Frank Miller Sin City Gallery at The Bristol Board!
The Bristol Board has a Frank Miller Sin City Gallery. It is more than worth a look. You’ll see the piece above and several others in a Marv-sized format!
Category: Crime
KING OF ASHES by S.A. Cosby!
S.A. Cosby’s next novel KING OF ASHES has been announced. It sounds like another winner…
Award-winning, New York Times bestselling author S. A. Cosby returns with KING OF ASHES, a Godfather-inspired Southern crime epic and dazzling family drama.
When eldest son Roman Carruthers is summoned home after his father’s car accident, he finds his younger brother, Dante, in debt to dangerous criminals and his sister, Neveah, exhausted from holding the family―and the family business―together. Neveah and their father, who run the Carruthers Crematorium in the run-down central Virginia town of Jefferson Run, see death up close every day. But mortality draws even closer when it becomes clear that the crash that landed their father in a coma was no accident and Dante’s recklessness has placed them all in real danger.
Roman, a financial whiz with a head for numbers and a talent for making his clients rich, has some money to help buy his brother out of trouble. But in his work with wannabe tough guys, he’s forgotten that there are real gangsters out there. As his bargaining chips go up in smoke, Roman realizes that he has only one thing left to offer to save his brother: himself, and his own particular set of skills.
Roman begins his work for the criminals while Neveah tries to uncover the long-ago mystery of what happened to their mother, who disappeared when they were teenagers. But Roman is far less of a pushover than the gangsters realize. He is willing to do anything to save his family. Anything.
Because everything burns.
KING OF ASHES drops on June 10, 2025. This is a must-get for me. Pre-orders are available now.
Marv by Jordi Bernet!
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 Marv by Jordi Bernet.
Source: Phil Hester.
THE AMATEURS by Marcus Sakey
THE AMATEURS by Robert Crais
First sentence…
LATER JENN LACIE WOULD SPEND a lot of time trying to pinpoint the exact moment.
The Overview: Beware of Spoilers…
Every Thursday night for the last decade Alex, Ian, Jenn and Mitch have met for drinks. A decade ago they were young and had dreams. Now none are where they thought they’d be.
Ian is day trader stuck in a job going nowhere. Mitch isn’t doing any better working as a doorman at the Continental Hotel. Jenn is a travel agent who longs for adventure. Alex is bartending for a jerk named Johnny Loverin aka Johnny Love. He dresses fancy and flaunts his money. Everyone is sure Johnny Love is into some illegal stuff.
So when Alex overhears about one of Johnny Love’s drug deals, he tells his friends. Alex’s idea is to get to the meet before the thugs with the drugs show up. They’ll rip off Johnny Love for his cash. Then a clean getaway and a four way split with no one being the wiser. If all four work together, they’ll provide each other with an alibi. Alex says no one will suspect them. Easy money and no one gets hurt.
The friends reluctantly agree.
Of course the ripoff goes sideways. People are killed. It wasn’t drugs that were being dealt. Something much worse.
Now the cops are closing in. So are the gangsters. Friendship only goes so far when survival is at stake.
+++++
Marcus Sakey has created another winner.
Rating:
“Trap” (2024) written & directed by M. Night Shyamalan, starring Josh Hartnett / Z-View
Trap (2024)
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Screenplay: M. Night Shyamalan
Stars: Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, Saleka Shyamalan, Alison Pill, Marcia Bennett, M. Night Shyamalan, Lochlan Miller and Hayley Mills.
Tagline: 30,000 fans. 300 cops. 1 serial killer. No escape.
The Plot…
From all appearances Cooper (Harnett) is a great guy. He’s a firefighter, outgoing and friendly. Cooper is married with two kids. A real family man.
Because his daughter, Riley (Donoghue) earned great grades on her last report card, Cooper takes her to a Lady Raven (S, Shyamalan) concert. As they enter the arena, Cooper notices a huge police presence. When they get inside, there are even more cops. They seem to be everywhere. Well, safety should be a priority for events this well attended.
Once the concert starts, Cooper notices men are being escorted out by the police. Now curious and concerned, Cooper tells his daughter he’s going to the restroom. Then using his charm, Cooper learns a secret. The police are there because they got a lead that the serial killer known as The Butcher is in attendance. Every exit is covered. Police and FBI are there in force. They have a description of The Butcher and anyone fitting it, will be questioned before he is allowed out.
