Category: Crime

QUARRY’S REUNION by Max Allan Collins is Coming Soon!

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Max Allan Collins’ Quarry returns November 10th in QUARRY’S REUNION.  Here’s the scoop…

The hitman hero of the acclaimed Cinemax series comes out of retirement for another nail-biting suspense thriller from the New York Times best-seller, MWA Grandmaster and award-winning author of Road to Perdition, Max Allan Collins.

YOU’RE CORDIALLY INVITED TO CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF MURDER…

Since his first appearance in 1976, Max Allan Collins’ quintessential killer-for-hire, Quarry, has starred in 17 novels, two films, a graphic novel, and a Cinemax TV series — and with QUARRY’S REUNION, he reaches a milestone never before achieved by any character in American crime novels: a series that has continued for 50 years.

To celebrate, MWA Grand Master Collins is taking Quarry somewhere he’s never gone before: back home, to the town in Ohio where he grew up, before his tour of duty in Vietnam and his even bloodier experiences Stateside. An old high-school girlfriend summons Quarry for his 50th reunion – but old times take a back seat when bullets start to fly. Thrilling, moving, and revealing, this new installment in Quarry’s Edgar and Shamus Award-nominated saga delivers a powerful capstone to the killer’s career – and a perfect entry point for readers new to Quarry’s story.

Pre-orders are available now.

Jack Carter and Marv Meet at Kadie’s by Marc Lapierre!

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Every year the Cartoon Art Museum does a fundraiser.  Artists take on commissions with the funds raised going to support the Museum.  It’s a great cause supported by exceptional artists who share their talents in an effort to support the Museum.

This year I commissioned Marc Lapierre again.  Last year Marc created one of my favorite comissions of the year.  I asked for Stallone as Jack Carter with Keanu Reeves as John Wick.  Here is the beauty Marc produced.  Not only did Marc nail the likenesses (which is always a plus), but the captions were the icing on the cake.  I hoped this year lightning would strike again.

As you can see, I asked for Stallone from Get Carter and gave Marc a choice of three characters to choose from to add to the scene.  The characters were, in no particular order: Seth Gecko (Geore Clooney) in From Dusk Till Dawn, Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant) from Justified and Marv from Frank Miller’s Sin City.

Marc liked all of the choices, but knew immediately which he was going to draw.  He came through with another great in-joke and wonderful drawing.  I hope to add another to the collection the next time.  I also suggested  with his drawing talent and sense of humor, that a book of “bar interactions” between pop culture icons would be a cool thing!

I cannot thank Marc Lapierre enough for this sweet addition to my Stallone art collection.

CHAIN REACTION: A REACHER NOVEL by Lee Child and Andrew Child is Coming Soon!

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The new Jack Reacher novel, CHAIN REACTION by Lee Child and Andrew Child drops on October 20th.  Here’s the lowdown…

The heart-pounding new Jack Reacher thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling authors Lee Child and Andrew Child.

Jack Reacher is hard to find. It’s not easy to track him down. And he likes it that way. But General Susan Turner, based deep inside the Pentagon, has the means and the motive. She needs his help. A member of her team has been brutally murdered on covert duty. She can’t trust anyone she works with, not even her deputy. She needs someone from the outside. Someone who solves problems and disappears without a trace.

Reacher heads to Summertown, Colorado. A town as remote and bizarre as it gets. One diner, one motel, five massive data centers, two giant solar farms humming away in the dust. Total population: four people. And one of them is watching him. But Reacher isn’t built to run. He’s built to finish things. General Turner knows that if they come for Reacher, they’ll regret it—all the way to the top of the chain.

Preorders available now.

“I, The Jury” (1982) starring Armand Assante, Barbara Carrera, Laurene Landon, Alan King, Paul Sorvino and Geoffrey Lewis / Z-View

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I, the Jury (1982)

Director: Richard T. Heffron

Screenplay:  Larry Cohen; based on I, THE JURY by Mickey Spillane.

Stars:  Armand Assante, Barbara Carrera, Laurene Landon, Alan King, Paul Sorvino, Judson Scott, Jessica James and Geoffrey Lewis.

Tagline: He’s charming, he’s sexy, he’s tough, and he’s too hot to cool down! He’s “The Hammer”.

The Plot…

PI, Mike Hammer gets word that Jack Williams, an old army buddy, was murdered.  Jack lost his arm saving Mike during the war.  Despite being warned off by the cops, Hammer decides to look into Mike’s murder.  Hammer hopes to find the killer before the cops.  That way he can make sure justice is served.

The leads point to a sex clinic, the C.I.A., mobsters and a psycho killer.

The movie is I, the Jury and court is in session.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I, the Jury features Armand Assante in his first feature film starring role.  Assante makes a great Mike Hammer.

Larry Cohen, the screenwriter also started as the film’s director.  He was replaced after six days of shooting since he was already $100,000 and a day over budget.

I, the Jury is based on Mickey Spillane’s classic novel.  Changes to the film include setting it in the 1980s, adding the CIA/Mafia subplot and more.  Thankfully Hammer’s final line in the novel was kept for the movie.

Larry Cohen planned to do a trilogy of Mike Hammer films since he had the rights to two other Hammer novels by Spillane.  Sadly, this never happened.

Laurene Landon is excellent as Hammer’s secretary Velda.

I, the Jury features one of my all-time favorite movie posters.  It was created by Drew Struzan.

I, the Jury (1982) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Dog Day Afternoon” (1975) directed by Sidney Lumet, starring Al Pacino, John Cazale & Charles Durning / Z-View

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Dog Day Afternoon (1975)

Director: Sidney Lumet

Screenplay:  Frank Pierson, story by Thomas Moore, based on The Boys in the Bank article in Life magazine by P. F. Kluge, Thomas Moore

Stars:  Al Pacino, John Cazale, James Broderick, Penelope Allen, Sully Boyar, Carol Kane, Lance Henrikson, Floyd Levine, Dick Anthony Williams, Chris Sarandon and Charles Durning.

Tagline: The robbery should have taken 10 minutes. 4 hours later, the bank was like a circus sideshow. 8 hours later, it was the hottest thing on live T.V. 12 hours later, it was all history. And it’s all true

The Plot…

On the morning of August 22, 1972, three buddies, Sonny, Sal and Stevie, first time crooks, went in to a New York bank.  They intended to rob it.  As soon as Sonny and Sal pulled their guns, Stevie lost his nerve.  As Sonny and Sal held the clerks at bay, Stevie apologized and ran away.

Things went downhill from there.

The bank’s daily cash pick-up had already occurred.  There was barely $1,000.00 in the bank.  Worse still, a silent alarm had been triggered during the commotion.  In no time the bank was surrounded by cops and onlookers.

It was a stand-off.

Because Sonny and Sal were new at this, their actions confused the police.  The cops thought they were dealing with hardcases who would kill their hostages without a second thought.  Their demands though were confusing.  They wanted pizzas for the hostages and themselves, transportation to the airport and a jet to take everyone (hostages included) to an undisclosed location.  When asked why they were robbing the bank, their answer: Sonny wanted to get his lover a sex change operation.

As crazy as this sounds, it is all true.  And would get even crazier before it was over.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Dog Day Afternoon received six Academy Award nominations and won one…

  • Nominee for Best Film Editing – Dede Allen
  • Nominee for Best Director – Sidney Lumet
  • Nominee for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Chris Sarandon
  • Nominee for Best Actor in a Leading Role – Al Pacino
  • Nominee for Best Picture – Martin Bregman, Martin Elfand
  • Winner for Best Writing, Original Screenplay – Frank Pierson

Director Sidney Lumet was against the casting of John Cazale as Sal.  In real life, Sal was just 18 when the robbery took place. John Cazale was nearly 40, clearly too old for the role.  Al Pacino kept pushing for Cazale, so Lumet brought him in to audition and was won over.

This real life robbery became a model for police to learn how (and how not) to deal with hostage situations and unruly mobs of onlookers.

Sidney Lumet allowed his cast to improvise much of the dialogue.  When Al Pacino incites the crowd by yelling “Attica! Attica!”, Charles During looks confused.  He was.  Pacino improvised the line.  When Pacino asks Cazale, “What country he’d like to fly to” and Cazale responds, “Wyoming” it was another improvisation.  Pacino’s look of surprise was genuine.

