The Original John Severin Art for Cracked #143 – The Issue Where They KO Rocky!
Here’s a photo of the original John Severin art used for Cracked #143 published in August 1977. This image is from the Sylvester Stallone Heritage Auction.
Category: Trivia
“Ballerina” (2025) starring Ana de Armas, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Norman Reedus, Ian McShane and Keanu Reeves / Z-View
Ballerina (2025)
Director:Len Wiseman; Chad Stahelski (uncredited for reshoots)
Screenplay: Shay Hatten; based on characters created by Derek Kolstad
Stars: Ana de Armas, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Norman Reedus, Ian McShane and Keanu Reeves.
Tagline: The past can be a trigger.
The Plot (beware of spoilers)…
Eve Macarro was the child of assassins. After the death of her mother, Eve was being raised by her father. When a cult came to kill him, Eve’s father helped her escape before he was murdered. Eve was then raised by the the Ruska Roma.
The Ruska Roma appeared to be an academy that trained children to become experts in ballet. It is actually a front. Although trained to be dancers, the children’s real instruction was so they would become proficient assassins and body guards.
Eve becomes one of the best.
After one of her missions, Eve discovers that her target was in the same cult that killed her father. Despite being warned to take no action against them, Eve is determined to avenge her father’s death.
Even if it turns the Ruska Roma against her.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Ana de Armas did most of her own stunts.
Ballerina is set in the world of John Wick and takes place between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4.
Director Len Wiseman’s original cut fell short of expectations. Chad Stahelski reportedly reshot much of Ballerina without Len Wiseman’s involvement. This pushed back the release date about a year.
Ballerina (2025) rates 4 of 5 stars
“Apex” starring Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton / Z-View
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
“Nobody 2” (2025) starring Bob Odenkirk / Z-View
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!
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.
RIP Tony Stella
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.
“Nuremberg” (2025) starring Russell Crowe and Rami Malek / Z-View
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
“The Pitt” Season 2 starring Noah Wyle and Katherine LaNasa / Z-View
“The Pitt” Season 2 (2026)
Created by: R. Scott Gemmill
Teleplay by:
- (eps. 16; 30) R. Scott Gemmill
- (ep. 17) Joe Sachs & R. Scott Gemmill
- (eps. 18; 29) Noah Wyle
- (eps. 19; 24) Cynthia Adarkwa
- (eps. 20; 25) Simran Baidwan
- (ep. 21) Kirsten Pierre-Geyfman & R. Scott Gemmill
- (eps. 22; 26) Valerie Chu
- (eps. 23; 28) Joe Sachs
- (ep. 27) Danny Hogan & R. Scott Gemmill
Directed by:
- John Wells (eps. 16; 30)
- Damian Marcano (eps. 17; 20; 25; 28)
- Uta Briesewitz (eps. 18; 22; 26; 29)
- John Cameron (eps. 19; 23)
- Noah Wyle (ep. 20)
- Shawn Hatosy (ep. 24)
- Amanda Marsalis (ep. 27)
Stars: Noah Wyle, Tracy Ifeachor, Patrick Ball, Katherine LaNasa, Supriya Ganesh, Fiona Dourif, Taylor Dearden, Isa Briones, Gerran Howell, Shabana Azeez and Sepideh Moafi.
Tagline: The work never stops.
The Plot…
The Pitt follows Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch in real time as he works a major hospital emergency room that is understaffed and overworked. It is the fourth of July.
Let the fireworks begin.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The Pitt was nominated for 13 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards and won 5…
- Nominee for Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup – Myriam Arougheti, Thomas Floutz, Chris Burgoyne, Martina Sykes for episode “4:00 P.M.”
- Nominee for Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour) – Todd Grace, Ed Carr, Von Varga, Tami Treadwell for episode “6:00 P.M.”
- Nominee for Outstanding Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour) – Bryan Parker, Kristen Hirlinger, Vince Tennant, Joshua Adeniji, Roland N. Thai, Lyndsey Schenk, Sam Lewis, Nicholas Kmet, Adam DeCoste, Alex Ullrich for episode “7:00 P.M.”
- Nominee for Outstanding Contemporary Makeup (Non-Prosthetic) – Merry Lee Traum, Marie-Flore Beaubien, Leesa Simone for episode “7:00 P.M.”
- Nominee for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series – Joe Sachs for episode “2:00 P.M.”
- Nominee for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series – R. Scott Gemmill for episode “7:00 A.M.”
- Nominee for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series – John Wells for episode “7:00 A.M.”
- Winner for Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series – Cathy Sandrich Gelfond, Erica Berger
- Winner for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series – Shawn Hatosy
- Winner for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series – Katherine LaNasa
- Winner for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series – Noah Wyle
- Winner for Outstanding Drama Series – Damian Marcano, Michael Hissrich, R. Scott Gemmill, John Wells, Michelle Lankwarden, Simran Baidwan, Erin Jontow, Amanda Marsalis, Terri Murphy, Cynthia Adarkwa, Noah Wyle, Joe Sachs
The Pitt continues to be must-see tv for me.
Noah Wyle and Katherine LaNasa have won well deserved Emmys for their performances on The Pitt.
“The Pitt” Season 2 (2026) earns 5 of 5 stars.
“Shoot the Piano Player” (1960) directed by François Truffaut / Z-View
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
“We’re No Angels” (1955) directed by Michael Curtiz, starring Humphrey Bogart, Aldo Ray and Peter Ustinov / Z-View
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
“Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” (1941) starring Spencer Tracy, Ingrid Berman & Lana Turner / Z-View
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
“Primitive War” (2025) / Z-View
Primitive War (2025)
Director: Luke Sparke
Screenplay: Ethan Pettus, Luke Sparke; based on PRIMITIVE WAR by Ethan Pettus
Stars: Ryan Kwanten, Tricia Helfer, Nick Wechsler, Anthony Ingruber and Jeremy Piven.
Tagline: This ain’t no walk in the park.
The Plot…
1968. Viet Nam. A squad of Green Berets has gone missing while on a mission deep in the jungle. The Vulture Squad led by Sergeant Ryan Baker, second-in-command Sergeant Xavier Wise, snipers Keyes and Stovall as well as soldiers Verne, Taylor and Miller are sent in to find the missing Berets.
What they find instead seems impossible. Dinosaurs. Living, breathing and very hungry dinosaurs.
This mission won’t be a walk in the park.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Primitive War is based on a self-published book by Ethan Pettus.
Soldiers vs dinosaurs, cowboys vs dinosaurs, heck anyone vs dinosaurs should be fun. Primitive War is good, but I was hoping for better. Still, it’s not a bad way to spend a couple of hours.
Primitive War (2025) rates 3 of 5 stars.
“The Outpost” (2019) starring Scott Eastwood, Caleb Landry-Jones and Orlando Bloom / Z-View
The Outpost (2019)
Director: Rod Lurie
Screenplay: Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson; based on THE OUTPOST: AN UNTOLD STORY OF AMERICAN VALOR by Jake Tapper
Stars: Scott Eastwood, Caleb Landry Jones, Jack Kesy, Cory Hardrict, Milo Gibson, Jacob Scipio, Taylor John Smith, Jonathan Yunger and Orlando Bloom,.
Tagline: The mission was survival.
The Plot…
During the war in Afghanistan, Camp Keating, a US army base is situated in a valley surrounded on all sides by steep mountains. It is the absolute worst location to defend.
So when hundreds of Taliban soldiers attack from all sides… the mission becomes survival.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The lead actors in the film played real soldiers who survived the actual battle. Some of the background soldiers were actual soldiers.
Stars Scott Gibson and Milo Gibson are the sons of Clint Eastwood and Mel Gibson.
The Outpost (2019) rates 4 of 5 stars.
“Brother Orchid” (1940) starring Edward G. Robinson, Ann Southern and Humphrey Bogart / Z-View
Brother Orchid (1940)
Director: Lloyd Bacon
Screenplay: Earl Baldwin; Jerry Wald (uncredited); Richard Macaulay (uncredited); based on Brother Orchid by Richard Connell
Stars: Edward G. Robinson, Ann Sothern, Humphrey Bogart, Donald Crisp, Ralph Bellamy, Cecil Kellaway, John Ridgely and Tom Tyler.
Tagline: Not Since “A Slight Case of Murder” has there been such a hysterical homicide, such mad mirth!
The Plot…
Little John Sarto rose from the streets to become head of a crime syndicate. He’s rich. People fear him, but he doesn’t want that. Sarto craves to be respected. To have… class.
So Sarto suddenly decides to give up his life of crime and become a gentleman of leisure. Sarto turns his syndicate over to his second in command, John Buck. He tells his girlfriend, Flo that he’s going to Europe and he’ll see her when he returns.
Things don’t go as planned in Europe. Every move Sarto makes is a bad one. He loses money on every deal. Five years pass and Sarto is broke. So he heads back to the states where he plans to regain control of his syndicate, and hook back up with Flo.
But it’s been five years.
Flo still loves Sarto, but thought he’d left for good. So she has a new man. John Buck and the crew felt abandoned when Sarto left. Buck isn’t going to give up control of the gang. So he puts out a hit on Sarto.
Sarto is caught off-guard and barely escapes with his life. He finds himself injured and outside of a monastery. The monks don’t recognize the infamous crime boss and take him in. Sarto plans to stay there until he heals…
… then he will get his revenge.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Brother Orchid is one of five films that Robinson and Bogart made together. It is the only one where neither of them is killed.
Brother Orchid (1940) rates 4 of 5 stars.
“Being Eddie” (2025) starring Eddie Murphy / Z-View
Being Eddie (2025)
Director: Angus Wall
Stars: Eddie Murphy, Dave Chappelle, Jerry Seinfeld, Charlie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Tracy Morgan, Chris Rock, Jamie Foxx, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Elvis Mitchell,
John Landis, Pete Davidson, Jerry Bruckheimer and Kevin Hart.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Eddie Murphy, friends and those who have worked with him, sit for interviews to discuss Eddie’s amazing career.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Some of the awards Eddie Murphy has won over the course of his career include: an Emmy, a Grammy, a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Murphy also earned an Academy Award nomination for for Best Supporting Actor. Murphy has had success as a comedian, television star, movie star, and singer.
While at times Eddie does seem to have a bit of an ego, who wouldn’t with all that he has achieved. There was a tv show that I watched as a kid, it was about an old gunfighter. He had a catchphrase: “No brag, just fact.” I think of Eddie now as that old gunfighter. He’s not bragging, just stating facts about his career.
I was surprised at how personable and down-to-earth Eddie comes off as. So many stars, especially who attain superstar status at an early age, self-destruct. Eddie Murphy seems to be in a great place.
I look forward to where Eddie Murphy’s career leads next.
Being Eddie (2025) rates 5 of 5 stars.
