Previews and Reviews that are Z's Views
The poster and trailer for Neuromancer is here. William Gibson was way ahead of his time when he wrote the novel in 1984. The trailer has my interest so…
Deal me in.
Callum Turner stars in the cyberpunk series adapted from William Gibson’s genre-defining 1984 novel. Streaming on Apple TV on January 22.
Project Hail Mary (2026)
Director: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Screenplay: Drew Goddard; based on PROJECT HAIL MARY by Andy Weir
Stars: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, James Ortiz, Lionel Boyce and Milana Vayntrub .
Tagline: Believe in the Hail Mary
The Plot…
2032. Scientists discover that every star in our solar system, except one is dimming. In approximately thirty years our planet will cool to an apocalyptic level. Plants will die. Nations will face food shortages. Countries will go to war over dwindling resources. In no time the majority of the human population will perish.
Unless.
A crew of three scientists have been sent to the orbit of the one star that is not dimming. The trio will awaken from suspended animation and hopefully determine why this star is uneffected. They will then send a message to Earth with the answer to save our planet. This mission is Earth’s only chance. It’s a longshot. That’s why the mission is named Hail Mary.
That was the plan.
The biggest problem is only one of the scientists, Ryland Grace, survives suspended animation. The other two died in transit. Four years ago Grace was a middle school teacher. Before that he was a molecular biologist. When Grace wrote a paper that went against traditional scientific thought, he was ridiculed. Grace left science behind for a career in teaching.
Ironically, it was the Grace’s paper that brought him to the attention of the “multi-national” task force brought together for the “save the world” project. Grace’s out of the box thinking solved initial problems. That and some unexpected challenges got Grace the job as the third to make the trip.
The plan was the other two scientists would do the bulk of the “heavy lifting” since Grace had zero experience on a space craft. With the other two dead, Grace thinks his chances of success can’t get much worse.
Then he sees an alien spacecraft slowly approaching…
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Project Hail Mary is based on Andy Weir’s award-winning New York Times best-seller. It is the second film based on a Weir novel. The first was THE MARTIAN. Weir is famous for a number of reasons — one of my favorite is Weir makes sure the science he uses is on point.
I was surprised at how good Project Hail Mary turned out. Kudos to all invovled.
Very little CGI was used for “Rocky” — he and his movements were all done through practical effects and puppetry.
Project Hail Mary rightfully has earned box office and critical success.
Project Hail Mary (2026) rates 5 of 5 stars.
EVERYBODY KNOWS by Jordan Harper
First sentence…
Los Angeles burns.
The Overview: Beware of Spoilers…
Mae Pruett is a “black-bag” publicist working for Mitnick & Associates, the most powerful PR firm in LA. Her job is not to spread positive news about clients. It’s to make sure that harmful, incriminating items about clients don’t get out. Hollywood insiders call her PR firm “The Beast”. Everyone working there is good. Mae is one of the best.
Mae learned early on that it’s not that the truth is unimportant — it’s that the truth doesn’t matter.
Dan Hennigan, Mae’s mentor, gives Mae a cryptic message. Dan wants to meet with Mae away from the firm. Before they can meet Dan is gunned down in a failed car jacking.
Or so it seems.
Mae believes that Dan’s murder was anything but random. If Dan was killed for what he knew, those behind Dan’s murder might believe Dan passed the information on to Mae. Mae needs to know, so she begins an off-the-books investigation.
Chris Tamburro used to be Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department deputy. Chris lost his badge after a controversial shooting. Truth is, Chris and many on his squad could have been fired over other brutal and unethical activities. Chris now works for Black Guard, a security firm that has ties to “The Beast”. Chris is the perfect hire. He’s an ex-cop, unafraid to use his tactical training, knowledge of the law, and willingness to bust heads as needed.
When Black Guard sends Chris to investiage Dan Hennigan’s murder, he crosses paths with Mae. Chris and Mae had history, but it’s been a few years. As Mae and Chris follow leads, they discover they still have chemistry… and Dan’s murder wasn’t random.
Now Mae and Chris have a choice. Walk away and go back to their lives protecting wealthy executives, celebs, politicians and influencers who feel they are above the law. Or follow their leads and try to take down a powerful cabal behind human trrafficking, blackmail, murder and more.
Mae and Chris aren’t going to walk away.
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Jordan Harper has another winner. EVERYBODY KNOWS is fast paced and well written. Harper spins a tale that takes us behind the curtain and could have come from today’s headlines. EVERYBODY KNOWS gets my highest recommendation.
Rating:
THE GUN MAN JACKSON SWAGGER: A WESTERN by Stephen Hunter
First sentences…
The sun was a blowtorch, scorching the Arizona Territory crisp. Sagebrush, some living, some dead, bounced indifferently about the raw landscape. While most of America prospered in the wonderful year of 1897, here vegetation turned brittle while the once abundant and variegated cacti had retreated within themselves, their spindly arms forming structures more appropriate to crucifixion than blossom.
The Overview: Beware of Spoilers…
1897. The Arizona Territory. Due to a prolonged draught survival is tough. Homes and even towns are left abandoned when residents left for a better climate. Only rare rough railroad construction towns called railheads and Colonel Callahan’s massive ranch thrive.
Railheads are not towns really. More like flophouses, whorehouses and taverns clustered together. They’re inhabited by the lawless, rough railroad construction workers who come in to spend their week’s pay.
Colonel Callahan’s ranch prospers. It’s the largest spread in the Arizona territory. Callahan makes a good living raising and marketing his cattle. But cattle isn’t all Callahan deals in. He’s also has secret (and illegal) dealings across the border in Mexico. Callahan employs ranch hands, cowboys, but most importantly gunmen. The only job these gunfighters have is to protect all that Callahan owns. Callahan’s top man and best with a gun is Tom Voth.
When a cowboy rides in looking for work, Voth is ready to send him on his way. The stranger says his name is Jack. Jack looks like a drifter. Hardened, yes. Tough looking yes. But old. Jack must be pushing sixty. Voth says, unless Jack is good with a gun, they can’t use him. Jack says he’s good with a gun and calm when bullets fly. Voth is doubtful. Jack doesn’t wear a gun. Turns out Jack pawned his guns to survive.
Voth calls for a rife. Jack takes the carbine and proceeds to amaze Voth with his shooting accuracy. Voth takes Jack to Mr. Callahan for a final interview. Callahan is impressed and hires Jack.
What they don’t know is the drifter Jack is actually Jack Swagger a feared gunfighter and he’s come to Callahan’s ranch on a personal mission.
Saddle up!
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I’m a fan of Stephen Hunter’s Swagger novels. It is such a cool idea to follow the Swagger family tree. It allows Hunter to write novels in different eras that are anchored by the Swagger family.
So far we have…
Stephen Hunter’s Swagger novel are instant purchases for me. I’ve loved every one. THE GUN MAN JACKSON SWAGGER: A WESTERN is another winner.
Rating:
The Dead Zone (1983)
Director: David Cronenberg
Screenplay: Jeffrey Boam; based on THE DEAD ZONE by Stephen King
Stars: Christopher Walken, Brooke Adams, Tom Skerritt, Herbert Lom, Anthony Zerbe, Colleen Dewhurst and Martin Sheen.
Tagline: In his mind, he has the power to see the future. In his hands, he has the power to change it.
The Plot…
Everything is going great for Johnny. He’s got a job teaching at a local school. He’s in love with Sarah, a teacher at the same school and she’s in love with him. Soon they will be married.
After a date with Sarah, as Johnny is driving home, a freak auto accident occurs. Johnny survives, but is left in a coma. When Johnny wakes up…
… FIVE YEARS HAVE PASSED.
Johnny has lost more than time. He learns Sarah is married and has a child. The wreck left him with a limp. His full physical recovery will take time. Yes, Johnny lost a lot. But he also gained a power. When Johnny makes physical contact with a person, he sometimes sees glimpses of their future.
Rumors spread about the man who cheated death who can now see the future. Some people are doubtful. Others think Johnny has been granted evil powers. Still others want Johnny to see their future so they can gain from the insight.
Sheriff Bannerman is skeptical, but has nothing to lose. A serial killer continues to kill and leaves no clues. Johnny reluctantly agrees to assist Bannerman. Along the way, Johnny discovers something even more deadly than a sadistic killer.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
When Johnny first discovers his new power, he sees a child trapped in a burning room. As Johnny witnesses this vision, sweat breaks out all over his face. The “sweat” is actually a flame retardant put on Christopher Walken to protect him from the flames. It turned out to be a happy accident since it created a cool effect that wasn’t intentional.
THE DEAD ZONE was the first Stephen King novel to reach #1 on the best selling hardcover list.
Christopher Walken was an excellent choice to play Johnny.
Martin Sheen plays Greg Stillson, a shyster politician running for President. Sixteen years later, Sheen began playing President Josiah Bartlet on the West Wing.
The Dead Zone is my favorite film directed by David Cronenberg.
The Dead Zone (1983) rates 5 of 5 stars.
SHOOT THE PIANO PLAYER by David Goodis
First sentences…
There were no street lamps, no lights at all. It was a narrow street in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia. From the nearby Delaware a cold wind came lancing in, telling all the alley cats they’d better find a heated cellar. The late November gusts rattled against the midnight-darkened windows, and stabbed at the eyes of the fallen man in the street.
The Overview: Beware of Spoilers…
Eddie Lynn is a piano player in a small jazz club. Eddie comes in each night, plays the piano and keeps to himself. Eddie is an enigma. Always quiet. Never talks about his past. But boy, can he make the piano sing.
One night when Eddie is playing, a man rushes in. He’s Eddie’s estranged brother on the run from two thugs who aren’t far behind. Eddie wants no part of his brother’s problem, yet he can’t stand by and do nothing. The choice to get involved will expose Eddie’s past, drag him into a world of crime and result in several murders.
Will Eddie survive?
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DOWN THERE, David Goodis’ classic crime novel was written in 1956. It was adapted into a 1960 French film by François Truffaut. The film was titled Shoot the Piano Player. Some reprints of Goodis’ novel use the SHOOT THE PIANO PLAYER title.
Although based on David Goodis’ classic noir novel, DOWN THERE, the screenplay makes significant changes to the protagonist. In the movie his name is Charlie, in the novel it is Eddie. In the movie Charlie is small, shy and passive. In the novel, Eddie is physically imposing and he projects confidence. Eddie chooses to be private for an unknown reason. Charlie is naturally introverted.
I like the film adaptation, but the novel is better. Much better.
DOWN THERE is one of my all-time favorite novels. It’s hardboiled noir at its best.
Rating:
Jack Ryan: Ghost War (2026)
Director: Andrew Bernstein
Screenplay: Aaron Rabin, John Krasinski story by Noah Oppenheim, John Krasinski; based on characters created by Tom Clancy
Stars: John Krasinski, Wendell Pierce, Michael Kelly, Max Beesley, JJ Feild, Douglas Hodge, Betty Gabriel and Sienna Miller
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Jack Ryan successfully left the CIA and found success working on Wall Street.
Or so he thought.
James Greer, his friend and former teammate, is now the CIA’s Deputy Director. So when Greer asks Ryan to facilitate a package pick-up from Nigel Cooke in Dubai, Ryan doesn’t refuse.
All seems well at the pick-up. Cooke passes Ryan what looks like a package of cigarettes. Suddenly Cooke is killed by an assassin. Liam Crown, a former off-the-books CIA operative, is behind the murder. Although Crown’s ultimate goal is unknown, it quickly becomes clear that he has put together a network of killers.
It becomes a race against time. Will Ryan and Greer untangle the mystery behind Crown’s plan before it is too late?
The clock is ticking.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
John Krazinski played Jack Ryan in four seasons (30 episodes) of the Jack Ryan television series before starring in this feature film. While I enjoyed the film, the tv series is better.
Although author Tom Clancy, who created Jack Ryan, died in 2013, he was given an Executive Producer credit on Jack Ryan: Ghost War.
Jack Ryan: Ghost War (2026) rates 3 of 5 stars.
Man on Fire: Season 1 (2025)
Created by: Kyle Killen; based on MAN ON FIRE by A.J. Quinnell
Director:
Teleplay by:
Starring: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Billie Boullet, Scoot McNairy, Alice Braga, Paul Ben-Victor and Bobby Cannavale.
Tagline: None.
The Plot… (beware of spoilers)
John Creasy was a Captain in the United States Special Forces. If a team was needed to go in a high risk-high reward situation, Creasey was the man you wanted in charge. Creasey was formidable in all aspects of military training and second to none as a strategist. When Creasey left the military, the CIA scooped him up. Creasey continued to be the go-to leader who would get the mission accomplished, no matter the odds.
That was then.
A mission led by Creasey resulted in his entire squad wiped out. Creasey became a shell of his former self. He left the CIA. Now he drinks too much and suffers from PTSD.
Paul Rayburn, a friend of Creasey’s, owns a security company. Rayburn flies Creasey to Brazil to offer him a job. While Creasey considers the opportunity, he re-bonds with Rayburn, his wife and their two children.
Tragedy strikes when a terrorist group blows up the building where Rayburn and his family live. Rayburn, his wife and son are three of the approximately six hundred killed in the explosion. Rayburn’s daughter Poe, wasn’t in the building when it detonated. She saw one of the terrorists. Worse still, he saw her.
Poe becomes a target of the terrorists. Creasey now has something to live for – to protect Poe and get revenge for the murder of his friends and 600 others.
Thoughts…
I like that Man on Fire didn’t play out the exact same plot as the excellent Man on Fire movie directed by Tony Scott, starring Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning.
This is the third adaptation of AJ Quinnell’s MAN ON FIRE novel. The first was the 1987 film Man on Fire starring Scott Glenn as John Creasey. The second was the 2004 Man on Fire movie starring Denzel Washington.
A.J. Quinell is the pen name of Philip Nicholson. He wrote five novels about John Creasey.
Kudos to Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. Playing a character Denzel Washington made famous is a BIG ask. Abdul-Mateen II did a fine job.
Man on Fire: Season 1 (2025) rates 4 of 5 stars.
THE GIRL WITH THE DEEP BLUE EYES by Lawrence Block
First sentence…
The phone woke him from a dream.
The Overview: Beware of Spoilers…
Gallatin County Florida Sheriff William Radburn has information that Lisa Otterbein plans to have her husband killed. A local no-good snitched to Radburn after being approached by Lisa. She was looking for a killer. Someone to murder her wealthy husband.
So Sheriff Radburn decides to set up a sting. If Radburn gets Lisa on tape asking a hitman to murder her husband, she will go to prison and a life will be saved. Radburn approaches Doak Miller. Miller is a retired New York City cop with 24 years of service. Miller recently moved to Gallatin County after his wife divorced him. Miller is new to the area, experienced and could pass as a killer.
Radburn meets with Miller and lays out the plan. Miller will wear a wire, act as the hitman, and record Lisa asking him to kill her husband.
Miller meets with Lisa. She’s beautiful. More than beautiful really. Stunning. With amazing deep blue eyes. Miller is attracted to her. But he has a job to do. Miller says all the right things and gets Lisa’s responses on tape.
Radburn is surprised when he listens to the recording. Lisa doesn’t want a hitman. She doesn’t want her husband killed. Sure, their marriage has hit a rough patch, but kill him? Never. Miller says his experience dealing with criminals and liars tells him Lisa is telling the truth. The sheriff was given bad info.
Except he wasn’t.
Miller told Lisa how to respond. Practiced his questions and her answers until they sounded right. THEN he recorded the exchanges.
Now Miller and Lisa are heading into a red hot affair and planning a cold-blooded murder.
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Lawrence Block wrote this in 2015, but it has the feel of the erotic tales he wrote under pseudonyms at the start of his career. If you’re a fan of tales like DOUBLE INDEMNITY and THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE, this one is for you.
Rating:
THE HUNTER SAGA by James Byron Huggins
The Overview: Beware of Spoilers…
First sentence…
‘That boy dies in four hours.”
In HUNTER, Nathaniel Hunter, one of the world’s best trackers, leads a US Military squad into the wilds of Alaska. A creature that wiped out a scientific installation is on the loose. The beast, the result of experiments using prehistoric RNA, is unlike anything ever seen by modern man. The monster is the ultimate killing machine, an apex predator without hesitation or mercy.
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First sentence…
It consumed Angus Staford as it had consumed dead men since the beginning of time, effortlessly crushing bone without removing its scarlet stare from the surrounding night.
In HUNTER’S MOON, Nathaniel Hunter travels to the moors of England. An army scientist, using protocols that fabricated the prehistoric creature in HUNTER, has infected himself creating a superior beast. This leviathan kills then returns to the savage wilderness of the English moors. Local police and military units that faced the creature were wiped out. Hunter barely survived against the original monster. This new creature is more powerful and resourceful.
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First sentence…
‘We’re going to kill Hunter.”
In THE LAST HUNT, Nathaniel Hunter is living a peaceful life in his Montana mountainside cabin unaware that he’s been marked for death. Scipio Dante, the genius sociopathic billionaire scientist behind the prehistoric RNA experiments that created modern day monsters, wants Hunter dead.
Dante has perfected the serum that creates the nearly unkillable beasts. Now those infected become monsters that retain human consciousness. Dante along with two others will take the serum. As insurance, Dante has hired a team of mercenaries led by Roska. Roska is a tracker with skills that match Hunter’s.
Nathaniel Hunter has no idea of the storm that is coming to his doorstep. Three unkillable prehistoric apex predators with human consciousness, and a mercenary squad led by his equal are en route.
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Nathaniel Hunter was created with Sylvester Stallone in mind. As you read the series, it’s easy to imagine a younger Sly as Hunter. Sly Stallone optioned the rights to adapt Hunter as a film or television series. Although one has been rumored for years, it has yet to happen. Fans would love to see it.
The Hunter Trilogy gets my highest recommendation. They are fast paced. Well written and fun rides. Byron Huggins knows his stuff and it shows.
HUNTER rates 5 of 5 stars.
HUNTER’S MOON rates 5 of 5 stars.
THE LAST HUNT rates 5 of 5 stars.
Rating:
Dolph Lundgren has a new book, FIGHTS WORTH FIGHTING: FINDING STRENGTH IN STRUGGLE coming out on September 22nd. Here’s the scoop…
FIGHTS WORTH FIGHTING by Dolph Lundgren is a powerful and unflinchingly honest memoir from one of the most enduring icons of action cinema.
Best known for his role as Ivan Drago in Rocky IV, Lundgren skyrocketed to fame in the 1980s and has since built a remarkable career spanning over a hundred films — including producing, writing, and directing multiple projects. But beyond the on-screen battles lies a far more compelling story: the real-life fights Lundgren has faced behind the scenes.
In this deeply personal account, Lundgren opens up about his upbringing in Sweden, his rise from a chemical engineering student to a martial arts champion, and his eventual transformation into an international movie star. He explores the pressures of fame, the emotional and physical toll of life in a cutthroat industry, and his private struggles. Now, as he faces his most difficult challenge yet — a fight against cancer — Lundgren reflects on the cost of survival and what it truly means to keep going.
More than just a Hollywood memoir, FIGHTS WORTH FIGHTING is a guide to resilience. Like Arnold Schwarzenegger’s BE USEFUL, it blends life lessons with personal storytelling, offering practical insights on discipline, reinvention, and the importance of mental and emotional strength.
Lundgren’s story arrives at a time when audiences crave authenticity. This isn’t just the tale of a movie star — it’s a call to arms for anyone struggling with their own battles. Candid, inspiring, and unexpectedly vulnerable, FIGHTS WORTH FIGHTING shows us that real strength isn’t just about winning—it’s about continuing the fight when no one’s watching.
THE BULLET GARDEN: AN EARL SWAGGER NOVEL by Stephen Hunter
First sentences…
“No, no,” said Basil St. Florian. “Bren guns. We need the Bren guns. It is simply not feasible without Bren guns. Surely you understand?”
The Overview: Beware of Spoilers…
July 1944. D-Day was a month ago and a success. Since then Nazis snipers have killed hundreds of Allied soldiers daily. The snipers strike with no warning and then fade away before a counter-attack can take shape. Somehow these Nazi sharpshooters know where the American GIs are going to be and the safest locations to kill as many as possible.
Army intelligence has come up short in a solution. General Eisenhower decides that perhaps the Army’s best marksman might have insight. So Gunnery Sergeant Earl Swagger, a decorated war hero and our military’s best shot is brought in. Swagger is given carte blanche to figure out a response to the Nazi snipers.
Swagger realizes that part of the problem is the military intelligence operatives working on a solution are doing it from a safe location far from the front. They’re eating well, sleeping well and going to parties and social events. Swagger knows as dangerous as it will be, he will need to work on a solution from the front.
Swagger is given an aide, a former Harvard student who is the son of a wealthy American. Swagger doubts the kid will be much help until the kid tells him: “I’ve been here long enough to know the politics of this place. I know who wants you to succeed and those who’d like to see you fail. They don’t like the idea of a NCO figuring out what they couldn’t… and I can get you anything you want or need.”
Someone is tipping off the Nazis to American troop movements. This gives the enemy snipers the ultimate advantage. Swagger’s a great shot and an unsurpassed hunter but he will find himself up against a squad of snipers led by Nazi with skills equal to his.
Stephen Hunter has written another winner.
Rating:
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.
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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:
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).
We’re No Angels (1955)
Director: Michael Curtiz
Screenplay: Ranald MacDougall; based on La Cuisine Des Anges by Albert Husson
Stars: Humphrey Bogart, Aldo Ray, Peter Ustinov, Joan Bennett, Basil Rathbone, Gloria Talbott and Leo G. Carroll.
Tagline: A strangler… A swindler… A safecracker… Yet you’ll love them!
The Plot…
Joseph, a thief, along with Albert and Jules who are murderers escape from the Devil’s Island French Prison. They make it to a small town where they plan to steal enough funds to make it aboard a ship for their final escape.
The convicts decide to go into a store, steal clothes and money and make their getaway. Once in the store they discover that the store is failing. The nice family running the store is on the verge of losing everything. Against their better judgment the three convicts decide to stay at the store until nightfall. While there the boys decide to fix the leaking roof… help with sales… cook the family a nice dinner and more.
The longer Joseph, Albert and Jules stay the less likely they are to getaway. The clock is ticking.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
We’re No Angels is based on the French play La cuisine des anges (The Angels’ Kitchen) by Albert Husson. Interestingly enough, there was a Broadway play, My Three Angels by Sam and Bella Spewack which was was also based on the French play. The Spewacks sued Paramount because parts of their play were incorporated into the movie without proper permission or payment.
We’re No Angels (1955) rates 3 of 5 stars
