Category: Crime

“Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial” (2024) / Z-View

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Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial (2024)

Director: Joe Berlinger

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial is a six part miniseries that traces the rise and fall of Adolph Hitler.

  • Ep. 1: Traces Hitler’s life as a child growing into a man who dreamed of being an artist.  Hitler’s role in World War I.
  • Ep. 2: Hitler’s ability as a public speaker allows him to become one of the most popular politicians in Germany.
  • Ep. 3: Hitler brings forth laws targeting Jews and making them the scapegoat for all of Germany’s problems.  Hitler brings Austria into the Third Reich.
  • Ep. 4: Hitler’s desire to increase German territory leads him to take the war to more countries.  Concentrations camps are introduced.
  • Ep. 5: Concentration and death camps are causing the deaths of countless people.  As World War II rages, Hitler calls for the invasion of his ally, Russia.
  • Ep. 6: Germany loses the war, Hitler and some of his closest commanders commit suicide.  The allies round up Nazi leaders and for the first time in history, countries come together to hold a trial in Nuremberg.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial does a nice job of summarizing Hitler’s life, the rise and fall of Nazism and the Nuremberg trial.  I wish there were less reenactments and more vintage footage.  I would have also liked a bigger emphasis on the Nuremberg trial.  But that’s just nitpicking.

Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial (2024) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“The 8th Day” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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The poster and trailer for The 8th Day is here.

The person in charge of advertising should have done a better job.  The poster is too bright if this is a low-budget gritty crime story (as the trailer indicates).  And check out the synopsis below the trailer…

Two small-time thieves find themselves in a remote West Texas town.

How boring and non-descriptive is that?

So… if you’ve read this far, maybe just check out the trailer.  I like the looks of it.

Deal me in.

US Release Date: March 14, 2025
Starring: Coley Speaks, Darren Mann, Phoebe Tonkin
Director: Alexandra Chando
Synopsis: Two small-time thieves find themselves in a remote West Texas town.

“Manson: The Women” (2019) / Z-View

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Manson: The Women (2019)

Director: James Buddy Day

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Manson: The Women explores how four of Charles Manson’s female cult members were recruited, compelled to follow Manson’s every command and how they feel about Manson today.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Manson: The Women takes an interesting idea and showcases how four women who were members of Charles Manson’s family were recruited, compelled to follow Manson’s orders and how they feel about Manson today.  This is done using vintage footage, and interviews coupled with current interviews.

The recruitment method was similar for all of the women — they were young troubled girls without a support system looking for one.  Once in the family, Manson won them over using drugs, sex and saying things to make them feel special (even though he treated them terribly).  Manson had sex with all of them and made them available to anyone he wanted to impress.  They would beg, steal, and even kill for Charlie Manson.

All these years later, two looked back on their time in the cult with disgust, while two still spoke favorably about Manson and the things that went on there.

Manson: The Women (2019) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“All Souls” (2023) starring Mikey Madison & Gerald ‘G-Eazy’ Gillum / Z-View

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All Souls (2023)

Director: Emmanuelle Pickett

Screenplay: Anthony Ragnone II

Stars: Mikey Madison, Gerald G-Eazy Gillum, Calvin Clausell Jr., Jess Gabor, Xavier Jimenez, Joseph H. Johnson Jr., Samuel Roukin, Eric C. Sun, Faye Tamasa and Craig Ng.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

River (Madison) is a young single parent of a cute 5 year old girl named Jade.  When River is caught with weed, the two arresting cops offer her a chance to walk if she will serve as their confidential informant.  All River has to do is wear a wire to a buy from a major dealer named Silas (G-Eazy).  No one has been able to get close to Silas, but River has an “in”.

Silas got River high when she was sixteen then took advantage of her.  Silas is Jade’s father, although he’s never had any contact with her.  River cut all ties to Silas when she discovered she was pregnant.