Dog Day Afternoon features Chris Sarandon’s feature film debut.  Sarandon won an Oscar for his performance.

Dog Day Afternoon is classic.

Dog Day Afternoon (1975) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Fallen” (1998) starring Denzel Washington, John Goodman, Donald Sutherland & James Gandolfini / Z-View

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Fallen (1998)

Director: Gregory Hoblit

Screenplay:  Nicholas Kazan

Stars:  Denzel Washington, John Goodman, Donald Sutherland, Embeth Davidtz, James Gandolfini, Elias Koteas, Robert Joy.

Tagline: Don’t trust a soul.

The Plot…

Detective John Hobbes is surprised to find serial killer Edgar Reese is so cheerful when he is about to be executed.  Reese shows no remorse as he taunts the witnesses and sings “Time is On My Side” as justice is served.

Following Reese’s execution, a new series of murders occur.  The killer uses the same methods as Reese.  Detective Hobbes and his partner Jonesy believe a copycat is at play.  As they investigate the new murders, friends and strangers begin to say and do strange things around Hobbes.  It is almost as if they are taunting him.  It is especially disconcerting to hear them sing “Time is on my side”.

Then Hobbes discovers an occult connection to Reese.  Could it be possible that a demon took possession of the humans behind the murders?  If true, this demon can transfer from one body to another simply by touch.  Hobbes cannot believe that a supernatural force, a demon, could be involved.

Then the demon makes it’s presence known.

Hobbes is at a loss.  How do you defeat a demon that can possess anyone around you?  One thing is for sure… he can’t trust a soul.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Fallen is better than I thought it would be.  Much of that credit goes to the cast — especially Denzel Washington, John Goodman and James Gandolfini.

Other taglines for the film include:

  • I ALMOST died… – this  is a good one, but only makes real sense after seeing the movie.
  • Detective John Hobbes is searching for a criminal he’s already met… already caught… and already killed – is a bit too spot on and long
  • Time is on my side…. – is perhaps my favorite (along with the one on the poster I used).

Fallen (1998) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Lethal Weapon 2” directed by Richard Donner, starring Mel Gibson & Danny Glover / Z-View

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Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)

Director: Richard Donner

Screenplay:  Jeffrey Boam; story by Shane Black, Warren Murphy; based on characters created by Shane Black

Stars: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci, Joss Ackland, Derrick O’Connor, Patsy Kensit, Darlene Love, Traci Wolfe, Steve Kahan, Mark Rolston, Jeanette Goldstein, Nester Serrano, Grand L. Bush and Dean Norris.

Tagline: The magic is back!

The Plot…

LA Detective Martin Riggs and his partner, Detective Murtaugh are tasked with keeping Leo Getz alive long enough to testify in a federal case.  When an attempt is made on Getz’s life, Riggs and Murtaugh discover that Arjen Rudd, a South African diplomat, has put together a crime organization using “diplomatic immunity” to further his enterprise.

Without hard evidence Riggs and Murtaugh can’t move forward with an arrest.  When Arjen Rudd discovers that Riggs and Murtaugh are inquiring about him, Rudd uses his politcal influence to get them ordered to back off.

Any bets on if that will happen?

The magic is back!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Lethal Weapon 2 was nominated for one Academy Award for Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing – Robert G. Henderson, Alan Robert Murray

Lethal Weapon 2 earned more money at the box office than the original film which is unusal for a sequel.

Shane Black’s original script for Lethal Weapon 2 was a much darker and more action-oriented film than what was made.  In the end of Black’s script Riggs is killed saving Murtaugh.  The studios wanted Riggs to live because they wanted more sequels.  So Jeffrey Boam was brought in to write the screenplay.

Lethal Weapon 2 features a reunion of sorts – Jenette Goldstein (Meagan Shapiro) and Mark Rolston (Hans) also appeared in Aliens (1986), as Vasquez and Drake.

Joe Pesci is perfect as Leo Getz.

Lethal Weapon 2 leans much more into comedy than the original.