Cooper is concerned. Not because a serial killer is at the concert. No. Cooper is concerned because he is The Butcher.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Saleka Shyamalan makes her film debut. She is M. Night Shyamalan’s daughter and a singer/songwriter. Saleka wrote and performed all of the songs in the movie. The official Trap movie soundtrack is titled Lady Raven and features all of the songs from the movie.
The concert feels real. Kudos to M. Night, Saleka and all involved.
Some aspects come off as very contrived, but M. Night Shyamalan is adept at keeping things moving. This way viewers go with the flow. I was expecting Cooper to get caught or escape then fade to credits. M. Night Shyamalan had a different idea. There’s no big twist (as in some of his films) but there are some unexpected turns. I enjoyed the ride.
Trap (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.
“JFK” (1991) directed by Oliver Stone, starring Kevin Costner / Z-View
JFK (1991)
Director: Oliver Stone
Screenplay: Oliver Stone, Zachary Sklar based on ON THE TRAIL OF ASSASSINS by Jim Garrison and CROSSFIRE: THE PLOT THAT KILLED KENNEDY by Jim Marrs
Stars: Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Sally Kirkland, Jay O. Sanders, Kevin Bacon, Tommy Lee Jones, Michael Rooker, Sissy Spacek, Joe Pesci, Donald Sutherland, Ed Asner, Brian Doyle-Murray, John Candy, Wayne Knight, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Vincent D’Onofrio, Dale Dye, Lolita Davidovich, John Larroquette, Ron Rifkin and Martin Sheen (narration).
Tagline: He’s a District Attorney. He will risk his life, the lives of his family, everything he holds dear for the one thing he holds sacred… the truth.
The Plot…
New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison (Costner) has doubts about the Warren Commission’s findings that Lee Harvey Oswald (Oldman) acted alone in the assassination of President Kennedy. Garrison puts together a team to investigate. The team discovers new evidence, witnesses that were ignored, and more.
Garrison will ultimately indict a New Orleans business man, Clay Shaw (Jones) for his role in the assassination of President Kennedy. Was Garrison a hero or a conspiracy nut?
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
JFK was nominated for eight 1992 Academy Awards and won two…
- Nominee for Best Picture: A. Kitman Ho, Oliver Stone
- Nominee for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Tommy Lee Jones
- Nominee Best Director: Oliver Stone
- Nominee for Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published: Oliver Stone, Zachary Sklar
- Nominee for Best Sound: Michael Minkler, Gregg Landaker, Tod A. Maitland
- Nominee for Best Music, Original Score: John Williams
- Winner for Best Cinematography: Robert Richardson
- Winner for Best Film Editing: Joe Hutshing, Pietro Scalia
JFK is riveting cinema. The story is compelling. The direction, editing, use of various film stocks, vintage real footage mixed with recreations is movie-making at it’s best. Director Oliver Stone was at the top of his game. He was supported by an amazing cast.
The scene where Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested in the theater was filmed in the actual theater where the real arrest took place. Money from the film was used to restore the theater.
The scene of Jack Ruby killing Lee Harvey Oswald was shot in the Dallas City Hall basement where the actual murder took place.
The scenes of Lee Harvey Oswald shooting from the sixth floor window of the Texas School Book Depository were filmed in the real building, but from the fifth floor window. The sixth floor is now a museum. Views as seen from the sixth floor window were actually taken from that window. Only the cameraman, Stone and a couple of others were allowed at the window.
Woody Harrelson’s father, Charles Harrelson, was convicted of killing federal judge John H. Wood Jr. (and two others). Charles Harrelson claimed that he took part in the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Harrelson claimed he was one of the three “tramps” questioned the day of the murder. Harrelson drew diagrams and claims he can be seen in photos taken that day. The FBI has discounted his claims.
JFK is Oliver Stone’s favorite of all the films he directed.
In response to criticism that he made up much of the “facts” presented, Oliver Stone published an annotated version of his screenplay, in which he proved attribution for every claim made in the film.
JFK (1991) rates 5 of 5 stars.