Concerned that if she doesn’t set up Silas, the cops will go forward with charges.  She would go to jail and Jade would become a ward of the state.  River (and the cops) know Silas will kill her if it is discovered she is wearing a wire.  The cops promise they’ll be right there and rush in when the deal is done.  Then River will be able to walk away free and clear.

Feeling she has no choice, River takes the deal.

As with the best laid plans, things go sideways…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I’m surprised that All Souls isn’t a better known film.  It is well done from top to bottom.  Kudos to writer Anthony Ragnone II, and director Emmanuelle Pickett.  They’ve created a story that feels and looks like it could be taking place in any town’s drug area.

Mikey Madison is amazing in this role.  I’d never seen her before, but she is definitely an actress to watch. I’d say that even if she hadn’t just won an Best Actress Oscar.

I’d also never seen Gerald G-Eazy Gillum before.  He’s really good as Silas.  Perhaps acting may rival music for a career choice.

All Souls easily rates 4 of 5 stars for me.  I plan to watch it again soon with my wife.  Who knows, further consideration might kick it up to 5 stars.

All Souls (2023) rates 4 of 5 stars.

KING OF THE HUSTLERS by Eugene Izzi / Z-View

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KING OF THE HUSTLERS by Eugene Izzi

First sentence…

With a release date only three days away Edgew Plumber was on his best behavior.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Things are looking up for Tone Nello.  After a lifetime of small scores, Nello’s life as a hustler could be over.  Nello’s met a woman who just might be the one.  He’s got a chance at a job that’s high risk but would set him up for life.  Nello’s best friend and crime partner, Bobby Bebbo is on-board with the robbery.

What could go wrong?

Psycho Pete “Panther” Payne is still looking to get payback for the beating Nello handed him a few days ago. Edgew Plumber, fresh out of prison needs to make it known that he’s back.  Turning Pather Payne loose could be the ticket.  Plus, Nello’s new woman — there’s more to her than he knows.  And if that isn’t enough, the closer to the job, the stranger Bebbo is acting.

Tone Nello is the “King of the Hustlers” but this time out, he may be the one getting hustled.

+++++

Eugene Izzi is back with another winner.  Izzi was on his way to being a big name crime writer, when he died under strange circumstances.

Rating:

“All Souls” starring Academy Award® winner Mikey Madison – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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The poster and trailer for All Souls starring Academy Award® winner Mikey Madison are here!

I like the looks of this.  The movie was released in 2023, so I’m going to have to look it up.

All Souls – Watch the trailer now!

Starring Academy Award® winner* Mikey Madison, Gerald Gillum, Samuel Roukin, Mia Love Disnard, and Zach Villa.

Academy Award® winner* Mikey Madison (Anora) and influential rapper Gerald “G-Eazy” Gillum (The Fate of The Furious) star in this exhilarating thriller about a young woman pressured by police to go undercover and infiltrate a local drug cartel. Joining the ranks of young criminal recruits doing dangerous work as confidential informants, River (Madison) vows to save her family and clear her name in this adrenaline-fueled, emotionally charged movie experience.

“Aftermath” (2024) / Z-View

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Aftermath (2024)

Director: Patrick Lussier

Screenplay: Noah Graham Davis

Stars: Dylan Sprouse, Mason Gooding, Megan Stott, Dichen Lachman, Ashley Pynn, Mark Pettograsso, Shahjehan Khan, Joshua Wolf Coleman and Will Lyman.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Eric Daniels (Sprouse), an ex-army ranger and his 16-year old sister Maddie(Stott) are on the Tobin Memorial Bridge in Boston when terrorists take it over.  Now packed with civilian hostages, the well-armed revolutionaries have complete control.  The kill the driver’s of a police armored truck and take the prisoner hostage.

When SWAT tries to move in, a sniper goes to work.  The terrorist use rocket launcher to take out a helicopter.  SWAT moves back to wait for the terrorists demands.

Realizing that they terrorists could be planning to blow the rest of the bridge to make their escape, Daniels begins to take action.  What chance has one man got against a motivated, well-armed military unit?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Aftermath depends on the extensive use of cgi.  Unfortunately the cgi isn’t very good.  The story and acting is just a step above the computer graphics.

Aftermath (2024) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“MobLand” starring Tom Hardy, Helen Mirren & Pierce Brosnan – The Trailer is Here!

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MobLand, the new series starring Tom Hardy, Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan – The Trailer is Here!

Yep, deal me in.

New series streaming March 30 on Paramount+.

Power is up for grabs as the Harrigans and Stevensons, two warring London crime families, clash in a kill-or-be-killed battle that threatens to topple empires and ruin lives. Caught in the crossfire is Harry Da Souza, the street-smart ‘fixer’ as dangerous as he is handsome, who knows too well where loyalties lie when opposing forces collide. As kingdom goes up against kingdom, lines will be crossed – and the only saving grace is a bet-your-life guarantee: family above everything.

“American Murder: Gabby Petito” (2025) / Z-View

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American Murder: Gabby Petito (2025)

Director: Michael Gasparro, Julia Willoughby Nason (Eps. 1-3)

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

The story that dominated the summer of 2021.  Twenty-two year old Gabby Petito and her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie had been living out of her van as they traveled the west.  Their relationship was often rocky.  Things went way south when Gabby’s parents and friends could no longer contact Gabby.  Days passed with no phone calls or texts.

Then Brian showed up at his parents’ house in the van.  Gabby was not with him.  Brian refused to take any calls or talk to the police.  Same for Brian’s parents.  They had lawyered up and refused to answer any questions.

So the manhunt for Gabby Petito was underway.  It would end terribly.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The disappearance of Gabby Petito dominated the news. Then after her body was found her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie went missing.

A note to Laundrie from his mother said in part to “burn after reading” and “If you need to dispose of a body I will bring show up with a shovel and garbage bags”.

The whole thing played out over the course of weeks and is documented in three well done episodes.

American Murder: Gabby Petito (2025) rates 4 of 5 stars.

SKULL FULL by Anthony Neil Smith / Z-View

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SKULL FULL by Anthony Neil Smith

First sentence…

Cubby sat at the picnic table in the park like always, counting the mosquitos on his arm.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Anthony Neil Smith presents fourteen short stories that are, as he says are “about f*****-up families, f*****-up relationships, f*****-up crimes, and f*****-up f*****ness, and are adorably twisted around a darkly humorous core.”  (And trust me, he doesn’t say “f*****, he says the actual word.  If that offends you, turn back now. )

The tales include…

Cubby – Cubby thought being special was good.  Of course he thought his friends were his friends.  A sad tale of a boy waiting for his mother.

Twenty-Eleven Nissan Something – Rhonda thought her luck was changing.  Her new man didn’t hit her.  Didn’t treat her bad.  He even liked her kids.  Rhonda knew what her man wasn’t.  She didn’t know what he was.

Exit Row Savior – When you fly as much as I do, you know things.  You know that if things go sideways, you want a man who can handle things by the exit.  I’m your guy.

Money on the Table and a Pistol on the Floor – Randy had a weakness.  Wasn’t drugs or gambling.  Nope.  It was women. Randy had three ex-wives and had lost more jobs than you could easily count.  The reason?  Women.  Take his last job for instance.  Fired from Lowe’s for having sex with a nineteen year old while he was on the clock.  She was fired too.  Now she thinks they’re a, well if not a couple, at least a team.  She has a plan for some quick cash.  All it will take his her, Randy and his pistol.

Roadrage – Why is everyone screwing with me.  I’m driving and everyone is trying me.  Well, I have a way to end that.

The Blind Girl – Everyone is a target. Being a sophomore in high school ain’t for the faint-hearted.  Everyone is a target.  Find your group and blend in.  That won’t protect you for sure, but it helps.  Everyone is a target.  Well, almost everyone.  Mess with the wrong person and you might find out.

A Skull Full of Solyanka – I’m getting forgetful.  That could be dangerous in my line of work.

Lady Icarus, Nazi – I’m rich.  And can get you anything you want.  You better believe that.

Must Be Wanderlust – Fay, her pistol and a singer/songwriter.

Sundays in the Workshop with Dad – Chet loved his time in the workshop.  He recognized his son, Jerimiah’s raw talent when the boy was young.  So Chet did what any good dad would do.  He had patience and put in the time so Jerimiah would be come a true craftsman.

Used Panties – Give the people what they want.

Piece of Shit Guitar – A semi-famous, good-for-nothing musician reminisces as he waits for his son to arrive.

+++++

Anthony Neil Smith wasn’t kidding when he described SKULL FULL.  He creates tales that will stick with you.  If you’re all about happy endings, this isn’t for you.  But if you like crime stories that surprise, entertain, and take you to places you’d never want to enter in real life… give it a go.

My favorite stories in this collection are: Twenty-Eleven Nissan Something; Roadrage; Lady Icarus, Nazi; Sundays in the Workshop with Dad and Piece of Shit Guitar.  

Rating:

“The Amateur” starring Rami Malek & Laurence Fishburne – The Second Trailer is Here!

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The second trailer for The Amateur starring Rami Malek and Laurence Fishburne is here!  I was also glad to see Jon Bernthal and Holt McCallany listed in the credits.

Deal me in!

On April 11, The Amateur, starring Rami Malek and Laurence Fishburne, arrives only in theaters.

Charlie Heller (Malek) is a brilliant, but deeply introverted decoder for the CIA working out of a basement office at headquarters in Langley whose life is turned upside down when his wife is killed in a London terrorist attack. When his supervisors refuse to take action, he takes matters into his own hands, embarking on a dangerous trek across the globe to track down those responsible, his intelligence serving as the ultimate weapon for eluding his pursuers and achieving his revenge.

The film also stars Rachel Brosnahan, Caitríona Balfe, Jon Bernthal, Michael Stuhlbarg, Holt McCallany, Julianne Nicholson, Adrian Martinez, Danny Sapani, and Laurence Fishburne.

“The Amateur” is directed by James Hawes. The screenplay is by Ken Nolan and Gary Spinelli based on the novel by Robert Littell. The film is produced by Hutch Parker, p.g.a., Dan Wilson, p.g.a., Rami Malek, Joel B. Michaels, with JJ Hook serving as executive producer.

“Longlegs” (2024) written & directed by Osgood Perkins; starring Maika Monroe, Nicolas Cage & Blair Underwood / Z-View

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Longlegs (2024)

Director:  Osgood Perkins

Screenplay: Osgood Perkins

Stars: Maika Monroe, Nicolas Cage, Blair Underwood, Alicia Witt, Michelle Choi-Lee, Dakota Daulby, Kiernan Shipka, Jason William Day, Lisa Chandler and Shafin Karim.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

It’s discovered that rookie FBI agent Lee Harker (Monroe) has some psychic ability.  For that reason Harker is assigned to a small task force working to find the serial killer known as Longlegs.  For years, Longlegs has wiped out entire families by forcing the father to kill his children, wife and then himself.  Longlegs then leaves coded Satanic messages behind.

Shortly after Harker is assigned to the task force she receives a message from Longlegs.  Slowly Harker begins to realize she may have a connection to the killer.  As the clock ticks and the date of Longlegs’ next family massacre draws near, Harker works to discover Longlegs’ identity.

Tick…tick…tick…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Although Nicolas Cage starred as the killer, Longlegs, writer/director Osgood Perkins requested that posters/trailers limit his use to promote the film so when he appears onscreen in the film it would be even more frightening.

Longlegs is the highest-grossing independent horror film since Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013).

Kudos to director Osgood Perkins.  He films each scene to at angles to increase tension.  Halls feel long and narrow.  Doors, windows and rooms in the background create concern.  There is always the feeling that something beyond the camera’s focus is about to occur.  Sometimes it does.  Creepy.

Longlegs (2024) rates 4 of 5 stars.