Category: Z-View

“Diabolique” (1955) directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot, starring Simone Signoret, Véra Clouzot, Paul Meurisse, and Charles Vanel / Z-View

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Diabolique (1955)

Director: Henri-Georges Clouzot

Screenplay: Henri-Georges Clouzot, Jérôme Géronimi, René Masson, Frédéric Grendel, based on  CELLE QUI N’éTAIT PLUS by Boileau-Narcejac

Stars: Simone Signoret, Véra Clouzot, Paul Meurisse, Charles Vanel

Tagline: Don’t Reveal the Ending!

The Plot…

Michel Delassalle is a cruel man.  Michel is the Principal of a boys’ boarding school owned by his wife, Christina.  Christina also works as a teacher at the school.  Michel enjoys flaunting his authority over his teachers including his wife.  He gets off on humiliating them at every opportunity.  To make matters worse, Michel has an on-going affair with Nicole Horner, another teacher at the school, who he also mistreats.

Surprisingly, Christina and Nicole have developed a friendship… and a plan.  They’ve devised the perfect albi so when they kill Michel, they will be above suspicion.

Or so they thought.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Alfred Hitchcock reportedly wanted the rights to the original novel but was beaten by just a few hours by Henri-Georges Clouzot who went on to direct Diabolique.

Véra Clouzot died suddenly of a heart attack five years after the release of Diabolique.  She was only 46. Her character in the film suffered from a weak heart.

Diabolique was ahead of it’s time.  It inspired filmmakers from William Castle to Alfred Hitchcock.  And what a twist ending!

Diabolique (1955) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Landman: Season 2” written by Taylor Sheridan, directed by Stephan Kay, starring Billy Bob Thorton, Demi Moore, Andy Garcia, Ali Carter and Sam Elliott / Z-View

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Landman: Season 2 (2026)

Created by: Taylor Sheridan, Christian Wallace

Director: Stephen Kay (Eps. 1-10)

Teleplay: Taylor Sheridan (Eps. 1-10)

Stars: Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, Jacob Lofland, Michelle Randolph, Paulina Chavez, Kayla Wallace, Mark Collie, James Jordan, Demi Moore, Andy Garcia, Sam Elliott, Colm Feore, Mustafa Speaks, Dougie Hall, K.C. Clyde, Stefania Spampinato, Guy Burnet and Francesca Xuereb.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Tommy Norris (Thorton) oversees the day-to-day operations for the M-Tex oil company.  It’s Tommy’s job to make sure everything runs smoothly and the company makes money.

Monty Miller owned M-Tex.  Since his death it’s become clear that although he was a billionaire (on paper), his dealings behind the scenes have the company on the precipice of losing everything.  With Monty dead, his wife Cami, who has no experience in business, is owner of M-Tex.  Tommy encourages Cami to sell the company.  The sale would bring Cami generational wealth.  Tami is set on moving forward with a drill that has a 10% chance of success.  If they strike oil, the money earned would be exponentially more than selling the business.  But if the drill doesn’t produce, Cami would lose everything.

In order to finance the new drill, Cami goes to Danny “Gallino” Morrell.  Morrell is a financier on the surface, but behind the scenes runs a drug cartel.  Cami ignored Tommy’s warnings about Morrell.  Morrell also has his hooks in Tommy’s son’s wildcat wells.

To complicate matters, Tommy’s 80 year old father has come to live with him and his daughter is about to leave for college.  Tommy cannot catch a break.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Taylor Sheridan, the show’s creator, returns to write all ten episodes of season two.

Stephen Kay, who directed six of the ten episodes in season one, returns to direct all ten in season two. Kay is known for directing episodes of The Shield, Sons of Anarchy, The Punisher, Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown, Lioness, 1883, 1923 and one of my favorite films, Get Carter (2000).

The casting from the biggest to the smallest roles is on point.  Standouts include:

  • Billy Bob Thorton was born to play Tommy Norris.  Thorton is an excellent actor, and I’ve loved him in several roles.  This may be my favorite.
  • Ali Larter is excellent in a role that I love to dislike.
  • Michelle Randolph plays Elizabeth Strafford in 1923.  What a different character than the one she plays in Landman.  She’s excellent in both.  I guess that’s why they call it acting.
  • Jacob Lofland is more than holding his own.  I’ve seen Lofland before in Mud and Justified, but in Landman he shines.
  • Paulina Chavez continues to shine.
  • Kayla Wallace owns her role as the lawyer who goes for the throat in every interaction.  This season we also get to see another side of her.
  • James Jordan is fun to watch.  He has a supporting role in this and Lioness.  He helps make both shows so good.
  • Colm Feore – I’ve loved him in every scene he’s in.  Great addition to the show.
  • Andy García – projects the right combination of charm and menace.
  • Demi Moore – is perfect.
  • Mustafa Speaks – plays Theodore “Boss” Ramone, the lead oil crewman on Cooper’s second crew.  I’d love to see more of this character.
  • Francesca Xuereb – plays Cheyenne, a stripper turned physical therapist Tommy hires to help his dad.  I’ve never seen Xuereb before, but she’s one to keep an eye on.

Landman: Season 2 gets my highest recommendation.

Landman: Season 2 (2026) rates 5 of 5 stars.

NOVEMBER ROAD by Lou Berney / Z-View

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NOVEMBER ROAD by Lou Berney

First sentences…

Behold!  The Big Easy in all its wicked splendor!

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Frank Guidry is living the life he could only imagine as a boy.  Guidry’s charm, smarts and ruthlessness made him a valuable asset to New Orleans’ mob boss Carlos Marcello.  Now Guidry is a fixer for Marcello.  This comes with benefits.  Guidry’s a known man in New Orleans. He gets the best seats at restaurants. He’s respected.  Women are attracted to him.  Even Seraphine, Marcello’s right hand and brains of the outfit fell for Guidry’s charms. Guidry believes he’ll rise even higher in Marcello’s organization.

Then President Kennedy is assassinated in Dallas.

Within hours of Kennedy’s murder, associates of Carlos Marcello start turning up dead.  No way it is a coincidence.  Guidry is worried.  Marcello had Guidry drive a car to Dallas before the assassination.  It was a strange request.  Guidry didn’t think much of it at the time.  But now he’s concerned.  Was it used as the getaway car after the assassination?  If so, Guidry is one of the few people who can tie Carlos Marcello to the President’s murder.  That means Guidry is marked for death.

Maybe he’s reading too much into the errand.

Then Seraphine tells Guidry he needs to return to Dallas to “get rid” of the car.  Seraphine also wants to know the hotel that Guidry is going to use.  Now there is no doubt.  Guidry is sure he’s next on the hit list.  His only chance is to run.

If Guidry can make it to Las Vegas, a contact who hates Marcello will help him escape. Getting to Vegas quick and gone is the plan.  But when Guidry sees a woman and two little girls beside a broken down car, he stops to assist.  Charlotte is heading to California with her two girls to start a new life.  Her car engine is beyond repair.  Guidry realizes that the hitmen sent after him won’t be looking for a man with a woman and two kids.  Guidry offers to take them along if they’ll accompany him to Vegas.  There he promises to help her get a car for the rest of her trip.

Although hesitant at first, Charlotte agrees.  Guidry realizes that Marcello and the killers he sends will think Guidry is racing to Vegas.  If he slows down, they may think he got away.  Then he can slip into Vegas with Charlotte and her kids and his escape will be complete.

There are two things Guidry didn’t count on.  One: He and Charlotte falling in love.  Two: The killer Marcello sent is Barone.  Barone is a ruthless, intelligent, killing machine.  Barone never quits until he’s target is hit.

+++

I loved NOVEMBER ROAD.  At the start of the tale Guidry isn’t sure if he’s been set up or not.  If he has, he needs to run.  But if he hasn’t been set up and he runs, that will surely mark him for execution.  We also see right away that Guidry is all about self-preservation.  Will that change with Charlotte and her girls?

The time on the road for both Guidry and the killer provides for interesting situations for both.  The tension builds as bodies pile up and the killer closes in.

NOVEMBER ROAD has an ending that surprises and satisfies.

Rating:

“The Convert” (2023) directed by Lee Tamahori, starring Guy Pearce / Z-View

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The Convert (2023)

Director: Lee Tamahori

Screenplay: Shane Danielsen, Lee Tamahori; story by Michael Bennett; based on WULF by Hamish Clayton

Stars: Guy Pearce, Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne, Antonio Te Maioha, Jacqueline McKenzie, Lawrence Makoare, Dean O’Gorman and Duane Evans Jr. 

Tagline: A fight for peace. A heart at war.

The Plot…

1830s.  Thomas Munro, a British preacher is sent to New Zealand to spread the word.  When Munro arrives he finds  two Māori tribes at war.  Munro realizes the British traders are profiting from the tribe’s war.  When Munro’s efforts to bring peace are rejected, he finds himself taking sides.  Munro’s faith is tested as he reverts to the violent man he was in the past.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Guy Pearce is always solid.

It was cool to see how the title plays into the story.

The Convert (2023) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“There Are No Saints” (2022) starring José María Yazpik, Paz Vega with Ron Perlman and Tim Roth / Z-View

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There Are No Saints (2022)

Director: Alfonso Pineda Ulloa

Screenplay: Paul Schrader

Stars: José María Yazpik, Shannyn Sossamon, Paz Vega, Tommy Flanagan, Ron Perlman, Tim Roth and Neal McDonough.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Neto Niente, a former mob enforcer known as The Jesuit, was just released from prison for a crime he didn’t commit.  Things get worse when his ex-wife’s husband kills her and kidnaps his son.  Now Niente is on a quest to save his son.

Things don’t always go as planned.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The film reportedly was a tough production.  Screenwriter, Paul Schrader was originally set to direct.  Because of production delays, Schrader moved on.  Oscar Isaac was originally set to star, but dropped out when the film lost financing.  Brian Cox was originally in the cast.  Reshoots were required when he dropped out and was replaced by Ron Perlman.

If you’re expecting a happy ending, don’t.  This one is brutal and dark.

There Are No Saints (2022) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“The Rip” (2026) written & directed by Joe Carnahan, starring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, Catalina Sandino Moreno with Scott Adkins and Kyle Chandler / Z-View

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The Rip (2026)

Director: Joe Carnahan

Screenplay: Joe Carnahan, story by Joe Carnahan, Michael McGrale

Stars: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Sasha Calle, Kyle Chandler, Daisuke Tsuji, Nestor Carbonell, Lina Esco, Cliff Chamberlain, Jose Pablo Cantillo, Marco Morales, Sal Lopez, Angel Rosario Jr. and Scott Adkins.

Tagline: Count the money. Count it again. Count on no one.

The Plot…

Rumors of crooked cops in the Miami-Dade Police Department are gaining traction.  When Captain Jackie Velez is murdered, suspicion falls on her Tactical Narcotics Team.  The TNT consists of Lieutenant Dane Dumars and Detectives J.D. Byrne, Mike Ro, Numa Baptiste, and Lolo Salazar.  One or more of them may be dirty.

Just before the end of the day, Dumars recieves a tip about a house in a new subdivision containing drug money.  It is the only occupied house in the area.  Dumars informs the team that it is supposed to contain $100,000 to $200,00 in cartel cash.

Desi Molina answers the door.  Desi is a young woman who recently inherited the house from her grandmother.  She lives alone.  Desi reluctantly lets the team in.  The search of the house reveals a hidden space in the attic.  The team discovers $20 million dollars in cash.

Lieutenant Dumars tells the team that they are not going to follow standard protocal.  Normally they would call in the location and amount of the seizure.  Dumars says he’s worried about crooked cops.  Dumars orders the team to give him their cell phones.  One or more of them could be crooked.  Or is Dumars one of the bad cops?

Then a call comes to the house. Dumars answers.  The voice on the other end says to take the amount of money called in and leave the rest.  They have 30 minutes to comply.  If they don’t everyone in the house will be executed.

Dumars and the team aren’t sure how to proceed.  Was it the cartel or dirty cops calling?  How did they know the money had been found?  Who can they trust?  What is the best thing to do?

The clock is ticking…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I went in to The Rip thinking it would be good.  I was wrong.  It was great.  I absolutely loved it.  Writer/director Joe Carnahan has crafted a story that has mystery, tension, suspense and action.  Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are joined by Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Sasha Calle, and Kyle Chandler.  All are perfectly cast.

I love the mystery of who to trust.  The tension continues to mount as the minutes tick off.  Trapped with a team that may not have your back in a deserted subivision.  Afraid to call back-up because of dirty cops with the cartel closing in.

The Rip gets my highest recommendation.

The Rip (2026) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“The Running Man” (2025) directed by Edgar Wright, starring Glen Powell / Z-View

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The Running Man (2025)

Director: Edgar Wright

Screenplay: Michael Bacal, Edgar Wright based on THE RUNNING MAN by Stephen King

Stars: Glen Powell, Josh Brolin, Colman Domingo, William H. Macy, Alyssa Benn, David Zayas, Greg Townley, Karl Glusman, Joey Ansah, James Frecheville, Lee Pace, Sean Hayes, Chris Rogers, Debi Mazar and Jayme Lawson.

Tagline: Survive 30 days while the world hunts you down.

The Plot…

In a dystopian future, most of the population lives in poverty.  Those lucky enough to have jobs barely get by.  The masses spend their days glued to the television watching game shows where contestants can win large sums of money.  The most popular is The Running Man hosted by Bobby Thompson.  Contestants actually risk their lives to play.  They are called runners, and are given $1,000 as well as a 12 hour head start.  Then, if they can survive 30 days, they will win one billion dollars.  Life changing money.  But there is a risk.  In addition to the show’s hunters, any one in the country can kill a runner.  If a citizen kills the runner, they win a small cash prize.

When Ben Richards is unable to afford needed medicine for his daughter, he decides to try out for a television show.  He hopes to win enough cash to pay for his daughter’s meds.  Richards is shocked when he is picked to appear on The Running Man.  He doesn’t want to die, but if he could somehow win, his family would be set forever.

Let the game begin!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Arnold Schwarzenegger, who starred in the original The Running Man, appears on money used in the movie.

Stephen King’s novel, written in 1982, is a futuristic tale set in 2025, the same year as the film’s release.

The film starts out well enough, but by it’s very nature is so over the top that Geln Powell’s character, despite finding himself in tough situations, never really feels in danger.

The Running Man (2025) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Police Story” (1985) directed by and starring Jackie Chan / Z-View

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Police Story (1985)

Director: Jackie Chan

Screenplay: Jackie Chan, Edward Tang

Stars: Jackie Chan, Brigitte Lin, Maggie Cheung.

Tagline: From the master of action comes more screen excitement than you’ve ever seen.

The Plot…

Sergeant Chan Ka-Kui, an undercover officer in the Royal Hong Kong Police Force was part of a task force to bring down crime lord Chu Tao.  Things go sideways.  Now Tao wants revenge and his target is Sergeant Chan.

Step back, Jackie Chan is ready to roll!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Police Story is famous for several big stunts and set pieces.  In one, Jackie slides several stories down a pole of Christmas lights in a mall.  In this stunt, Chan burned his hands, injured two vertebrae and dislocated his pelvis.  The pole slide was done in one take, without rehearsals and without the use of wires.

Sly Stallone paid homage to a Jackie Chan action beat in Police Story.  In Tango & Cash, Stallone’s character stops a semi, the same way that Chan stops the bus.

Police Story (1985) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Death by Lightning” (2025) written by Mike Makowski, directed by Matt Ross, starring Michael Shannon, Matthew Macfadyen, Nick Offerman and Betty Gilpin / Z-View

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Death by Lightning (2025)

Created by: Mike Makowsky; based on DESTINY OF THE REPUBLIC: A TALE OF MADNESS, MEDICINE AND THE MURDER OF A PRESIDENT by Candice Millard

Director:

  • Matt Ross (Eps. 1-4)

Teleplay:

  • Mike Makowsky (Eps. 1-4)

Stars: Matthew Macfadyen, Michael Shannon, Betty Gilpin, Shea Whigham, Bradley Whitford, Nick Offerman, Laura Marcus, David Nykl, Alfie Tempest, Paula Malcomson, Barry Shabaka Henley and Vondie Curtis-Hall.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Congressman James Garfield went to the 1880 Republican National Convention to give a nomination speech.  Garfield’s oratory was so powerful that through an unlikely series of events he became the party’s nominee.  Although an underdog, Garfield won the election and became the 20th President of the United States.

Charles Guiteau, an ex-con, chronic liar and thief has dreams of glory and fame.  Guiteau admires Garfield and feels their destiny’s are intwined.  But they are not.

So Guiteau decides to kill the man he admires.  Guiteau shoots Garfield in the back.  Garfield is bedridden and in pain for months.  Eighty days after being shot he dies.  James Garfield was President just 200 days.  But his Presidency had a positive impact to this day that few realize.

Charles Guiteau dreamed of fame.  He was executed for his crime and is largely forgotten except to historians.

This is their story.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Death by Lightning is an amazing, but true story.  Although a dramatization, it sticks very close to the actual events.  Kudos to Mike Makowsky, who wrote the teleplay for all four episodes, and to Candice Millard who wrote the book which inspired the project.

The cast is amazing.  Matthew Macfadyen, Michael Shannon, Betty Gilpin, Shea Whigham, Bradley Whitford and Nick Offerman give performances that deserve awards.  They are amazing.  It was also nice to see Barry Shabaka Henley and Vondie Curtis-Hall appear.

Death by Lightning gets my highest recommendation.

Death by Lightning (2025) rates 5 of 5 stars.

FEVER HOUSE by Keith Rosson / Z-View

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FEVER HOUSE by Keith Rosson

First sentences…

Tim Reed sits in the driver’s seat of his ancient and rust-punched Datsun hatchback, balancing a screwdriver on the tip of his finger.  Hutch and Tim are killing time, waiting for some poor guy to come home so they can terrify him and, if necessary, perform grievous harm to the architecture of the man’s body.  It’s the usual deal: reluctance to pay a debt owed.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Tim and Hutch are leg-breakers for Peach Sorreno.  Although the two are more than willing to throw a beatdown on deadbeats who’ve borrowed from Peach, when Tim and Hutch show up to collect, more often than not they come away with money.  That’s par for the course and the way it’s been working that night.

Until they get to Wesley.

Wesley’s a methhead. He claims he has no money.  When Tim and Hutch search Wesley’s apartment, they find a severed hand in his refrigerator.  Tim and Hutch decide to take Wesley and the hand to Peach’s warehouse.  There they’ll sort out what to do next.

What Tim and Hutch don’t know, but will soon learn is the hand causes anyone near it to get violent, murderous thoughts.  These urges become so strong and persistant that those under the influence lose control and act on them.  They will brutally murder anyone near.  Worse still, the killed by a person under the influence of the demon hand, reanimate as zombies with the same sadistic killing urges.

As the madness spreads two factions work to recover the hand…

  • Peach Sorreno knows Tim and Hutch had the hand, but do they still?  Sorreno wants it badly, and brings in Nick Coffin, one of his “fixers” to resolve the issue.

 

  • A US government black ops organization that deals with the occult has been searching for the hand.  Under the direction of David Lundy (who wants the demon hand to weaponize it), two field agents, John Bonner and Samantha Weils are boots on the ground.

With each passing minute, the fevor spreads.  One infected becomes two.  Two become four.  If the hand isn’t recovered and destroyed, it could be the end of the world.

+++

When I started FEVER HOUSE I expected a crime novel with horror overtones.  What I got was an epic, crime/conspiracy/horror/demonic/apocalyptic tale that I absolutely loved.  I’ve already purchased the sequel and it’s nearing the top of my next-to-read pile.

FEVER HOUSE gets my highest recommendation.

Rating:

“The Wrecking Crew” (2026) starring Dave Bautista and Jason Mamoa / Z-View

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The Wrecking Crew (2026)

Director: Ángel Manuel Soto

Screenplay: Jonathan Tropper

Stars: Dave Bautista, Jason Momoa, Temuera Morrison, Jacob Batalon, Morena Baccarin, Maia Kealoha, Stephen Root, Miyavi, David Hekili Kenui Bell, Lydia Peckham, Branscombe Richmond, Stephen Oyoung and Claes Bang.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Jonny Hale is a reservation cop living in Oklahoma.  James Hale is a Navy Seal living in Hawaii.  The two are half brothers who haven’t seen each other in ten years.  When their father is killed in a hit and run, Jonny returns to Hawaii for the funeral.

Jonny believes that his father was murdered.  Although unconvinced at first, James comes around when it becomes clear the Yakuza were involved.

Now Jonny and James have teamed to find the killers.  Hawaiians should take cover.  Things are about to get crazy.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Wrecking Crew features David Hekili Kenui Bell final film role. He died on June 12, 2025.

Dave Bautista and Jason Mamoa have great chemistry.  Kudos also to Jacob Batalon, Morena Baccarin and Stephen Root.

I wanted to like this film more, but it was a bit too over-the-top to be taken seriously.  They really leaned into the humor to the point that I never felt concerned for the duo’s safety.  The action (with a couple of gory scenes as well) is ratcheted up to match the humor.  Still, watching Bautista and Mamoa tear through the bad guys isn’t a bad way to spend an hour and half.

The Wrecking Crew (2026) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Diablo” (2025) starring Scott Adkins and Marko Zaror / Z-View

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Diablo (2025)

Director: Ernesto Díaz Espinoza

Screenplay: Mat Sansom, story by Mat Sansom, Scott Adkins, Marko Zaror, Ernesto Díaz Espinoza

Stars: Scott Adkins, Marko Zaror, Alanna De La Rossa, Lucho Velasco.

Tagline: There’ll Be Hell to Pay

The Plot…

Elisa, the daughter of Vincente, an extremely rich and ruthless Mexican mob boss, has been kidnapped. Kris Chaney, an ex-con has Elisa and is trying to escape with her back to the United States.  Vincente has his entire criminal network looking for them plus he’s hired El Corvo, a psychopathic killer who will stop at nothing to finish his assignment.

Outnumbered and outgunned, Chris has little chance of survival.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

If you don’t see the plot twist coming, get your eyes checked.  ; )

Diablo (2025) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“The Thicket” (2024), starring Peter Dinklage, Juliette Lewis, Esmé Creed-Miles, Levon Hawke and Leslie Grace with Gbenga Akinnagbe / Z-View

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The Thicket (2024)

Director: Elliott Lester

Screenplay: Chris Kelley, based on THE THICKET by Joe R. Lansdale

Stars: Peter Dinklage, Juliette Lewis, Esmé Creed-Miles, Levon Hawke, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Ned Dennehy, James Hetfield, Macon Blair, Arliss Howard, Leslie Grace,  Ryan Robbins, Teach Grant,  Derek Gilroy, Roger LeBlanc and David Midthunder.

Tagline: Death comes fast in Texas

The Plot…

Jack, his sister Lula and their grandfather Caleb, are on their way to Caleb’s 700 acre ranch in Montana.  At a ferry crossing they come across the infamous outlaw Cut-Throat Bill and her gang.  Caleb is murdered.  Jack left for dead and Lula is kidnapped.

Jack makes it to the next town.  There he sees part-time bounty hunters / grave diggers Reginald Jones and Eustace Howard in action.  Jones and Howard make an unlikely pair.  Jones has dwarfism and Howard is a black man.  Jack wants to hire them to help him rescue his sister.  Jones and Howard are hesitant to go against Cut-Throat Bill and her gang.  When Jack tells them he owns a 700 acre ranch in Montana and offers them land if they take on the job.  They agree knowing that success is unlikely.

What chance does a young kid, and part-time bounty hunters have against Cut-Throat Bill and her gang?  Let’s find out.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Thicket is based on Joe R. Lansdale’s novel of the same name released by Mulholland Books on September 10, 2013.  Making the film was a longtime passion project for Peter Dinklage.  Dinklage was first linked to the project in 2014.

Juliette Lewis has never been better.  She owns every scene as the frightening and murderous Cut-Throat Bill.

The Thicket (2024) rates 4 of 5 stars.

RETURN OF THE MALTESE FALCON by Max Allan Collins / Z-View

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THE RETURN OF THE MALTESE FALCON by Max Allan Collins

Publisher: Hard Case Crime

First sentence…

Samuel Spade, leaning back in his swivel-chair, studied the modest pine tree that might have sprouted tinsel-trimmed from where his late partner’s desk had till lately stood.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

THEN…

Detective Sam Spade was pulled into the search for the legendary Maltese Falcon, a jewel-encrusted gold statuette intended as a gift for the 16th century King of Spain.  Spade’s partner was murdered.  Spade was the prime suspect. 

Brigid O’Shaughnessy who hired Spade, was willing to use money, her female charms and anything else to get Spade’s protection from criminals after the Falcon.  The others were Casper Gutman, an obese gentleman malefactor and his thugs, Cairo and Wilmer Cook.  Gutman depended on his brains and lies.  When that didn’t work, Cairo and Cook would use their guns.

In addition to Spade’s partner, two others were killed in pursuit of the bird.  Turns out Brigid was the murderess.  She’s now behind bars.  So is Cairo.  But the story doesn’t end there…

NOW…

About a week has passed since Sam Spade’s life was upended.  Rhea Gutman, the teenage daughter of Casper Gutman, wants to hire Spade to find the Maltese Falcon.  Rhea informs Spade, her father was murdered, but she wants to complete his life’s mission.  Rhea believes the Falcon is somewhere close.  Spade accepts her retainer.

In short order, Spade is approached independently by several people who also want the Falcon.

  • Dixie Monahan, an infamous and dangerous Chicago gambler.  He has no legal claim to the bird, but sees an opportunity to make money.

  • Corinne Wonderly, the younger sister of the imprisoned Brigid O’Shaughnessy wants to get and sell the Falcon.  She plans to use the money raised to help her sister get a good lawyer.

  • Stewart Blackwood is a British Museum curator.  He claims that he legally purchased the Maltese Falcon and it was stolen.  Blackwood has a bill of sale.

Never one to turn down money, Spade accepts retainers from each.

Spade then works to untangle the lies, double crosses, twisted motivations and shifting alliances brought on by greed and self-preservation.  Several people have already died in pursuit of the jewel-encrusted bird.

More will as well.

+++++

Recently Max Allan Collins gave away several copies of RETURN OF THE MALTESE FALCON.  I was a lucky winner.  Truth be told, I would have bought a copy had I not won one.

Collins is an author that I follow.   I’m a huge fan of Max Allan Collins’ Nate Heller series.  Every new Heller tale is a must-buy for me.  Collins also completed several of Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer novels (from partially finished manuscripts and outlines).  I’ve read almost all of them.  Collins’ Quarry crime novels are also good.  I’ve read some of them.  Same could be said for Collins’ Ms. Tree comics, his Dick Tracy strips and his movie adaptations and other novels.  Max Allan Collins can be counted on to deliver a great tale each time out, but it’s his Nate Heller series that does it best for me.

RETURN OF THE MALTESE FALCON shouldn’t be thought of as a sequel.  It’s a continuation of the story.  Taking on Hammet’s classic characters was a bold move.  I’m very happy to say that Collins met the challenge.

Collins is to be commended.  Not only for daring to step up and continue Hammet’s classic, but also for his ease at transporting readers to 1928 San Franciso.  Collins take on Spade and the other characters feels like Hammet from their motivations to dialogue.  Collins humor (just the right amount) and witty dialogue shine.  The plot twists are unexpected, but not outlandish.  They work to provide a surprisingly and satisfying climax.

RETURN OF THE MALTESE FALCON not only reaches the bar set by Collins’ Nate Heller novels but that of Hammet in the original tale.  I don’t say this lightly.

I’d love to see Collins provide us with another Sam Spade outing.  Maybe even one that crosses over with Nate Heller.

RETURN OF THE MALTESE FALCON gets my highest recommendation.

Rating:

“London Calling” (2025) directed by Allan Unger, starring Josh Duhamel, Jeremy Ray Taylor with Rick Hoffman and Aidan Gillen / Z-View

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London Calling (2025)

Director: Allan Ungar

Screenplay: Levin Menekse, Quinn Wolfe, Allan Ungar

Stars: Josh Duhamel, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Rick Hoffman, Aidan Gillen, Neil Sandilands, Brandon Auret, Milton Schorr, Dumani Siphosethu Mtya, Karl Thaning  and Arnold Vosloo.

Tagline: Answer the call

The Plot…

After Tommy Ward accidentally killed a London cartel lord’s son, Tommy escaped to the United States.  Now Tommy wants to go back to London since that is where his son lives.  Harry, Tommy’s current employer offers Tommy a deal.  If Tommy will teach Julian (Harry’s son) to become a man, Harry will get Tommy safe passage back to London.  All Tommy has to do is take Julian on a hit.

Taking Julian along is a dangerous proposition.  It becomes worse when Tommy becomes a target himself.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Josh Duhamel and Jeremy Ray Taylor had good on-screen chemistry.  There were some funny moments, but the film became to over-the-top for me.  Your mileage, as always could vary.

London Calling (2025) rates 2 of 5 stars.