Category: Books

“Cape Fear” The Limited Series starring Amy Adams, Javier Bardem & Patrick Wilson – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

Posted on by

The original is a classic.  The remake is worthy.  Now we have a Cape Fear limited television series.  Check out the poster and trailer and see what you think.

Deal me in.

Out of prison, and out for revenge.

Cape Fear premieres June 5 on Apple TV

Inspired by the 1991 remake directed by Martin Scorsese and produced by Steven Spielberg, a storm is coming for happily married attorneys Anna (Amy Adams) and Tom Bowden (Patrick Wilson) when Max Cady (Javier Bardem), the notorious killer they are responsible for putting behind bars, is let out of prison — and he wants vengeance.

Hailing from UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group, and Amblin Television, “Cape Fear” is based on both the novel “The Executioners,” which inspired Gregory Peck’s Universal Pictures feature (1962) of the same name, as well as the acclaimed 1991 remake directed by Scorsese.

The series is executive produced by Steven Spielberg, who produced the 1991 film, alongside Scorsese. Creator Nick Antosca showruns and produces alongside Alex Hedlund for Eat The Cat, and Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey produce alongside Spielberg for Amblin Television. Academy Award nominee Morten Tyldum will direct the pilot and serve as executive producer. The series is developed and produced through Antosca’s overall deal at UCP, where he’s been based since 2017.

“Nuremberg” (2025) starring Russell Crowe and Rami Malek / Z-View

Posted on by

Nuremberg (2025)

Director:  James Vanderbilt

Screenplay:  James Vanderbilt; based on THE NAZI AND THE PSYCHIATRIST by Jack El-Hao

Stars: Russell Crowe, Rami Malek, Leo Woodall, John Slattery, Mark O’Brien, Colin Hanks, Wrenn Schmidt, Lydia Peckham, Richard E. Grant and Michael Shannon.

Tagline: An epic World War ll thriller based on true events

The Plot…

1945.  World War II is over.  For the first time in history an international trial will be held to determine if crimes against humanity were committed.  The defendants are leaders of the Nazi party including Reichsmarshall Hermann Göring, Hitler’s former second-in-command.  Göring welcomes the opportunity to present his case to the world.

Douglas Kelley, a Lt. Colonel and U.S. Army psychiatrist, is brought in to evaluate the Nazis competency to stand trial.  Kelley determines that they are competent, but cautions the prosecutors. Hermann Göring has a genius level IQ.  He’s a sly, charismatic, confident narcissistic who believes that he will be able to prove he is not guilty of the crimes charged.

As the prosecutors prepare for trial it becomes clear that Göring is going to be a problem.  Even Lt. Colonel Kelley begins to fall under his spell.

As the world watches, the trial begins…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Much of the dialogue in the trial cross-examination exchanges of Göring came from transcripts from the trial.

Göring was found guilty and sentenced to death.  He committed suicide using cyanide before the sentence could be carried out.  It’s ironic/creepy that Lt. Colonel Kelley committed suicide twelve years later by cyanide in 1958.

Russell Crowe, Rami Malek and Michael Shannon are excellent.

Nuremberg (2025) rates 4 of 5 stars

MONSTER ISLAND by David Wellington / Z-View

Posted on by

MONSTER ISLAND by David Wellington

First sentences…

Osman leaned over the rail and spat into the gray sea before turning again to shout orders at his first mate Ysuf.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

The zombie apocalypse came.  It was as bad as anyone could imagine.  In no time at all the zombies outnumber the living.  The humans who survive huddle in small groups in whatever safe haven they can find.  But without adequate food, water, electricity, lights, air conditioning or heat, survival is barely a step above existing.

The cities are the worst.  The bigger the city, the worse the situation.  In New York City most of the millions of people who used to live and work there are now members of the walking dead.  You’d have to be crazy or have a daughter who will die if you don’t.

Dekalb isn’t crazy.  But he’s been separated from his daughter.  Dekalb was captured by a squad of warrior women.  Their leader will die without the right medicine.  Dekalb knows where a supply can be found.  The meds are at the U.N. Building in midtown Manhattan.  Dekalb offers to retrieve the medicine if he can be reunited with his daughter.  Although a small squad of the warriors will travel with Dekalb, they’ll be outnumbered millions to one.  The only saving grace is Dekalb can think.  Zombies are just mindless eating machines.

All of them… except one.

A medical student named Gary had a plan to survive the zombie apocalypse.  And he did.

Sort of.

Now Gary is one of the walking dead, but he still has the ability to think.  Sure, like all of the other walkers, Gary has a never-ending hunger for human flesh.  But in addition to his ability to think, Gary can mentally control the other zombies.  Gary’s developed a plan that will make him king of the world.  Humans will be contained, corralled and allowed to live…  as a food source for Gary and his walking dead army.

Dekalb and Gary are on a collision course.

+++

MONSTER ISLAND is the first in Wellington’s MONSTER trilogy (MONSTER ISLAND, MONSTER NATION and MONSTER PLANET).

Wellington first published MONSTER ISLAND in installments available for free on the internet.

David Wellington takes the traditional zombie troupes and puts a spin on them.  I enjoyed the ride and look forward to the others in the trilogy.

Rating:

THE CROW: THE DEFINITIVE HISTORY by Jeff Bond!

Posted on by

Fans of J. O’Barr’s The Crow are gonna love this.  A new book by Jeff Bond titled THE CROW: THE DEFINITIVE HISTORY premieres on September 1, 2026.  Here’s the lowdown…

The ultimate guide to the making of cult classic film The Crow, featuring new interviews with filmmakers, behind-the-scenes imagery, and highlighting its enduring legacy, including exclusive imagery from the 2024 film.

Take a deep dive into the making of the iconic 1994 film The Crow, exploring its origins in James O’Barr’s haunting graphic novel, and the lasting impact of its production in later sequels. THE CROW: THE DEFINITIVE HISTORY details the film’s bold visual style, director Alex Proyas’ creative vision, and the rise of Brandon Lee as the unforgettable Eric Draven. Despite tragedy, the crew’s determination to bring the film to completion created a cult classic.

The book traces the franchise’s evolution through its sequels, and examines how The Crow became a symbol of love, loss, and redemption, leaving a legacy that continues to resonate with fans. Through interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and critical analysis, this is the definitive account of The Crow’s lasting influence.

UNFINISHED TALES by Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips!

Posted on by

Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips’ new graphic novel, UNFINISHED TALES, drops December 8, 2026.  Here’s the lowdown…

“Brubaker and Phillips don’t hit a wrong note.” — Shane Black

A shocking new original graphic novel from the legendary team of Brubaker and Phillips!

Finnegan Blake is one of the most successful authors in the world, but he can’t enjoy all the fame and fortune anymore. Because Finn is ten years past his deadline on the final book in his epic fantasy series, and has no hope of ever finishing it. Until an old friend shows up with the perfect solution to his writers block. But their pact soon turns dark, as egos clash and old secrets emerge, leading Finn to wonder exactly what kind of deal he’s made, and how far he’s willing to go to get this final book onto the bestseller list. Most writers would kill for Finn’s life… will he?

The Lord of the Rings meets The Talented Mr Ripley in this paranoid thriller by the grand masters of comics noir. UNFINISHED TALES is the must-have graphic novel for the Christmas season, from the red hot creators of RECKLESS, THE FADE OUT, KILL OR BE KILLED and CRIMINAL (coming in 2026 to Prime Video).

“Shoot the Piano Player” (1960) directed by François Truffaut / Z-View

Posted on by

Shoot the Piano Player (1960)

Director:  François Truffaut

Screenplay: François Truffaut, Marcel Moussy; based on DOWN THERE (aka SHOOT THE PIANO PLAYER) by David Goodis

Stars: Charles Aznavour, Marie Dubois, Nicole Berger, Michèle Mercier and Albert Rémy.

