Category: Movies

“Bent” (2018) starring Karl Urban, Sofía Vergara and Andy García / Z-View

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Bent (2018)

Director: Robert Moresco

Screenplay: Robert Moresco; based on DEADLY CODES by JP O’Donnell

Stars: Karl Urban, Sofía Vergara, Andy García and Vincent Spano.

Tagline: Corruption has its own set of rules.

The Plot (beware of spoilers)…

Detective Danny Gallagher was framed and sent to prison.  He’s out now and bent on revenge.  Danny trusts his mentor Jimmy Murtha and a sexy government agent named Rebecca.

But his trust may be misplaced.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I’m a fan of Karl Urban, Sofía Vergara and Andy García.  I was hoping Bent would be a lot better.

Bent (2018) rates 3 of 5 stars

“Bunker” (2022) / Z-View

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Bunker (2022)

Director: Adrian Langley

Screenplay: Michael Huntsman

Stars: Roger Clark, Luke Baines, Patrick Moltane, Kayla Radomski and Julian Feder.

Tagline: None.

The Plot (beware of spoilers)…

World War I.  A squad of British soldiers have been hunkered down in their trench.  Word reaches them that the Germans they’ve been fighting have retreated.  The British commander orders his men to move along the trench and take over the German outpost.

Along the way, the British soldiers see several mutilated bodies.  Once at the outpost they find a door barricaded shut.  When they break through, they discover a German soldier secured to a cross.  Shelling begins and the doorway collapses sealing the British soldiers in.

Now trapped in the darkness, they begin to hear and see strange things.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Bunker moved at a sloooow pace.  The British soldiers were trapped, but I had to get out.

Bunker (2022) rates 1 of 5 stars

“Apex” starring Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton / Z-View

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Apex (2026)

Director: Baltasar Kormákur

Screenplay: Jeremy Robbins

Stars: Charlize Theron, Taron Egerton

Tagline: Hunt. Survive.

The Plot (beware of spoilers)…

Five months ago, adrenaline junkie Sasha and her boyfriend were mountain climbing when an avalanche knocked him unconscious.  As he hung limp the safety line attached to Sasha began to pull her down.  Either she had to cut him loose or they both would die.

She did the unthinkable.

Now Sasha has come to a remote part of the Australian outback. The remote mountains, raging rapids and harsh conditions are unforgiving.  Perhaps Sasha has a death wish.

Sasha’s will to live will be tested when she crosses path with a psychopath.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Charlize Theron was quoted as saying this is her favorite of all the films she’s made.  Stars often say that their current film is their favorite.  In this case it may be true.  Theron and Apex director Baltasar Kormákur are signed to make another film together.

Taron Egerton is believable as the psycho but his portrayal isn’t as frightening as it could be.  He’s more manic than maniac.  Some of the background characteristics (the jerky, what happened to the family that was missing) could have worked to make Egerton’s killer much more scary and dangerous.  They would have had to lean a bit more into tension and terror and I don’t think they wanted to do that at the expense of action.

Apex (2026) rates 3 of 5 stars

“Conan the Barbarian” by Leo Leibelman!

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Leo Leibelman is a freelance artist who has provided art for comics, trading cards, novels, instructional materials, film storyboards and more.  Leo Leibelman takes commissions.

Conan and Valeria by Leo Leibelman!

“Crom, I have never prayed to you before. I have no tongue for it. No one, not even you, will remember if we were good men or bad. Why we fought, or why we died. All that matters is that two stood against many. That’s what’s important! Valor pleases you, Crom… so grant me one request. Grant me revenge! And if you do not listen, then to HELL with you!” – Conan

Sly Stallone as Jack Carter & Keanu Reeves as John Wick by Steven Sanchez!

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When Steven Sanchez announced that he was taking on double headsketch commissions, I jumped on board.  As you can see I requested Sly Stallone as Jack Carter (from Get Carter) and Keanu Reeves as John Wick.  I couldn’t be happier with Sanchez’s finished art.

What made it even cooler is that Sanchez sent a prelim rough for approval.  In the rough he used a photo from Lock Up for Stallone reference.  I pointed out that I wanted Carter and Sanchez made the change with a new prelim for approval.  He then created the finished pencil piece above.  When my art arrived, the original prelim (using the Lock Up reference) and two other studies were included!

This is my second piece from Steven Sanchez. I cannot recommend him highly enough to sketch collectors.

“Nobody 2” (2025) starring Bob Odenkirk / Z-View

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Nobody 2 (2025)

Director: Timo Tjahjanto

Screenplay: Derek Kolstad, Aaron Rabin; story by Derek Kolstad

Stars: Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, John Ortiz, Colin Hanks, RZA, Christopher Lloyd and Sharon Stone.

Tagline: Nobody ruins his vacation.

The Plot…

Hutch Mansell has been on the job nonstop as an assassin to pay off a debt created during the first movie.  Hutch’s family life has suffered due to him always working.  In an effort to have some quality family time Hutch decides to take his family on vacation to a resort/amusement park that his father took him to when he was young.

At the amusement park Hutch’s son gets into it with a local bully.  The bully’s dad (who owns the amusement park) causes things to escalate when he slaps Hutch’s young daughter in the back of the head.  Hutch then returns the favor by beating up the bully’ dad and several park employees.

As it turns out, the bully’s dad is friends with the local Sheriff.  The two are involved in several criminal enterprises with a psycho-crime lord named Lendina.  Soon Hutch finds himself the target of revenge by the Sheriff as well as Lendina and her organization.

So much for vacation time.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Sharon Stone is excellent as the over-the-top villain who wouldn’t be out of place in a James Bond movie.

Nobody 2 features Timo Tjahjanto’s American directorial debut.  Tjahjanto is best known for his ultra-violent Indonesian action films.

Bob Odenkirk and Christopher Lloyd share the same birthday of the 22nd of October. What are the odds?  That’s also my birthday.

Nobody 2 is fun.  It leans into over-the-top comedy a bit more than I’d prefer at times, but is still a fun ride.

Nobody 2 (2025) rates 3 of 5 stars

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

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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.

“The Domestics” (2018) starring Kate Bosworth and Tyler Hoechlin / Z-View

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The Domestics (2018)

Director: Mike P. Nelson

Screenplay: Mike P. Nelson

Stars: Tyler Hoechlin, Kate Bosworth, Sonoya Mizuno, Dana Gourrier, Thomas Francis Murray, David Dastmalchian and Lance Reddick

Tagline: Independence comes at a price.

The Plot…

After a chemical weapons attack on the US, most of the population died.  Civilization crumbled.  Most of those who survived banded together in the gangs. Each gang controlled a  territory.  The gangs were Gamblers, Sheets, Plowboys, Nailers, and Cherries.  Anyone not in a gang was called a “Domestic” and were considered fair game.

Mark and Nina West have decided to travel across the country to Nina’s parents’ house.  They realize the dangers of crossing gang territory.  If caught, they will be killed… or depending on the gang, eaten.

Let’s ride.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I was hoping for better.

The Domestics (2018) rates 2 of 5 stars

RIP Tony Stella

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It was announced that legendary artist Tony Stella has died.  Mr.  Stella’s passing may have been today or yesterday.  No cause of death was given.  Tony Stella was an extremely private person.  I could find nothing about his life, his birthday or anything personal in my online search.   Tony Stella let his art speak for him.

And boy, does it ever.  Tony Stella’s art graced movie posters, television programs, record albums, book covers and more.

Tony Stella Instagram.

Tony Stella’s Website.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Tony Stella’s family, friends and fans.