“Laura” (1944) directed by Otto Preminger, starring Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews, Clifton Webb & Vincent Price / Z-View
Laura (1944)
Director: Otto Preminger
Screenplay: Jay Dratler, Samuel Hoffenstein, Elizabeth Reinhardt, Ring Lardner Jr. (uncredited) based on LAURA by Vera Caspary
Stars: Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews, Clifton Webb, Vincent Price, Judith Anderson and Dorothy Adams.
Tagline: No picture was ever so irresistible as Laura. No picture was ever so breath-taking!
The Plot…
Laura Hunt (Tierney), an attractive successful young woman, was brutally murdered at the entrance to her apartment. The shotgun blast to the face destroyed her beauty as it took her life. Detective Mark McPherson (Andrews) is put in charge of the investigation.
Detective McPherson interviews Laura’s closest friends…
- Waldo Lydecker (Webb) is a famous newspaper columnist and radio personality. Waldo gave Laura her start, by endorsing an ad she created and introducing her to movers and shakers. Waldo is much older than Laura but has great affection for her. Waldo doesn’t care for Laura’s latest boyfriend who is a scam artist.
- Shelby Carpenter (Price) is Laura’s boyfriend. She was considering marriage to Shelby despite his past.
- Ann Treadwell (Anderson) is a rich society dame. Ann has repeatedly given Shelby money and is in love with him.
- Bessie (Adams) is Laura’s housekeeper. She is totally devoted to Laura.
As McPherson learns more about Laura, her beauty and exceptional personality, he becomes infatuated with her.
Then something totally unexpected happens.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Laura was nominated for five Academy Awards and won one…
- 1945 Nominee for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Clifton Webb
- 1945 Nominee for Best Director: Otto Preminger
- 1945 Nominee for Best Writing, Screenplay: Jay Dratler, Samuel Hoffenstein, Elizabeth Reinhardt
- 1945 Nominee for Best Art Direction-Interior Decoration, Black-and-White: Lyle R. Wheeler, Leland Fuller, Thomas Little
- 1945 Winner Best Cinematography, Black-and-White: Joseph LaShelle
Vincent Price considered Laura the best film he was ever in.
Clifton Webb had a career in silent films. He then became a theater actor and hadn’t appeared on screen in 15 years. Otto Preminger wanted him for the role of Waldo. Studio head Darryl F. Zanuck was against the casting because Webb was a homosexual. Preminger persisted. Zanuck said to give Webb a screen test. Webb said, “If Zanuck wants to see me act, he can come to the theater.” Preminger filmed Webb in a stage performance. When Zanuck saw this “screen test” he was upset with how Preminger got the footage, but agreed to the casting.
Otto Preminger put together Laura as a project for him to produce and direct. However when Darryl Zanuck returned from the service to head the studio, he nixed this. Zanuck had problems with Preminger in the past. Zanuck said Preminger could serve as a producer, but not director of the film. Rouben Mamoulian was given the job. Nobody liked the dailes Mamoulian shot. Zanuck replaced Mamoulian with Preminger.
Laura provided inspiration for Burt Reynold’s Sharky’s Machine.
Laura (1944) rates 4 of 5 stars.
THE ACTOR by Donald Westlake
THE ACTOR by Donald Westlake sounds like a winner…
NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE
Donald E. Westlake’s lost masterpiece MEMORY, adapted for the screen as THE ACTOR.
“An unsparing look at a man adrift, it’s a fitting final dispatch from a master.” — Time
“Terse and bleak and low-key emotional… indelible.” — Entertainment Weekly
THE CRIME WAS OVER IN A MINUTE –
THE CONSQUENCES LASTED A LIFETIMEHospitalized after a liaison with another man’s wife ends in violence, Paul Cole has just one goal: to rebuild his shattered life. But with his memory damaged, the police hounding him, and no way even to get home, Paul’s facing steep odds – and a bleak fate if he fails…
This final, never-before-published novel by three-time Edgar Award winner Donald E. Westlake is a noir masterpiece, a dark and painful portrait of a man’s struggle against merciless forces that threaten to strip him of his very identity.
THE ACTOR drops on January 14, 2025. Preorders are available now.
“The Big Combo” (1955) starring Cornel Wilde, Richard Conte, Jean Wallace, Brian Donlevy, Lee Van Cleef and Earl Holliman / Z-View
The Big Combo (1955)
Director: Joseph H. Lewis
Screenplay: Philip Yordan
Stars: Cornel Wilde, Richard Conte, Jean Wallace, Brian Donlevy, Robert Middleton, Lee Van Cleef, Earl Holliman, Helen Walker, Jay Adler, John Hoyt, Ted de Corsia, Helene Stanton, Roy Gordon, James McCallion and Whit Bissell.
Tagline: The Most Startling Story The Screen Has Ever Dared Reveal!
The Plot…
Detective Lt. Leonard Diamond (Wilde) has made it his personal mission to bring down a crime boss known as Mr. Brown (Conte). Brown has his fingers in organized crime across the city. Brown is feared because of his sadistic tendencies and willingness to destroy anyone who crosses him. Brown is supported by Fante (Van Cleef) and Mingo (Holliman) thugs whose loyalty to is unquestioned.
Detective Diamond is infatuated with Mr. Brown’s girl, Susan (Wallace). Susan wants out of the relationship, but Mr. Brown would see her dead rather than lose her. Detective Diamond believes the key to taking down Mr. Brown is a mystery woman named Alicia.
Detective Diamond is getting close to the truth. Now he is in the crosshairs of Mr. Brown, Fante and Mingo.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Jack Palance was set to play Mr. Brown, but reportedly became upset when they producers refused to hire his wife. He left shortly before filming was to start, but recommended Richard Conte to replace him. (Interestingly enough Jean Wallace was Cornell Wilde’s wife at the time.)
The Big Combo pushed the boundaries of what was allowed in movies at the time. Detective Diamond has a casual sexual relationship with a stripper. Mr. Brown isn’t married to Susan, but they’re also in a sexual relationship. Thugs Fante and Mingo are clearly lovers. The torture scene is much more brutal than usually seen in movies of this era.
The Big Combo (1955) rates 4 of 5 stars.
“Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” starring Gerard Butler, O’Shea Jackson Jr. – The New Trailer is Here!
Deal me in!
Gerard Butler (Plane, Has Fallen series) and O’Shea Jackson Jr. (Straight Outta Compton, Godzilla: King of the Monsters) return in the sequel to 2018’s action-heist hit Den of Thieves.
In DEN OF THIEVES: PANTERA, Big Nick (Butler) is back on the hunt in Europe and closing in on Donnie (Jackson), who is embroiled in the treacherous and unpredictable world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia, as they plot a massive heist of the world’s largest diamond exchange.
Lionsgate presents, in association with eOne and TT Entertainment, a TT Entertainment production. An eOne Features production. A G-Base and Diamond Film Productions production.
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera – in theaters January 10! Starring Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr
“Second Wind” (1966) original title: Le deuxième souffle, directed by Jean-Pierre Melville, starring Lino Ventura, Paul Meurisse, Christine Fabréga and Michel Constantin / Z-View
Second Wind (1966) original title: Le deuxième souffle
Director: Jean-Pierre Melville
Screenplay: Jean-Pierre Melville, José Giovanni based on the novel Le deuxième souffle by José Giovanni
Stars: Lino Ventura, Paul Meurisse, Christine Fabréga and Michel Constantin.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Gustave “Gu” Minda has escaped prison and is on the lam. He needs money to get out of the country before Police Commissaire Blot’s team find him.
Gu is offered a spot on a dangerous rip-off. Two armed motorcycle cops will escort an armored truck (with two more armed guards) and over a ton of platinum. The score will not only get Gu enough cash to slip out of the country, but set him up for life.
Of course the best laid plans…
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The more I think about this film, the more I like it.
One of my favorite characters in this movie is Alban (Michel Constantin), Gu’s sister’s bodyguard.
Second Wind (1966) rates 4 of 5 stars.
“Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” – The Poster is Here!
I enjoyed Den of Thieves and am looking forward to Den of Thieves 2: Pantera.
The Collected Will Eisner’s John Law by Will Eisner and Gary Chaloner is coming!
The Collected Will Eisner’s John Law by Will Eisner and Gary Chaloner is coming! It will drop on March 4, 2025. Preorders are available now. Here is the lowdown…
Wherever men live, be they nomads or city dwellers, there they must have law and a man to enforce it.
Meet Detective John Law of Crossroads City. Strong, decent, hardworking and hard-nosed. He’s a man who believes in the law and order. He’s the last of a dying breed.
In 1948, Will Eisner produced the first issue of “John Law Detective”, which he intended to add to a line of self-published comics. However, after Eisner’s “Baseball Comics”, “Kewpies”, and “Pirate Comics” failed to find an audience, John Law never made it to the newsstand and was quietly dropped, with much of the original artwork reworked in 1950 for his most famous creation, The Spirit.
Featuring original stories by Will Eisner, Gary Chaloner’s award-winning reboot from 2004, including a previously unpublished John Law Story, and a foreword by long-time Eisner publisher Denis Kitchen, this is a must-have for not just Eisner fans but comic collectors of all ages.
“Tulsa King”: Season 2 (2024) starring Sylvester Stallone / Z-View
Tulsa King: Season 2 (2024)
Created by: Taylor Sheridan
Director: Craig Zisk (Eps. 1-2; 9-10); Joshua Marston (Eps. 3-4); David Semel (Eps. 5-6); Kevin Dowling (Eps. 7-8)
Teleplay: Taylor Elmore and Terence Winter & Sylvester Stallone (Ep. 1); Stephen Scaia and Terence Winter (Ep. 2); Terence Winter & Joseph Riccobene (Ep. 3); Terence Winter & Dave Flebotte (Ep. 4); William Schmidt (Ep. 5); Terence Winter (Ep. 6); Dave Flebotte (Ep. 7); William Schmidt & Terence Winter (Ep. 8); Joseph Riccobene (Ep. 9); Terence Winter & Sylvester Stallone (Ep. 10)
Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Martin Starr, Jay Will, Max Casella, Vincent Piazza, Tatiana Zappardino, Annabella Sciorra, Neal McDonough, Frank Grillo, Domenick Lombardozzi, Andrea Savage, Garrett Hedlund, Dana Delany, Chris Caldovino, Dashiell Connery, McKenna Quigley Harrington, Justin Garcia-Pruneda, Michael Beach, Scarlet Rose Stallone, Steve Witting, Rich Ting, Glen Gould, J.D. Walsh, Jelly Roll, Graham Greene and Cash Flo.
Tagline: The Boss Is Back.
The Plot…
Dwight’s see an opportunity to get a wind farm on the cheap. He’ll use it to power a marijuana farm. This puts him at odds with Cal Thresher, the biggest medical marijuana supplier in Tulsa (and business partner of Bill Bevilaqua, the organized crime don of the territory).
Dwight learns that a Chinese triad is also involved with marijuana farming in the area and could be a problem. Chickie reaches out to one of Dwight’s team to set up a doublecross. Meanwhile Thresher has gets the hook in another on Dwight’s team. An attempt is made on Dwight’s life.
Tensions mount as Dwight refuses to give Bevilaqua the percentage he wants and offers nothing to Chickie. People will die and there will be collateral damage.
The season ends with a cliffhanger.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Tulsa King was nominated for one 2023 PrimeTime Emmy Award – Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Comedy Series or a Variety Program: Freddie Poole
As you might have guessed, Tulsa King continues to be my current favorite television show. Bring on season three!
Tulsa King: Season 2 (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.
CHARLIE OPERA by Charlie Stella
Charlie Opera by Charlie Stella
First sentence…
Donna Bella, a twenty-six foot cabin cruiser, was anchored directly under the Marine Park Bridge in Jamaica Bay.
The Overview: Beware of Spoilers…
Charlie Pellecchia took his wife to Vegas for a nice little getaway. He had no idea she was about to leave him. Or that he’d get mugged and a broken nose. And who knew that the guy’s jaw he broke belonged to New York mobster Nicky Cuccia?
Now Charlie has been marked for death. A professional killer and his muscle-bound wannabe plus some Vietnamese gangbangers look to cash in. The FBI, the DEA and Las Vegas’ finest want Charlie too. Who gets to him first is yet to be seen!
Rating:
