  Kudos to him.

Paul Walker’s brother appears in the scene retracing the path of a bullet and Walker’s character is shown in both houses.  It is actually Paul’s brother sitting at the kitchen table.

Running Scared is an underrated gem.

Running Scared (2006) rates 5 of 5 stars

Jack Carter vs John Wick by Andrew Farago!

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When I saw artists were doing commissions in support of The Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco. How could I pass on a chance to get a new commission for my Stallone-themed Sketch Collection AND support a good cause at the same time?

I couldn’t.

I looked at the list and decided to go with Andrew Farago. Andrew is not only an artist and author but also the Chairman of the Northern California chapter of the National Cartoonists Society and the curator of the Cartoon Art Museum! I asked for Jack Carter and John Wick and Andrew came through like a champ!

If you’re a sketch collector, The Cartoon Museum’s Sketch-A-Thon gets my highest recommendation. The prices are super reasonable, there are several artists to choose from and there is even a digital sketch option!

Thanks again to Andrew Farago for the cool sketch and super service!

“The Last Frontier” Teaser is Here!

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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”).

PEOPLE LIKE US: A GRIFTER’S SONG, Book 2 by J.D. Rhodes / Z-View

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PEOPLE LIKE US ( A GRIFTER’S SONG, BOOK 2) by JD Rhodes

First sentence…

Aunt Sally was the real deal, Sam said.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Sam and Rachel are lovers. On the run. That’s because they’re also grifters who conned the wrong folks. Mafia folks. Now Sam and Rachel have to keep moving. And they have to keep scamming to pay the cost of a life on the run.

When Sam is contacted by his former mentor, Aunt Sally, she says that she needs his help with a big money scam she’s set up.  A rich Civil War memorabilia collector needs to be reeled in.  Sam’s ready to join Sally on the score.  Rachel isn’t so sure.

Aunt Sally could be scamming them.  Luring Sam and Rachel in where the mob can punch their tickets.  THAT would put big money in Sally’s hands.  Sam says Sally would never do that.  Sally can be trusted.

The need for quick cash outweighs Rachel’s fears.  They agree to help Aunt Sally.  Soon Sam and Rachel will know if Sally can be trusted.  They’ll also learn that a mob hitman is in town, closing in on them.  Coincidence?

Rating: