Marv by Flavio Fernando Girón!
Marv from Frank Miller’s Sin City is one of my all-time favorite characters. I love seeing artists do their “take” on the big lug. Today we have Marv by Flavio Fernando Girón.
THE DRUMMER by Anthony Neil Smith / Z-View
THE DRUMMER by Anthony Neil Smith
First sentence…
The bleach-blonde fancy boy stood in the doorway of this small bar at the edge of the French Quarter hoping to be recognized, but those days were long gone.
The Overview: Beware of Spoilers…
Fourteen years ago Cal Christopher disappeared. Cal was the drummer of Savage Nights. The popular heavy metal band wasn’t top tier. It was just below. But outside the group’s inner circle, no one knew the in- fighting. Or that the band was facing bankruptcy. Cal saw the writing on the wall. He moved enough of his assets to live comfortably for life, burned down his mansion and vanished.
Cal moved to New Orleans. He became Merle Johnson.
Merle is happy. New Orleans is home. All is good. Then one day Merle is confronted by Todd Delacroix, the formed lead singer of Savage Nights. Todd threatens to expose Cal if he doesn’t out himself. Delacroix wants the group back together for a reunion tour. A last chance to cash in on the group’s fame.
Merle has many reasons not to come back as Cal. The IRS and the fact that he burned down his mansion are two. Merle says he’ll consider and agrees to meet Delacroix later. When Merle shows up at Delacroix’s hotel room he finds him unconscious, surrounded by empty booze bottles. A suicide note outing Merle as Cal rests beside Delacroix. Merle panics and makes two bad decisions. One is taking the note…
Now the police, reporters, his former band mates and others are on Merle’s trail.
Rating:
“Operation: Rainfall” (2020) written & directed by Luke Sparke / Z-View
Operation: Rainfall (2020)
Director: Luke Sparke
Screenplay: Luke Sparke; additional dialogue by Dale Dye, Felix Williamson
Stars: Dan Ewing, Temuera Morrison, Lawrence Makoare, Jet Tranter and Ken Jeong.
Tagline: Invasion was just the beginning.
The Plot…
Two years into an alien invasion, the resistance learns of an alien plan called “Rainfall”. A battle-scarred vet, a young idealistic kid who wants to be a warrior and an alien sympathetic to the human fight, set out on a mission to take down the alien operation before it is too late.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Operation: Rainfall is a sequel to the 2018 film Occupation.
If you’re a fan of low-budget sci-fi, then Operation: Rainfall is for you. It reminded me of something you’d see on Saturday mornings in the early 80s when there were attempts to cash in on the Star Wars craze.
Operation: Rainfall (2020) rates 2 of 5 stars.
“No One Lives” starring Luke Evans / Z-View
No One Lives (2012)
Director: Ryuhei Kitamura
Screenplay: David Cohen
Stars: Luke Evans, Gary Grubbs, Lee Tergesen, America Olivo, Beau Knapp, Rob Steinberg, Laura Ramsey, Michael ‘Mick’ Harrity and Tyrus.
Tagline: Everyone Runs. Everyone Hides. No One Lives.
The Plot…
While driving in a remote area on a cross-country moving trip, a couple is kidnapped by a gang of thieves. The thugs plan to rob the couple and steal their trailer. Everything changes when they discover something unexpected in the couple’s car trunk.
The thieves learn the meaning of “sometimes you get the bear and sometimes the bear gets you.”
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The discovery in the trunk is a great plot twist. Unfortunately the movie then becomes very predictable.
No One Lives (2012) rates 2 of 5 stars.
“Dark Winds”: Season 3 – The Teaser Trailer is Here!
The Dark Winds Season 3 teaser is here. I enjoyed the first two seasons, so bring on the third.
Deal me in.
The new season of #DarkWinds premieres March 9, exclusively on AMC and AMC+.
Snake Plissken by Tony Stella!
Snake Plissken by Tony Stella.
LOST MARVELS NO. 2: HOWARD CHAYKIN VOL. 1: DOMINIC FORTUNE, MONARK STARSTALKER, AND PHANTOM EAGLE is Coming!
LOST MARVELS NO. 2: HOWARD CHAYKIN VOL. 1: DOMINIC FORTUNE, MONARK STARSTALKER, AND PHANTOM EAGLE is an immediate purchase for me.
Here’s the lowdown…
Collected as part of our new Lost Marvels series, collaboratively produced with Marvel Comics, this new Howard Chaykin-centered volume of smartly imaginative scripts and beautifully designed art features Dominic Fortune, Monark Starstalker, and Phantom Eagle!
When Howard Chaykin broke into comics in the 1970s, there was nothing quite like him. His original characters Dominic Fortune and Monark Starstalker took classic pulp heroes and ran them through a postmodern blender. This new volume contains retro-science-fiction bounty hunter Monark Starstalker’s debut appearance and all Chaykin’s color-comic-book Dominic Fortune stories, including the character’s unexpurgated Max series, published a generation later. Completing the package is the collision between pulp heroism and the devastating, bloody realities of World War I in Chaykin’s 111-page collaboration with The Boys writer Garth Ennis on War Is Hell: The First Flight of the Phantom Eagle. The collection is introduced by author and comics scholar Brannon Costello. This second title in Fantagraphics’ Lost Marvels series collects some of the most exciting, sought-after work by Howard Chaykin from 1975 to 2008. Full-color illustrations throughout.
LOST MARVELS NO. 2: HOWARD CHAYKIN VOL. 1: DOMINIC FORTUNE, MONARK STARSTALKER, AND PHANTOM EAGLE drops July 8, 2025. Pre-orders available now.
“Nosferatu” (2024) written & directed by Robert Eggers; starring Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult and Bill Skarsgård / Z-View
Nosferatu (2024)
Director: Robert Eggers
Screenplay: Robert Eggers; based on Nosferatu by Henrik Galeen; inspired by DRACULA by Bram Stoker
Stars: Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, Bill Skarsgård, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, Ralph Ineson, Ralph Ineson and Willem Dafoe.
Tagline: Succumb to the darkness.
The Plot…
Thomas Hutter (Hoult) is sent to Transylvania to finalize an estate purchase with Count Orlok (Skarsgård). Hutter is unaware that his employer is involved in the occult and that Orlok is a vampire infatuated with Hutter’s wife, Ellen (Depp).
Orlok intends to leave Transylvania for his new manor in Wisborg, Germany. In this new metropolis Orlok will be able to feed without fear of discovery. Orlok will also take possession of Ellen.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The exteriors of Orlok’s castle are an actual Transylvanian castle. Vlad Dracula was once imprisoned behind the castle’s walls.
Count Orlok is often surrounded by rats. Professor Albin Eberhart Von Franz (Dafoe) and Ellen (Depp) are often seen with cats. Cats kill rats.
This is Willem Dafoe’s second movie in regard to Nosferatu. In Shadow of the Vampire (2000) he played Max Schreck, the actor who played Nosferatu in the original film.
Eggers’ Nosferatu has the feel of a creepy old black and white film thanks to use of a computer to remove the red and yellow color spectrums.
I like the idea of keeping Orlok/Nosferatu’s appearance a mystery in ads and much of the movie. Sadly, I was disappointed in the look of Orlok/Nosferatu when we finally see him. The big bushy mustache makes no sense if the rest of his body is decaying.
The solution to killing Orlok is found in an ancient text. If the method to his demise is so well known, how come Orlok isn’t aware?
Eggers’ Nosferatu is a scary character study that slowly builds tension. Settle back and enjoy the ride.
Nosferatu (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.
“Judge Dredd”: The Movie – The 30th Anniversary Edition!
Just in time for the 30th anniversary of Sly Stallone as Judge Dredd comes the, you guessed it, 30th Anniversary Edition of Judge Dredd: The Movie by writer Andrew Helfer and artist, Carlos Ezquerra. Here’s the synopsis…
In the Third Millenium, the world changed. Climate. Nations. All were in upheaval. Humanity itself turned as violent as the planet. Civilisation threatened to collapse. And then… a solution was found. The crumbling legal system was merged with the overburdened police, creating a powerful and efficient hybrid. These new guardians of society had the power to dispense both justice and punishment. They were police, jury, and executioner all in one. They were the Judges!
When Mega-City One erupts in violent block wars, there’s only one man Justice Department can rely on to suffocate the flames of rebellion. His name is Judge Dredd.
But when the city’s brightest beacon of justice is convicted of breaking the very law he’s been entrusted to uphold, he’s sentenced to spend the rest of his life rotting in the Aspen Penal Colony.
In order to clear his name, Dredd must escape captivity, make his way across the toxic Cursed Earth, break back into the city, and find the familiar foe that framed him. All in a day’s work for Judge Dredd.
Featuring art by legendary Judge Dredd co-creator Carlos Ezquerra (Preacher) and a script by Andrew Helfer (The Shadow), this is the official adaptation of Judge Dredd, the 1995 movie written by William Wisher, Jr. (Terminator 2: Judgement Day) and Steven E. de Souza (Die Hard).”
30th Anniversary Edition Judge Dredd: The Movie drops Wednesday 12th March 2025
Alex Ross presents Dr. Frankenstein, the Bride and the Monster Bringing Down the Castle!
Alex Ross presents Dr. Frankenstein, the Bride and the Monster bringing down the castle!
Source: Steve Niles.
“Smile 2” (2024) written & directed by Parker Finn; starring Naomi Scott / Z-View
Smile 2 (2024)
Director: Parker Finn
Screenplay: Parker Finn
Stars: Naomi Scott, Rosemarie DeWitt, Lukas Gage, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Peter Jacobson, Raúl Castillo, Roberts Jekabsons, Sean Stolzen, Jon Rua, Christopher Bailey and Drew Barrymore.
Tagline: It’s the last thing you’ll see.
The Plot…
Skye Riley (Scott) is just days away from her comeback concert. A year ago Skye was in a car crash that killed her boyfriend and left her badly injured. The crash led to public knowledge that Skye was suffering from substance abuse. The path back was long and hard. Now Skye is clean. Everything rides on the upcoming concert.
When Skye re-injures her back during rehearsal, she reaches out to an old friend for some painkillers. She sneaks away to her friend’s apartment. When Skye arrives, her friend appears to be on something. He’s having terrible hallucinations. Suddenly he stands and smiles at Skye. He picks up a weight and beats himself to death. Skye quickly leaves. She tells no one what she witnessed.
Over the next few days Skye begins to have memory loss and horrible visions. People around Skye worry that she’s using again. A stranger contacts Skye and describes the episodes she’s having. He tells her she’s been cursed…
But he has a plan that could save her.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
As Skye thumbs through her cell phone contacts the names include: Adele, Beyoncé and Lady Gaga.
Naomi Scott is excellent as the famous pop star on the comeback trail. Naomi Scott co-wrote several of Skye Riley’s songs with producer Alexis Idarose Kesselman. A “Skye Riley” mini-album was released in conjunction with the film.
Writer/director Parker Finn comes up with an ending that I have to applaud.
Smile 2 (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.
“Fight Or Flight” starring Josh Hartnett, Katee Sackhoff and Charithra Chandran – The Poster and Trailer are Here!
Not a fan of the poster but the trailer to Fight Or Flight starring Josh Hartnett, Katee Sackhoff and Charithra Chandran has won me over.
Deal me in.
A mercenary takes on the job of tracking down a target on a plane but must protect her when they’re surrounded by people trying to kill both of them.
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Katee Sackhoff, Charithra Chandran, Julian Kostov, Marko Zaror
Directed by: James Madigan
Star-Lord by Bernie Wrightson!
I’ve always loved this Bernie Wrightson Starlord piece.
“Killing Them Softly” (2008) written & directed by Andrew Dominik; starring Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta, Richard Jenkins, Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn & James Gandolfini / Z-View
Killing Them Softly (2008)
Director: Andrew Dominik
Screenplay: Andrew Dominik based on COOGAN’S TRADE by George V. Higgins
Stars: Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta, Richard Jenkins, Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, James Gandolfini, Vincent Curatola, Trevor Long, Max Casella, George Carroll, Linara Washington, Ross Brodar, Wade Allen, Christopher Berry, Dared Wright, Garret Dillahunt and Sam Shepard.
Tagline: In America you’re on your own.
The Plot…
Markie Trattman (Liotta) runs illegal poker nights for mobsters. Trattman got the smart idea to rob his own game. He hired two thugs to come in with guns and take down the cash only casino. Although it worked, Trattman was suspected. Since it was never confirmed that Tratman was behind the heist, he skated. It took a while, but Trattman brought the poker nights back.
Johnny “Squirrel” Amato (Curatola) has the bright idea to follow Trattman’s lead. Amato figures if the poker game is robbed, the mobsters will think Trattman decided to do it again. They’ll bump off Trattman without looking too deeply. Amato hires to low-life criminals to execute the robbery. Against all odds they succeed.
Just like Amato thought, Trattman is the main suspect. What Amato didn’t count on is the mobsters to bring in hitman and problem solver, Jackie Coogan (Pitt). Coogan is ordered to find out who pulled off the heist and do what he does best.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Killing Them Softly is perfectly cast. Even the smaller parts have memorable actors. Garret Dillahunt appears uncredited.
I enjoy this movie more with every re-watch.
Killing Them Softly (2008) rates 4 of 5 stars.
“American Primeval” The Official Mature-Rated Trailer is Here!
American Primeval. Peter Berg directed this six episode limited series that premieres on January 9, 2025. Starring Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin.
Deal me in.
Civilization and civilized are two different words entirely.
Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin star in American Primeval, a gripping new limited series from director Peter Berg.
Coming Jan. 9, only on Netflix.