Lethal Weapon (1987) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Mobland” Season 2 starring Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan and Hellen Mirren – The Trailer is Here!

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Season 1 was awesome.  From the looks of the trailer for Mobland Season 2, looks like we’re in for more of the same.

Deal me in.

Season 2 of MobLand premieres September 18 only on Paramount+.

The Harrigans struggle to show a unified front as rising rivals threaten their criminal empire. Harry Da Souza, their street-smart and formidable ‘fixer’, must walk a dangerous tightrope when tensions within the family intensify. As violence spills into every corner of their lives, loyalties snap, safety proves temporary and the battle for power leaves no room for mercy.

WISDOM CORNER by David Heska Wanbli Weiden / Z-View

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WISDOM CORNER by David Heska Wanbli Weiden

First sentence…

I surveyed the wreckage around Wisdom Corner.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Virgil Wounded Horse wants to walk a different path.  He’s given up drinking.  He’s given up violence.  He no longer works as the reservation’s paid vigilante.

When a members of the Pine Ridge 705 gang make a move to take-over Pudge Iron Shell’s business, Virgil agrees to attend a meeting to reason with the thugs and get them to move on.

The meeting goes sideways.  One of the goons charges Virgil.  Virgil answers by giving the hood a disfiguring injury.  Virgil and Pudge escape.

Now the stakes are raised.

Virgil knows that the 705 bangers will respond.  He can handle himself, but what if they target his family and friends?

When Benny Many Wounds, a respected Rosebud Lakota medicine man, elder, and good friend of Virgil’s is murdered, Virgil suspects the Pine Ridge 705 gang is responsible.

And they may be.

Virgil has to be sure.  Soon there are several suspects.

  • The 705 crew.  Benny was an outspoken leader on the reservation.  Killing Benny would send a strong message that 705 gang was here.
  • Mitch Gagnon and land developers.  Gagnon has big political aspirations and is backed by developers looking to build on sacred land.  Benny was an outspoken opponent.
  • A mysterious hacker who has been leaking documents that tie the reservation’s leadership (including Benny) to covering up atrocities.  Perhaps the hacker took things to another level.

Virgil seeks justice for Benny’s death.  Whether the 705 gang are behind Benny’s death or not, Virgil knows they have unfinished business.  Violence has found Virgil Wounded Horse… and now he welcomes it.

+++

Rating:

“House of Numbers” (1957) starring Jack Palance / Z-View

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House of Numbers (1957)

Director: Russell Rouse

Screenplay:  Don Mankiewicz, Russell Rouse; based on HOUSE OF NUMBERS by Jack Finey.

Stars:  Jack Palance, Harold J. Stone, Barbara Lang, Edward Platt and Timothy Carey.

Tagline: The Most Fascinating Puzzle a Man Ever Faced…and his love depended on the solution!

The Plot…

Arnie Judlow is serving a life sentence for murder.  When Arnie throws a guard over the third floor railing during an altercation, he realizes he may get the gas chamber.  Authorities are waiting to see if the guard recovers or dies.

Arnie comes up with a daring plan.  There is a construction area in the prison. It is off limits to prisoners. Guards just make casual checks there.  Arnie realizes if he can get into the construction zone overnight, he could do “something” that would get him over-the-wall.  The only problem is that during the night count, he would be discovered missing.  The guards would then search every square inch of the prison until they found him.

Arnie knows his plan would work if he could work out a fix for the night count.  And it dawns on him.  If Bill, Arnie’s twin, could sneak into the prison and take his place for the night count, Arnie could setup his escape plan.

Arnie convinces his brother, if the guard dies, Arnie will get the death penalty. The only way to save him is to take Arnie’s place overnight.  Bill realizes, the plan has little hope to succeed, but it is Arnie’s only chance.

Bill agrees to take Arnie’s place overnight.  If all goes well, Bill will get out the next day and Arnie will escape that night.

The best laid plans…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Jack Palance plays both Arnie and Bill.

Much of the movie was filmed in San Quentin.

Arnie’s escape plan is so over the top, I was lured in just to see if it would work.

Timothy Carey who is always interesting to watch has a small part.

House of Numbers (1957) rates 3 of 5 stars.