Category: Movies

Liotta is out of Control

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Control totally slipped by me… waaaaay under the radar. I don’t remember reading anything about it before, during, or even after it’s release. [And I’m talking theatrical and dvd]. That’s surprising not only because it stars Ray Liotta, Willem Dafoe and Michelle Rodriguez, but also because it’s a pretty decent movie.

Ray Liotta plays a sociopath on death row who is given a last minute, and I mean LAST minute, reprieve, if he will participate in an experimental group testing a drug that might be the key to a cure. Given the set up, I thought that the movie might be a preachy “we can cure them” take on the death sentence. Boy, am I glad that it turned out to be much more than that.

Ray Liotta is one of the most underrated actors working today, and Control provides him an opportunity to show his chops. DaFoe and Rodriguez are welcome additions, but it is the script that really works for me. What could have been a really over the top action-adventure is instead so much more.

Control isn’t the best movie you’ll see this year, but I bet you’ll enjoy it if you give it a shot. “Control” rates a B+.

Sharky’s Coming Back

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Director, Phil Joanou, is set to direct a remake of Sharky’s Machine, a 1981 movie that starred Burt Reynolds as a vice cop who puts together a team to bring down a powerful mobster who controls politicians, the city’s drug trade, and a psychotic assassin.

Sharky’s Machine is my favorite Burt Reynolds movie, so you might think that I’d be upset that it’s being remade. You’d be wrong.

The cool thing about re-makes is that they bring new attention to the original movies. It’s usually a win-win situation.

If the new movie kicks butt, then fans may decide to check out the original. If the new movie tanks, it doesn’t change the fact that people are still going to be talking about the original film and better still, there’s a good chance that a new dvd release of the original film with extras will come heading our way in time to celebrate the theatrical release of the re-make.

Now if they’d only remake Nighthawks

Samuel Hiti and Two of his Rambo Drawings!

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Samuel Hiti is a 30-year-old artist, who made his graphic novel debut in New York with his Xeric Award-winning “End Times/Tiempos Finales.”

Mike Mignola, creator of the cult favorite “Hellboy,” said it was the best graphic novel of the year.  Samuel was nominated for “Best New Talent” for the 2005 Harvey Awards. Samuel has worked for major companies such as Nike, The New York Times, Disney, and adapted The 2004 Paramount/Dreamworks movie of “Lemony Snicket – SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS” into comic book form for Nickelodeon magazine.

I discovered Samuel’s site while surfing the web. While enjoying Samuel‘s art, I also learned that he’s a Rambo fan. Samuel recently drew a scene from Rambo and had so much fun with it, that he now does a Rambo Quote of the Week. Samuel graciously agreed to me posting a couple of examples here on the SZ.  – Craig

Raf’s Blog

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My buddy, Rafael Kayanan has started his own blog. Raf‘s a really talented individual. He’s a highly skilled martial artist who trains celebrities and works as a technical advisor in the film industry. Raf‘s also an accomplished artist who has illustrated for comic books, film, games and tv.

And now Raf has started his own blog. It’s going to be on my daily read list. Check it out and you may find it on yours as well!

It’s Not Your Dad’s Running Scared

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Up until a few minutes ago I don’t think I’d ever even heard of Running Scared. No,. it’s not that old Billy Crystal movie, this “Running Scared.” is being released on February 24th and stars Paul Walker.

It’s not that I’m a big Paul Walker fan [although I did like him in The Fast and the Furious].

It’s not that I’m a big Wayne Kramer fan [although The Cooler did get very good reviews].

What it is, is… I thought the trailer looked pretty interesting and the website even better. Let’s hope that the movie doesn’t let us down.

Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Roy Rogers… Bill Black

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My buddy, “Wild” Bill Black is a writer, penciler, inker, editor, publisher, chief cook and bottlewasher for AC Comics, an independent comic company that he created over 20 years ago. Bill has been favorably compared to Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Roy Rogers — and that’s just the comparisons that Bill uses when talking about himself!

Okay, okay… all kidding aside. Bill has been running AC Comics [the company that he really created] for over 20 years, but now he’s bringing his comic creations to the silver screen… or at least your tv screen… if you have a dvd player.

I guess now Bill will add Roger Corman to his list of comparisons!

Grizzly Man: Questions…

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Last night I watched a riveting documentary called “Grizzly Man” which is running on the Discovery Channel. For thirteen years, Timothy Treadwell spent his summers living among Alaskan grizzly bears. Treadwell went in armed with just a camera and no backup. The footage that he captured is amazing. What’s even more amazing is that quite often Treadwell was within feet of the bears as the rested, fought, and ate. On more than one occassion Treadwell would reach out and touch them.

As I said, the footage was riveting. Knowing Treadwell‘s story takes it up another notch. You see, he and his girlfriend were killed [and eaten] by a grizzly. The documentary makes this clear from the very start. It also lets you know that the deaths were recorded but that you would not hear the sounds in the documentary. [You do see Werner Herzog, the man who created the documentary listening to them — and that is quite enough for your imagination will do the rest.]

Treadwell‘s story is compelling and Herzog doesn’t sugar coat the man. Treadwell had issues, and definitely was a bit off center, but he lived and died doing what he loved. And that is where the controversary begins…

Should he been allowed to follow his dream? Was he violating the law? Was he helping or hurting the animals that he so dearly loved?

I’d love to hear reactions from anyone who has seen the film. “Grizzly Man” rates a B+.

Who is Keyser Soze?

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The February 10, 2006 issue of Entertainment Weekly is a special double-sized issue which looks at the Academy Awards. That’s not why I’m suggesting that you check it out though. The reason that I think that you might want to pick it up is for the article that tells the story behind the making of “The Usual Suspects.”

Chris Nashawaty‘s excellent article takes us back to the very origins of the screenplay and then sheds light on the process that brought it two Academy Awards. Part of the fun is Nashawaty provides us with little tidbits that fans of the movie will love. [Did you know that Keyser Soze‘s name was based on a real person? That Christopher Walken, Tommy Lee Jones, Jeff Bridges, Charlie Sheen, James Spader, Al Pacino and Johnny Cash [Johnny Cash!] turned down role offers?]

Reading Nashawaty‘s piece not only reminded me how much I enjoyed “The Usual Suspects” but makes me want to pull it off the shelf and watch it again. “The Usual Suspects” rates an A+.

Despite the Weird Hairpiece and Mustache

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I’m a huge Bruce Willis fan. Same goes for director, Richard Donner. Let’s not leave out actor, David Morse, who I think is one of the most under-rated actors in Hollywood.

So, yeah, I’m real excited about “16 Blocks” which will feature this trio working together to bring us thrills and chills.

Don’t believe me?

Then check out the one sheet poster and the trailer.

Now, what do you say?

Yeah, you’re right. Bruce Willis does look kind of weird with that hairpiece and mustache. Still, I’ll bet the movie rocks.

The Sleaze-Filled Saga

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I like M&Ms. I like peanuts. I really like M&Ms with peanuts. I like peanut butter and I like chocolate… but I really like Reese’s Cups. See a pattern?

Ok… now try this…

I like Quentin Tarantino movies and I like Robert Rodriguez‘s movies… but I really loved From Dusk Til Dawn.

Here’s another…

I like movies and I like books about movies… so I really loved Rebel without a Crew by Robert Rodriguez.

So what does all this have to do with today’s post?

Well… Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez are joining forces to create a movie called “Grind House.” The cool thing is that “Grind House” will actually be divided into two separate movies [like a double feature that you could have seen at the drive-in, back when they had drive-ins]. Tarantino’s will be called “Death Proof” and Rodriguez’s “Planet Terror.” They’re even going to make some fake coming attractions trailers for the complete “drive-in” experience.

So how could this get any better, you ask [and I’m glad that you did]. Tarantino and Rodriguez are going to team to create a 250 page hardcover titled GRIND HOUSE: THE SLEAZE-FILLED SAGA OF AN EXPLOITATION DOUBLE FEATURE that will be filled with cast and crew interviews, hundreds of full-color photographs, never-before-seen conceptual art and an in-depth history of the grindhouse genre by the directors themselves.

So we’ve got the movie and the book… now if someone will just remember the candy!

Rafael Kayanan and Lord of the Rings

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I first met Rafael Kayanan somewhere around thirty years ago. He was a young aspiring artist. But even then he had the talent and you just knew that this kid was going to make it.

And boy, did he make it!

Raf‘s had quite an interesting career so far. He’s worked for most major comic publishers, served as a fight trainer on George Clooney‘s “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind;” did the storyboards, served as a trainer, technical advisor and fight choreographer on “The Hunted” starring Tommy Lee Jones and Benicio del Toro; worked on developmental art for the upcoming “Princess of Mars” movie… and so much more.

I recently touched base with Raf and found out he’d just completed art on 250 Lord of the Rings collector cards which will be out in February. He sent me a scan and permission to share it — so click HERE to see the larger version.

I don’t know about you, but I think that someday this kid may go places.

The Best Comics to Movie Adaptation Ever

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Frank Miller’s Sin City is the best comics to movie adaptation ever.

Sure, arguments can be made for Superman [the first with Christopher Reeve and directed by Richard Donner], the original Crow movie [with Brandon Lee] and even this year’s Batman Begins. But for my money, Sin City is the cream of the crop as far as getting to the screen what was on the comic page.

That may change next year when Warner Brother’s releases 300. Interestingly enough, 300, like Sin City is based on a graphic novel by Frank Miller. What’s also interesting is that Zack Snyder, 300’s director, will make extensive use of the same “green screen” techniques employed by Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller when they brought Sin City to life for the big screen.

Zack Snyder really impressed me with his work on the Dawn of the Dead remake. Not only did he have the stones to take on the job of updating Romero’s cult classic, but he succeeded!

Check out the official 300 web site and you’ll see that Snyder is a huge fan of Frank Miller‘s work. I believe that Snyder will bring the same sense of respect and ability to 300 that he brought to Dawn of the Dead. And if that’s the case, we’ll not only get a great movie experience but also possibly the best comics to movie adaptation ever.

Which Kong is King

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Peter Jackson’s King Kong is a worthy successor to the original King Kong.

The original King Kong is considered a classic. It inspired generations of film makers and paved the way for a new genre of movie which spawned countless imitations in film and other entertainment media. Consider all of the King Kong riffs that you’ve seen in tv, comics, novels, etc. Yeah, the original King Kong is the gold standard.

Peter Jackson’s King Kong is going to be dismissed by some pureists who won’t consider anything but the original King Kong to be the best. For many film buffs,the original King Kong is THE movie that made them love film.

The original King Kong touched them in a way that no other film ever did before and when they watch it they recapture that feeling. They’re taken back to a time and a place that was special. No matter how good Peter Jackson’s King Kong is, it won’t be able to rekindle those feelings and will therefore fall short. Heck, I’d feel the same way about any Rocky movie that wasn’t made by Sly Stallone.

Ok, so how good is Peter Jackson‘s take on the big ape?

That I can answer. It’s absolutely great. Easily one of my two favorite movies of the year.

First of all, my hat is off to Peter Jackson. King Kong has been the film that he’s wanted to tackle since before he became a filmmaker. Everything that he’d done before Kong was just to prepare him for Kong.

Everything about the movie is near perfect. Loved the cast. The special effects were flawless. The music and editing were as well. The screenplay, while based on the original King Kong screenplay, kicked up the action and took me to a place that was familiar but much, much more dangerous. All aspects of the production combined to create a movie-going experience that was truly an experience.

Before I go on, let me say that if you haven’t seen the movie, you may want to stop reading since I’m going to discuss aspects that contain SPOILERS…

… Still here… ok then…

Some folks have complained that the first hour is too slow. I went in thinking that this might be the case, but for me, it wasn’t. I enjoyed the character development.

I loved the look of the island. The natives were realistic and frightening. Come to think of it, even the island looked frightening! And you’ve gotta love the way the native got onto the ship!

And then the appearance of Kong. Man, he looks so real. And I’m not just talking about his physical appearance. He moves like a giant ape should [note I said should, not does]. His fur gets matted and stuff gets in it.

I think it’s cool that Kong’s scarred and older looking. He’s a warrior on an island that demands you fight to survive. His battle with not one, but three tyranesarous rex [at the same time] was nothing short of amazing. All the while he’s fighting them, he’s protecting Ann… even as he throws punches, climbs, dodges and falls. He’s not called “King” Kong without reason.

But there’s more to King Kong than just the baddest mo on the island. Kong is the last of his kind and his loneliness is apparent. I also love it that Kong is intelligent. He has a sense of humor and enjoys the beauty of a sunrise. If you haven’t seen the movie, then my last sentence probably has you scratching your head. If you’ve seen the movie then you know it will break your heart before the movie’s end.

I love the search for Ann in New York… the frantic, wild search for just the right women and then how everything slows down and nothing else in the world matters once you find her. The escape with Ann is exciting and then the interlude on the ice. Beautiful. Unexpected and so sweet. It was at this point that I could feel the tears forming. Because the interlude wouldn’t last.

Kong‘s climb up the Empire State building still had one more surprise. If you saw the movie, you know what I mean. Kong places Ann in a place of safety and sits next to her. He looks out at the horizon and sees a sunrise and “tells” Ann it’s beautiful. Now the tears were flowing…

… because here came the planes. And you know the rest.

So is Peter Jackson’s King Kong better than the original King Kong?

Who’s to say? Comparing the original King Kong to Peter Jackson’s King Kong is like comparing an athlete from 1933 to one from today. Odds are that today’s athlete is bigger and faster but does that make him better? Does it really matter?

I guess that’s why sports leagues create their own Halls of Fame. Different athletes from different time periods can be honored and there is room for all who deserve a spot.

Peter Jackson’s King Kong deserves a spot next to the original King Kong. Let others then argue which Kong is King.

As for me, I’ll spend my time watching them both!

The Original “King Kong” rates an A+. Peter Jackson’s King Kong rates an A+.

Another Can’t Miss Blockbuster

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The DaVinci Code was on the best seller list for years. Even people who didn’t normally read books picked it up… and most loved it. The buzz was huge. Except for Jaws and Harry Potter, I can’t think of any other novels that instantly became a part of popular culture like The DaVinci Code.

Next summer The DaVinci Code will make the transition to the big screen. My guess is that the movie will also be a blockbuster. Ron Howard‘s directiing it and Tom Hanks is the lead.

How can it go wrong?

If the trailer is any indication, it can’t.