Tagline: A Film for Adults

The Plot…

Charlie Koller is a piano player in a small jazz club.  Charlie  comes in each night, plays the piano and keeps to himself.  He’s a low key guy.  Léna, a waitress at the club, is starting to fall in love with Charlie.  Although Léna knows a bit about Charlie’s past, she keeps it secret.

One night when Charlie is playing, a man comes rushing in the club. The man is Charlie’s estranged brother.  He’s on the run from two thugs who aren’t far behind.  Although Charlie wants no part of his brother’s problem, he can’t stand by and do nothing.  The choice to get involved will bring forth the past Charlie has kept hidden and result in several murders.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Although based on David Goodis’ excellent novel, DOWN THERE, the screenplay makes significant changes to the protagonist making him more confident and stronger.

Due to budget restraints, Truffaut often filmed on the streets of Paris where they could, improvising dialogue as they went along.

While I’m a fan of Shoot the Piano Player, I like the novel even better!

Shoot the Piano Player (1960) rates 4 of 5 stars

“Crime 101” (2026) written and directed by Bart Layton, starring Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan and Halle Berry / Z-View

Posted on by

Crime 101 (2026)

Director:  Bart Layton

Screenplay: Bart Layton; based on Crime 101 by Don Winslow

Stars:  Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Halle Berry and Nick Nolte.

Tagline:  One Heist Connects Them All

The Plot…

Mike is a meticulous jewel thief.  He carefully plans his robberies to minimize all risks.  Mike never has to resort to violence, leaves no clues and is gone well before the police arrive.  Mike’s goal is to get enough money to walk away from this life and start a new one without looking back.

Mike has successfully pulled off a string of robberies and believes that no one has linked that one man is behind them all.

He’s wrong.

LAPD Detective Lou Lubesnick is convinced that there are about a dozen robberies that were committed by the lone thief.  All of the jobs were done with easy access to a highway.  The thief had obviously cased the job and knew the comings and going of all the employees.  And not a single job resulted in anyone being hurt.  Although Detective Lubesnick is convinced, his bosses aren’t.  But that isn’t deterring Lubesnick.

Mike’s fence, Money also helps identify potential jobs.  When Money pushes Mike to take down a jewelry store without enough time to figure out how to make it work, Mike passes.  Money gets hires a hothead named Ormon for the heist.  This puts Mike at odds with both Money and Ormon.

As Detective Lubesnick closes in, Mike sees an opportunity for a job that will either set him up with the money needed to walk away… or get him killed.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Crime 101 is based on a novella by Don Winslow.

Crime 101 checks all the boxes – excellent story and direction plus a great cast.

Crime 101 (2026) rates 5 of 5 stars

“Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” (1941) starring Spencer Tracy, Ingrid Berman & Lana Turner / Z-View

Posted on by

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941)

Director:  Victor Fleming

Screenplay: John Lee Mahin, Percy Heath, Samuel Hoffenstein; based on STRANGE CASE OF DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE by Robert Louis Stevenson

Stars:  Spencer Tracy, Ingrid Bergman, Lana Turner, Donald Crisp, Ian Hunter, Barton MacLane, Frederick Worlock, Lumsden Hare, Lawrence Grant and Forrester Harvey.

Tagline:  Do you have secret longings that you dare not reveal? If you do, it’s the Mr. Hyde in you – and you can find out all about him from M-G-M’s fascinating, revealing film!

The Plot…

1887.  Dr. Jekyll and Beatrix Emery are in love and wish to be married.  Beatrix’s father is not happy with the relationship.  To delay the marriage Beatrix’s dad takes her on a prolonged trip out of country.

Meanwhile Dr. Henry Jekyll continues his experiments to separate the good and evil in humans.  With Beatrix gone, Jekyll decides to ingest his serum himself.  It works by changing Dr. Jekyll’s appearance and personality.  He’s no longer a calm and kind person.  Now he’s become harsh, crude and sadistic.  Jekyll takes to calling himself Mr. Hyde when he’s under the influence of his serum.

Late one night Hyde saves Ivy Peterson from an attacker as she is walking home.  This leads to Hyde becoming infatuated with Ivy… in an unhealthy relationship.  As time passes Jekyll spends more and more time as Hyde.  Hyde’s behavior becomes more outrageous as he gets into bar fights and instigates mayhem.  His behavior with Ivy also takes a turn for the worst.

Soon Beatrix will return…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Because of the Hays Code Ivy’s profession was changed from a prostitute to a barmaid.

Spencer Tracy had hoped to play Hyde without use of make-up, but ultimately it was decided to use some.  Even still, the transformation from Jekyll to Hyde isn’t enough to make it believable that Jekyll wouldn’t be recognized.

Spencer Tracy also wanted the roles of Beatrix and Ivy to be played by the same actress.  Just as Tracy’s Jekyll and Hyde were the two sides (good and bad) of the same person, Beatrix and Ivy would be the female version.

Neither Beatrix nor Ivy appear in Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella.  They first appear in the stage play adapted by T.R. Sullivan.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941) is basically a remake of the 1931 Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.  Sadly, the remake falls far short of the original which was nominated for three Academy Awards, winning one.  Part of the problem is the Hays Code and part is that the transformation from Jekyll to Hyde is lacking.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941) rates 3 of 5 stars

TRUTH TO POWER: A LUKE CAGE MARVEL CRIME NOVEL by S.A. Cosby!

Posted on by

One of my favorite authors is S.A. Cosby.  I highly recommend everything he’s written.  Anyway, I was doing a search to see if Cosby’s next book had been announced.  It has.  I was surprised to find out it’s the third book in the Marvel Crime novel series.  I wasn’t even aware that there was a Marvel Crime novel series. 

Ah, but there is.

Here’s the lowdown on S.A. Cosby’s TRUTH TO POWER: A LUKE CAGE MARVEL CRIME NOVEL…

Luke Cage plays detective and super hero when he uncovers a conspiracy turning vulnerable Americans into unwitting pawns of a madman.

New York Times bestselling author S. A. Cosby (KING OF ASHES) writes an original crime novel starring Harlem’s unbreakable hero for the Marvel Crime thriller series for adult readers.

With advanced cybernetics showing up in the possession of low-level criminals, Luke Cage is hired to investigate a factory manufacturing medical devices in rural Virginia. Leaving Jessica Jones during a delicate moment in their relationship, he makes plans to travel south but is devastated to learn that a cousin who scoped out the plant for him has been found dead. The police report states it was an accident. But Luke has long known that official words are just that: words.

Fueled by guilt and vengeance, Luke arrives in Virginia and promises his aunt he’ll get to the bottom of things. But danger lurks in every living room, barroom, and country road of Majestic, and the local sheriff’s barely concealed prejudices are ready to boil to the surface. Even ordinary people seem to have no qualms about testing their might against the hero from New York City.

As Luke uncovers a conspiracy reaching to the county line and beyond, an persistent evil begins to take hold of the town, leaving Luke to hope that his unbreakable skin will protect him long enough to protect others and bring an end to the hate threatening to engulf the nation.

TRUTH TO POWER continues the Marvel Crime series that began with Lisa Jewell’s BREAKING THE DARK and Alex Segura’s ENEMY OF MY ENEMY. Bringing fans into a grittier, street-level side of the Marvel Universe, Marvel Crime novels build on one another but can be enjoyed as stand-alone reads and will thrill even those new to the Marvel Universe.

TRUTH TO POWER: A LUKE CAGE MARVEL CRIME NOVEL  Hardcover

TRUTH TO POWER: A LUKE CAGE MARVEL CRIME NOVEL  Kindle

TRUTH TO POWER drops on September 22, 2026.

“The Vampire Lestat” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

Posted on by

Although I’m a huge fan of Interview with the Vampire (both the Tom Cruise movie and the AMC series), I was a bit concerned when I heard that the next season would be titled The Vampire Lestat.   A rock-and-roll vampire?  Not sure how that could work. (And no, I’ve never read the novels.)

After seeing this trailer, I think my concerns were misguided.  Time will tell.

Deal me in.

It’s time to set the record straight.

#TheVampireLestat debuts June 7 exclusively on AMC and AMC+.

TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER: PERSPECTIVES ON YOUR FIRST ALIEN ENCOUNTER by Neil deGrasse Tyson!

Posted on by

Neil deGrasse Tyson’s book TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER: PERSPECTIVES ON YOUR FIRST ALIEN ENCOUNTER sounds like a fun read.  Here’s the lowdown…

America’s favorite astrophysicist has written the most entertaining and universally appealing book of his stellar career: a practical guide for dealing with Alien visitors, an exploration of how it might happen, and a cultural history of our fascination with extraterrestrials.

“Ever since childhood,” writes Neil deGrasse Tyson, “I’ve wanted to be abducted by Aliens.”

TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER is the culmination of a lifetime of fascination, speculation, and the amassing of scientific data about the possibility of Aliens visiting Earth. Drawing on a wealth of depictions from history, literature, pop culture, and film, Tyson applies the universal laws of physics to make the case for what Aliens might look like, act like, how they might travel through the universe to reach us, and what they might think of us upon arrival. Should such an event occur, Tyson further offers useful etiquette tips for your first close encounter.

If you’ve ever wondered why there are so many UFO sightings, or whether Aliens might already be among us, Tyson offers an informed perspective that is both factual and fun. TTAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER is a tantalizing exploration of what would be the most mind-blowing experience of your life—the book for anyone who has ever wondered: Are we alone?

TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER drops on May 12, 2026.

TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER hardback

TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER Kindle

“The Boys from Brazil” (1978) starring Gregory Peck, Laurence Olivier and James Mason / Z-View

Posted on by

The Boys from Brazil (1978)

Director: Franklin J. Schaffner

Screenplay: Heywood Gould; based on THE BOYS FROM BRAZIL by Ira Levin

Stars: Gregory Peck, Laurence Olivier, James Mason, Denholm Elliott, Rosemary Harris, John Dehner, John Rubinstein, Anne Meara, Walter Gotell, David Hurst, Wolfgang Preiss, Michael Gough, Joachim Hansen and Steve Guttenberg.

Tagline: If they survive…will we?

The Plot…

Barry Kohler, a young Nazi hunter discovers that Josef Mengele is still alive.  Worse still, Mengele is part of a secret organization to bring back the Third Reich.  Kohler reaches out to Ezra Lieberman, an elderly but famous Nazi hunter.  Lierberman doesn’t believe Kohler.

But when Kohler is murdered, Lierberman discovers that Kohler was right.

And Mengele’s plan is even more sinister.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Boys from Brazil was nominated for three 1979 Academy Awards.

  • Nominee for Best Actor in a Leading Role – Laurence Olivier
  • Nominee Best Film Editing – Robert Swink
  • Nominee for Best Music, Original Score – Jerry Goldsmith

George C. Scott was originally cast as Mengele.  He dropped out before filming began.

Because of Laurence Olivier’s declining health the fight scene between he and Gregory Peck took several days to film.  Both Olivier and Peck that it humorous that at their age they were rolling around on the floor.

Jeremy Black, who played the young Hitler clones, received an “introducing” credit.  Ironically, The Boys from Brazil features his first and last acting role.

The Boys from Brazil (1978) rates 3 of 5 stars.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994), directed by Kenneth Branagh, starring Robert De Niro, Kenneth Branagh and Helena Bonham Carter / Z-View

Posted on by

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994)

Director: Kenneth Branagh

Screenplay: Steph Lady, Frank Darabont; based on FRANKENSTEIN: or THE MODERN PROMETHEUS by Mary Shelley

Stars: Robert De Niro, Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hulce, Helena Bonham Carter, Aidan Quinn, Ian Holm, Robert Hardy, Cherie Lunghi and John Cleese.

Tagline: Be warned. It’s alive.

The Plot…

1794. Captain Walton, leading an expedition to the North Pole, is in a bad way.  His ship has become trapped in ice. While attempting to free the vessel, the crew hears a frightening scream somewhere in the mist that surrounds them.  Suddenly a man appears and calls for the men to grab their weapons and come with him.

The crew grab their guns and begin to move forward.  Their dogs run ahead, disappearing into the mist.  Within seconds they hear the cries of their dogs being killed.

The men retreat to the ship.  As his crew stands guard Captain Walton and the man talk.  The stranger says that he created the creature in the mist, and that his name is Victor Frankenstein.

This is his (and the creature’s) story…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein earned a 1995 Academy Award nomination for Best Makeup – Daniel Parker, Paul Engelen, Carol Hemming

Francis Ford Coppola bought Steph Lady’s screenplay with the intent to direct the film as a follow-up to his Dracula film.  When Coppola decided to just serve as the film’s producer, he insisted that Robert DeNiro play the creature.

DeNiro chose Kenneth Branagh to direct.  Branagh brought in Frank Darabont to create a second draft of the screenplay.  Branagh wanted the film to include a “recreated bride” which doesn’t happen in Shelley’s novel.

Coppola didn’t like many of the choices Branagh made and their were multiple disagreements during filming.  Coppola wanted to recut the film, but Branagh refused.  Coppola went on record denouncing the film.

Coppola wasn’t the only creative who worked on the film that didn’t care for the finished movie.  Frank Darabont said in interviews that he didn’t care for the movie and that Kenneth Branagh mishandled the material, and made changes to the screenplay.

Kenneth Branagh was married to actress Emma Thompson, but during filming of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, began an affair with his co-star Helena Bonham Carter.  Thompson divorced Branagh in 1997 and he continued his affair with Carter until their breakup in 1999.

A four-issue comic book adaptation was published by Topps.  It was written by Roy Thomas and drawn by Rafael Kayanan.

DeNiro as the creature didn’t work for me.  I could only see DeNiro in make-up and not a creature reanimated from dead bodies.

The screen loves Helena Bonham Carter, so her rebirth as “the Bride” is shocking — especially since she doesn’t (and legally couldn’t) look like the classic Universal Bride.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994) rates 3 of 5 stars.

THE UNDERTAKER VOLUME 1: THE GOLD EATER & DANCE OF THE VULTURES by Ralph Meyer, Caroline Delabie and Xavier Dorison

Posted on by

THE UNDERTAKER VOLUME 1: THE GOLD EATER & DANCE OF THE VULTURES by Ralph Meyer, Caroline Delabie and Xavier Dorison is coming. Here’s the scoop…

A gold-toothed corpse, a town hungry for vengeance, and a hearse full of secrets ― a gripping opening to a groundbreaking graphic novel series by expert duo Xavier Dorison and Ralph Meyer.

Jonas Crow is not your average mortician. Tall, lean, and accompanied by a carrion-eating vulture, he travels the Old West in a black hearse, providing final rites for those who can afford them. But Jonas is a man with a past as dark as the clothes he wears―and his newest client is about to make life very difficult for the living.

When the wealthy and hated mining tycoon Joe Cusco summons Crow, it’s for a peculiar request: Cusco knows he’s dying, and he plans to take his vast fortune with him. By swallowing his hoard of gold nuggets before drawing his last breath, he turns his own body into a literal treasure chest.

Now Jonas Crow must transport the gold-filled corpse across a desert crawling with outlaws, desperate miners, and Cusco’s own vengeful former employees. With a straight-laced English governess and a mysterious woman named Rose by his side, Crow must navigate a trail of greed where the line between the “good guys” and the vultures is razor-thin.

Why You’ll Love The Undertaker:

A Masterclass in Visual Storytelling: Winner of multiple European comic awards, featuring the gritty, high-contrast art of Ralph Meyer.
The Modern Western: Perfect for fans of True Grit, The Sisters Brothers, or Django Unchained.
Darkly Humorous & Action-Packed: A blend of cynical wit, high-stakes shootouts, and a deep, unfolding mystery regarding Jonas Crow’s true identity.

Click on preview pages below to get a biggie-sized look!

THE UNDERTAKER VOLUME 1 Hardcover

THE UNDERTAKER VOLUME 1 Kindle